IPM: Integrated Pest Management—What Is It?

Perhaps you’ve seen the initials “IPM” used by your CSA or at the local farmers’ market. What does it mean and why does it matter? Below, we explain what it is and how you can utilize it in your own home garden.

What does IPM stand for?

IPM is short for Integrated Pest Management. It is a philosophy of pest management that attempts to also do the least amount of harm to the environment. IPM is a continuous, ecosystem process that seeks to let nature do as much of the work as possible for long-term pest control. It will require a bit more work at the beginning of the season to start but gets easier as the season, and the years, go on.

Isn’t this just organic gardening?

IPM is not organic gardening, since synthetic pesticides are allowed, but it can incorporate organic methods and controls. IPM shares the tenets of organic gardening in the belief that healthy soil, the proper amount of sun and water, and the right plant in the right place all make for a healthier ecosystem. It’s a more measured process, though, that takes into account the size of the problem. The main goal of IPM is not to remove all pests and diseases, but to work with nature to attract beneficial helpers, decrease diseases, and to deter pests (including the four-legged variety).

What are the IPM methods?

There are four main methods of controlling pests and diseases in IPM.

1. Biological controls that bring in natural predators and deter pests. These are plants that attract and deter pests. (See Trap Crops: The Best Plants to Grow to Keep Pests Away from Your Vegetables.)
2. Cultural controls that reduce the need for treatment by creating an environment that promotes plant health and deters pests and diseases. These include choosing disease-resistant hybrids, companion planting, debris removal, and not overwatering.
3. Mechanical controls such as picking pests by hand, knocking off pests with a strong stream of water, or adding physical barriers like row covers.
4. Chemical controls that start with the least toxic pesticide option in conjunction with the above three methods. Pesticides are used only when needed and when the other methods fail to bring down pests to a reasonable level. They are selected to do the least amount of harm to non-target organisms, including people, beneficial insects, and the environment.

How do you apply IPM in your own garden?

Choose plants that can deter pests or attract beneficial helpers. Garlic and onions planted around the perimeter of the garden bed will deter rabbits. Strongly scented herbs like rosemary and basil can repel certain beetles and flies. Native flowers in your garden bed can attract pollinators and predatory beneficial wasps. Dill and tansy attract ladybugs that eat aphids. Opt for hybrids that are resistant to diseases, such as Rutgers Devotion DMR basil that is resistant to downy mildew. Healthy plants fight off pests and diseases easier than weak or stressed plants.