Let's be real: Traditional farming practices have always faced challenges. From weather and pests to unruly climates and chemical-laden fertilizers, there are a lot of unpredictable factors to consider. Similarly, while growing indoors can provide some level of environmental control, there will still be bumps in the road that will need to be addressed.

Don’t sweat it, though. There are plenty of ways you can conquer every twist and turn on your growing journey. The most powerful tools in your toolbox? Knowledge and awareness. Many gardening websites offer handy help on pest identification, disease prevention, and the importance of scouting. While it can be easy to fall down the internet’s rabbit hole of endless recommendations,

By taking the time to observe your plants and look for signs of wilting, damaged leaves, or pests, you can get to the root of pretty much any issue. (See what we did there?)

That’s where IPM comes in. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach that focuses on the long-term control of pests and diseases through a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and chemical controls. IPM can be used in all environments, from fields and orchards to home gardens and indoor hydroponics. This approach relies heavily on regular observations from a grower, in order to stay ahead of significant pest populations. So, keep your eyes peeled: By carefully observing, or ‘scouting,’ your Farmstand, you’ll find it easy to suss out signs of damage.

You shouldn’t stress about eradicating pests completely - after all, planet Earth is their home, too. Rather, you’ll want to manage pest populations just enough so that crop loss is kept to a minimum. As always, you aren’t growing it alone: We’re here to help you ID and control any particularly pesky pests before you lose a precious harvest.

LEARN MORE BY VISITING OUR FULL COLLECTION OF PEST MANAGEMENT RESOURCES