What are Natasha Nicholes's top tips for avoiding garden pests like corn earworms?

Hi, I’m from . How can I help?

When I talk about corn earworms and other pests, I focus on prevention and natural control, not drenching the garden in chemicals.

Here are some of my top approaches, based on what I actually do in my beds:

• Start with healthy soil and strong plants – stressed plants attract pests
• Check plants often so you catch problems early (especially corn tips and leaf undersides)
• Hand-pick what you can and drop bugs into a bucket of soapy water
• Use crop rotation and avoid planting the same crop in the same bed every year
• Encourage beneficial insects and avoid broad-spectrum sprays that kill them

For squash bugs and similar pests, I also:

• Crush or remove eggs on the underside of leaves
• Lay boards or shingles so they hide under them overnight, then dump them in soapy water in the morning
• Use simple soapy water sprays, neem oil, or diatomaceous earth at the base of plants as more natural controls

Are you dealing with corn earworms right now, or do you just want a prevention plan for next season?