Insect pests become active as the weather warms. Scout the garden for pests daily and take immediate action so that populations don’t get a foothold. Knock aphids off plants with a stream of water from the hose. Protect tender shoots from cutworms with paper collars around newly set seedlings. Control slugs and snails by placing sandpaper collars around seedlings. Place loosely rolled wet newspaper “traps” around the garden to collect snails, slugs, and earwigs; these pests seek a cool, moist place to hide during the day.

Tender crop planting tips
