Pests & Disease

Welcome to my Pests & Disease page—I know, that just sounds SOOOOO inviting lol

In this corner of the garden, we get to talk about all the problems any gardener—distinguished or brand new—is going to face. Bugs and disease are a fact of life, something we all have to deal with, but how we deal with them is what matters.

Before we dive in, I want to say this: while there are many ways to combat pests and diseases, I prefer to let nature do most of the work. While I’m not an organic gardener, there are a number of reasons I stay away from insecticides whenever possible. 

For one, I find it far less stressful to plant in abundance and hand-pick caterpillars or worms than to spray chemicals and worry about things like Pre-Harvest Intervals (PHI) or whether a product is even appropriate for a particular crop.

I also think about the beneficial insects that aid in controlling the nasty ones. Spraying something that kills off the nasties will most likely harm the friendlies just as much. 

It’s true—this method doesn’t always save plants, and that's ok. It’s actually rare that I end the season with less harvest than I desire. 

That being said, let’s take a stroll through the rogues’ gallery and meet the troublemakers.
Blossom End Rot vs Sunscald explained—learn the causes, key differences, and simple fixes to keep your tomatoes and peppers healthy.

Carpenter Bees
The B-52's of the bee world! Carpenter bees can be destructive, but they’re top pollinators. Learn non-lethal ways to deter them, protect wood, and keep your garden thriving.

Fire ant myths, facts, and real solutions. A clear, humorous guide to what kills fire ants, what doesn’t, and how to protect your garden.

Glassy‑winged sharpshooters explained with humor—what they do, why they spit, the real plant risks, and how gardeners can cope with this nuisance.

Dino‑sized caterpillars, stealthy tomato destroyers, and stunning moths. Learn to ID, spot, relocate, or feed them to your chickens.

Red Velvet Ant
Meet the red velvet ant: a wingless wasp with a brutal sting, bold colors, and a surprising role in the garden. Learn how to spot and respect this tiny tank.

Friend or foe? Learn why roly-poly pill bugs are actually land-based crustaceans that clean your soil, and how to manage them around young seedlings.

Squash bugs and vine borers hit hard and fast. Understand their habits, spot the signs early, and use practical methods to keep your squash thriving.

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