Challenges
Pests, disease, and weeds are the biggest challenges when gardening. Look for common solutions among our resources.
Common Challenges for Gardeners
This page offers solution to common challenges that gardeners face: pests, disease, weeds. Look below to find some ideas and suggestions to improve the health of your plants and garden. And remember, just like with us humans, prevention is better than having to find a cure, so feel free to go back to the start of this guide and review the basics of gardening, you may find out why your garden needs extra help now.
Garden Challenges - eBooks
The Prairie Gardener's Go-To For Pests and Disease by Publication Date: 2020Your guide to trouble-shooting weeds, pests, diseases, moulds, critters, and other common prairie gardener's problems in this second title in the Guides for the Prairie Gardener series. (Also in Print Collection)
Deer-Resistant Design by Publication Date: 2019These cute but pesky animals can quickly devour hundreds of dollars' worth of plants. And common solutions include the use of unattractive fencing and chemicals. Deer-Resistant Design is packed with everything you need to confidently tackle this challenging problem. (Also in Print collection)
Weeds in the Urban Landscape by Publication Date: 2018Richard Orlando provides the only book to discuss weeds commonly found in urban environments, offering detailed descriptions of 189 common weeds, explaining their families and characteristics, and suggesting strategies for managing their presence in the garden and field. (Also in Print collection)
The Guide to Humane Critter Control by Publication Date: 2017Control garden pests organically and safely with the Guide to Humane Critter Control. (Also in Print collection)
Garden Rescue by Publication Date: 2013Garden Rescue will help identify and treat the minor issues and major problems that can harm plants. With information on both edible and ornamental gardens, Garden Rescue provides flow charts to help diagnose the problem, discover options, and then implement the best course of action. (Also in Print collection)
"Gardens are not made by singing 'oh how beautiful' and sitting in the shade." Rudyard Kipling
Pests - Useful Links
- Government of Canada Pest Control TipsInformation on how to deal with common pests.
- Pest Control"One bug does not make a problem! In nature, there are always some garden pests chewing on plants; that’s just the way it is." Planet Natural lists a variety of common pests and the best way to minimize their effect on the garden.
- Pests and Diseases - List from the Manitoba Master Gardener AssociationA list of pests and diseases in Manitoba with photos and treatment instructions.
- Pests in the Environment Kanopy Video
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How do we keep pests out of our environment without using pesticides and herbicides? Join this Kids Curiosity Quest Goes Green episode to learn how. - Houseplant pestsPenn State Extension pest and disease information for houseplants.
Weeds - Useful Links
- Government of Manitoba weed informationThe link will help you identify the most common weeds found in Manitoba. You can search by common name or family name.
- Government of Manitoba Organic Weed ControlInformation page for farmers discussing techniques to mitigate weeds in the field.
- Manitoba Master Gardener Association - WeedsA list of common Manitoba weeds with photos and descriptions and suggestions to decrease challenges with unwanted plants.
Plant Disease - Useful Link
- Encyclopedia Britannica List of Plant DiseasesA detailed list of plant diseases, if you click on the name of the disease another window will open with more details and photos.
Print Books
Naturally Bug-Free Garden by Publication Date: 2015This book will show you how to bring your garden ecosystem into balance so that beneficial insects and larger animals do the work of pest control for you. Paying attention to the nutritional needs of your vegetables can also deter pests, and the remaining insects are simple to handpick.
The Gardener's Guide to Common-Sense Pest Control by Publication Date: 2013This easy-to-use guide walks you through everything you need to know to take control of your plantings without using harsh chemicals. Know all the possible solutions to the problem you're facing, ranging from indirect strategies such as pruning to direct physical and biological controls to least-toxic chemical controls.
And More!