Bug Off: A Gardener’s guide to insect control

Are you a garden enthusiast or farm owner?
Are you a terrace gardener with two pots or 20?
Then, this one’s for you.
I am Sumithra Srikant of Aapti Gardening Solutions, Chennai. My journey with gardening started 20 years ago, when I started to grow vegetables for my children. As a novice gardener, I had issues dealing with pests in the garden. The neighbourhood garden helper suggested I use harsh chemicals to kill the pests, but I did not want to. This made me search for more environmentally friendly methods to tackle pests. And, through trial and error, I learnt what works well in home gardens.
In collaboration with my generous guru Anoop Kumar CP, an organic farming, horticulture consultant and parasitological (the study of parasites, their hosts, and the relationship between them) expert, I’ve put together these flashcards that address the challenges that I, and others like me, faced while raising plants. These cards serve as a ready reckoner, and contain measures to manage everyday pests. You will also get to read about biological controllers available in the market.
What are biological controllers? These are available as a powder and contain living organisms in a dormant state. The minute they come into contact with water, they become active. There is also a dormant liquid (not water) version that can be used after dilution. These controllers suppress pest populations and restrict damage. These are organic, environmentally safe, energy self-sufficient, cost-effective and sustainable.
This pocket guide showcases 23 useful and harmful insects that visit our gardens and farms, and solutions to manage them organically. The educational and interesting flash cards make this an ideal gift for plant lovers.
The glossary and chapter on organic elixirs and biological pest controllers has been thoughtfully placed right at the beginning, so you become familiar with the terms before you read the book. This is to aid better understanding.