My IPM (integrated pest management) system consists of, among other things, a healthy, compost enriched soil, careful observation, hand picking pests, and growing plants where they fare best. That means planting shade lovers in the shade, sun lovers in the sun, dry soil plants and moist soil lovers where they belong, etc, etc. Beneficial insects (ladybugs, lacewings, etc.), toads, snakes, birds, and a host of other garden inhabitants do their part without being asked.
For the most part I don't use pesticides for pest problems because I don't have many. When I do encounter an obvious problem, I use only organically approved products which break down rapidly and harmlessly in the environment. Dish detergent and water in a spray bottle is my go-to choice, followed by horticultural oil and neem. Last season aphids were problematic on both Asclepias (Milkweeds) and Heliopsis. They were perhaps worsened by my negligence in dealing with them sooner. Here's a few of my helpers.
For the most part I don't use pesticides for pest problems because I don't have many. When I do encounter an obvious problem, I use only organically approved products which break down rapidly and harmlessly in the environment. Dish detergent and water in a spray bottle is my go-to choice, followed by horticultural oil and neem. Last season aphids were problematic on both Asclepias (Milkweeds) and Heliopsis. They were perhaps worsened by my negligence in dealing with them sooner. Here's a few of my helpers.
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Young Bluebird about to take her maiden flight.
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Garter snake. Sorry, I like snakes.
Female Praying Mantis staring at my camera.
Mother (or father) House Wren going for another food run for the youngsters. It's amazing how many caterpillars and other insects these little birds will capture in a day.
One of a number off species of dragonflies that patrol the skies above my gardens. Looking for a mosquito I hope.
Pitcher plant, Sarracenia purpurea in my bog garden. They really have a negligible effect on pests, but they are beautiful and a nice conversation piece.
A weasel in its wintertime apparel, known as an ermine. They help keep down the numbers of mice, moles and voles.
An Ichneumon wasp showing its long ovipositor tail which it uses to drill into plant material and deposit its eggs into a caterpillar.
Probably the best known beneficial insect, the Ladybird Beetle or Ladybug needs no introduction.
The Spatulate leaved Sundew, Drosera leucantha in my bog garden. Like the Pitcher Plant, this carnivorous plant has a negligible effect on insect pests in my garden, but it does look cool, doesn't it?