book for PDF - John Snow International Europe

Pest and diseasemanagementChemical sprays can harm peopleand beneficial insects, whetherthey are made at home or bought in shops. Pests quickly become resistantto them so you end up having to use stronger and stronger methods. Setup a natural balance in your garden to control pests. Avoid using sprays.If you do use sprays, make sure you know exactly which pest you aretargeting and how to use the spray.Pest management tips:• Keep crops healthy• Use repellent plants• Use animals• Make traps• Hand-pick pests• Make barriers• Make spraysAnts and aphidsBlack ants do not harm crops but they attract aphids, scale andmealy bugs, which spread diseases. These are serious pests in avegetable garden. Control black ants to avoid the other problemsthey bring.Keeping crops healthyGive crops enough nutrients and water so they use their own defencesagainst pests. Avoid over-watering and using chemical fertilizers. Thesemake plants grow too fast and make them weak. Buy or grow healthyseedlings. Collect your own seeds. Avoid hybrid seeds.60