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A means by which a selected natural mechanism (eg, parasitism, predation, disease) is used to control pests. Has the advantage of minimising the legal, health and environmental hazards associated with chemical control.

and can be collected in the morning. Encourage natural predators, such as spiders and garden birds, especially starlings. Use the biological control Steinernema feltiae, which should be applied while the ground is still moist and warm in late

with the biological control Steinernema carpcapse.With heavy infestations, use an insecticide based on pyrethrum (only use once a season on crops).brassicas and nasturtiumsearly spring to autumnCommon problems when growing vegetables

Water crops in growing bags and pots daily, adding a liquid feed once a weekIntroduce biological controls if you have discovered pests, such as whitefly and red spider mitePinch out developing sideshoots on tomato stemsTrain cucumbers and tomatoes

Hang up yellow sticky traps to monitor and control whitefly and other flying pestsFeed begonias and other plants in potsTreat red spider mite with a biological controlTie ripening melons to sturdy supportsPot on rooted cuttings to keep plants growing

supports are firmly in placeTrim hedges to keep them neat and to control their sizeBlitz leatherjackets (cranefly larvae), found now on lawns, with a suitable insecticide or biological control

and on shoot tips for signs of whitefly or red spider mite. Treat immediately, or introduce biological pest controls

, and damp down the floor every morningBe on the lookout for pests, including whitefly and red spider mite, and treat at once with a suitable spray or biological controlPot up rooted cuttingsPinch out the tips of cucumber sideshoots two leaves beyond a female

and grow bags with tepid water, if possible. Try leaving a few full cans of water in the greenhouse to warm upSend off for biological pest controls for whitefly and red spider mitePropagate lilies from bulb scales, digging bulbs from the garden to remove a

of biological control nematodesDamp down the floor on hot days to increase humidityHarvest cucumbers regularly to promote further flower developmentPot up rooted cuttings into individual potsPlant pots of freesias and lachenaliaStop watering begonias