🛡️ Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
IPM is a holistic strategy to prevent and manage pests with minimal chemical intervention. It's about proactive measures and early detection.
🔍 Key IPM Principles
- Prevention: Maintain clean grow space, sterilize equipment, use filtered air intake
- Monitoring: Regular inspections, especially undersides of leaves, use yellow sticky traps
- Identification: Accurate pest ID is crucial - use a jeweler's loupe or microscope
- Intervention: Start with least harmful methods first
⏰ Daily Routine: Consistency in monitoring and cleanliness is your best defense. Spend 5-10 minutes daily inspecting your plants closely.