Sustainable Pest Management

Joan welcomed Charlotte, a horticulturist, whose role involves presenting Community Workshop Programs with Sustainable Gardening Australia.

Charlotte introduced the concept of integrated pest management (IPM), rather than using a commercial spray bottle to solve garden pest problems. While pests are part of the environment and predators feed on them, an imbalance can occur. This may be due to plants that are weak, (over fertilizing or in the wrong place), unusual weather, lack of predators and a lack of diversity.

The IPM model implements four barriers to more effective control:

• Physical - use of fine nets, traps for rats or fruit fly, careful disposal of ripe fruit
• Cultural - garden hygiene, crop rotation, planting of some crops later such as brassicas
• Biological - aim for balance by attracting pollinators, beneficial insects, birds, plant mint and carrot family plants, or marigolds
• Chemical- use of home-made sprays (garlic, milk) or eco products initially

The Club thanks the City of Boroondara Living for our Future Program for funding Charlotte’s presentation.