Properly caring for garden plants during their growing stages is important for success.  Adequate watering is especially important in San Diego County's dry climate.  Pest and weed control require special efforts to avoid use of harmful substances around children.

• water is a scarce resource. Use only what is needed.
• soil must be moist through the root zone. Periodically dig down a few inches to check soil moisture.
• frequent shallow watering promotes shallow root systems. Soak soil to a depth of a 4 - 6 inches only as often as needed.
• if plants appear healthy and productive, they are probably receiving enough water.
• do not overwater - this floods the airspaces around roots needed by plants to live.
• during extreme dry and hot conditions, plants may need water every day. Pay attention to soil moisture.

• oscillating sprinklers are helpful for providing an efficient, uniform, and thorough watering in larger plots.
• soaker hoses also provide uniform watering that mimics irrigation systems.
• watering by hand with a water can or hose can also provide adequate moisture. Students can provide assistance. However, this can involve much time and labor, especially in large plots.
• use of mulches around plants can prevent rapid evaporation and crusting of the soil.
  
  

• the key to weed control is to prevent them from becoming well established and producing seed.
• avoid use of herbicides. Most weeds can be controlled through other methods.
• pull or hoe weeds as soon as spotted. Don't wait. Try to remove entire plant, including roots.
• weeds are easier to pull with root systems intact if soil is moist. Nearby plants are also less likely to be damaged.
• use of mulches around plants can prevent sunlight from reaching weed seeds which prevents germination and growth.
• if weeds are composted, use only those that have not bloomed or gone to seed.

• insects are a natural part of gardens. Some are beneficial and some harmful. Be hospitable to beneficial insects. Beneficial insects include bees, lady beetles, and green lacewings.
• good gardening practices and healthy plants will help control the effects of harmful insects.
• remove all weeds and diseased or weak plants. They attract insects.
• many insects and their eggs can be handpicked or washed off with a hard spray of water.
• avoid pesticides use as they contain dangerous substances and may kill beneficial insects.
• be hospitable to lizards, toads, birds, and spiders - they control insects. Encourage their presence with a flower pot half buried on its side for shelter or with bird houses and feeders.
• Plants That Repel Pests - list from Carlsbad Municipal Water District
• Controlling Pests Organically - tips from the Gardener's Supply Company.
• Pocket Gopher - Pest Notes - tips from UC
• Rabbits - Pest Notes - tips from UC
• Snails & Slugs - Pest Notes - tips from UC

• General Problem Diagnosis for Vegetables - table of information from UC Davis that lists the most common diseases, insect pests,and cultural problems in California vegetable gardens (uses Adobe Acrobat).
  
  
• Texas A & M Insect Sites List - a list of sites providing lesson plans and insect information for grades K-12 students and teachers.
  
  
• The Center for Insect Science Education Outreach - on-line curriculum and resources for grades K-3 providing hands-on lesson plans. Available in Spanish.
  
  
• Entomology for Beginners - provides information about the insect body and other basic entomology.
  
  
• UC Integrated Pest Management - provides more advanced information on pest management and identification of plant diseases, insects, mites, nematodes, and weeds along with other resources.