Join Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson on the Good Growing podcast as they dive into the world of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). In this episode, they explore the foundational principles of IPM, including cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical controls. Learn how to identify and manage pests effectively while promoting a healthy and sustainable garden environment. Discover practical tips for scouting, diagnosing plant problems, and using pesticides responsibly. Plus, hear fascinating insights about lightning-resistant trees and the role of beneficial insects in your garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable information to help you master IPM and keep your garden thriving.Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/5hYQSQSRhaUSkip to what you want to know:00:36 Hey Ken!01:13 Can trees benefit from lightning strikes?05:40 Diving into and defining I.P.M. - Integrated Pest Management06:16 What is a pest? It all depends (mostly).11:17 Where do we begin our IPM strategy?20:12 The foundation of an IPM structure (system).21:13 Management techniques used in IPM (the pillars).21:35 How do you scout for IPM?23:50 Using good plant culture to avoid growing issues.29:33 Controlling pests mechanically/physically.34:29 Using other living things to help control plant pests.40:04 Can you buy beneficial insects to be released in a garden to help control pests?44:34 The fourth pillar of an IPM program - pesticides50:25 Synthetic vs. biorational (organic) pesticides57:42 Categorizing pesticides - contact vs. systemic1:04:20  How do we use pesticides to limit the impact on bees?How some tropical trees benefit from being struck by lightning: evidence for Dipteryx oleifera and other large-statured trees https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/nph.70062Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.eduKen Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribeAny products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk --You can find us on most podcast platforms.  iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377     Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR    Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/    Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/    Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902    Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us