Garden pests are part of growing food — but panic, overreaction, and conflicting advice don’t have to be.
This page brings together how I teach organic pest control at Sugar Creek Farm: prevention-first, observation-based, and rooted in real garden systems — not quick fixes or fear-driven solutions.
If pests keep showing up in your garden, this is where you learn why — and what to do next.

My Approach to Organic Pest Control
Organic pest control isn’t about eliminating every insect.
It’s about understanding what’s happening in your garden and responding intentionally.
Here’s what I focus on:
- Prevention over reaction
- Plant health as the first line of defense
- Observation before intervention
- Reducing pressure, not chasing perfection
- Choosing the least disruptive option when action is needed
Pest problems are usually a signal — not a surprise.
Start Here: The Foundation
🐛 Understanding Pest Pressure
Begin with how to assess a problem before treating it.
→ What I Look for Before Treating Any Garden Pest (An Organic, Prevention-First Approach)
This post walks through how I evaluate pest issues in my own garden — from plant health and growing conditions to identifying whether action is even necessary.
This is the foundation for everything else I teach about pest management.
How Pest Control Fits Into Growing Food
Pest control doesn’t exist on its own.
It’s shaped by:
- how your garden is planned
- how plants are spaced
- how much diversity is present
- how well you observe change over time
That’s why organic pest control at Sugar Creek Farm is always connected to:
- garden planning
- companion planting
- seasonal timing
If you haven’t yet, you may want to explore:
When Prevention Isn’t Enough
Even in a well-planned, diverse garden, pests can still show up.
Organic pest control isn’t about pretending that won’t happen — it’s about knowing:
- when to wait
- when to intervene
- how to choose methods that support long-term garden health
This is where many gardeners feel unsure or overwhelmed — and where structured guidance makes a real difference.

A Deeper Dive (Coming Soon)
I’m currently finishing a step-by-step course that teaches organic pest control as a complete system, not a collection of tips.
Stop Garden Pests Organically (coming soon)
This course is designed to help home gardeners:
- identify common garden pests accurately
- understand why they appear
- reduce pest pressure through planning and prevention
- choose effective, organic interventions with confidence
If organic pest control feels confusing or stressful, this course will walk you through it clearly and practically.

Learn Alongside the Garden
I continue sharing pest-related lessons as I learn and observe what’s happening in my own garden each season.
If you want to follow along and build confidence over time…
