Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about garden plants. You will find concise information on general gardening techniques as well as plant selection and care. For detailed information on specific plant pests and problems refer to our Common Garden Pests and Problems page.

Do you have additional gardening questions? Please contact us. Here's how.

Horticulture Questions and Answers

Home  >  Gardening Techniques  >  Soil  >  Plant Culture  >  General Pests and Problems  >  What is an IPM (Integrated Pest Management) program and what strategies does it use?

What is an IPM (Integrated Pest Management) program and what strategies does it use?

Integrated pest management (IPM) is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on control of pests or their damage through a combination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and use of resistant varieties. It does not exclude the use of synthetic pesticides, if necessary, but uses them only as a last resort.

For more information we recommen: "Key Components in the Implementation of IPM" written by Galen Dively, University of Maryland.