Choosing the correct pesticide is vital for successful results. There are many options available and lots of varying opinions about what is most effective and safest. Learn what you can do to minimise issues with pests. Prevention is always easier than cure. Learn about the history of insect and fungal control and the products we recommend for cost effectiveness, low environmental impact and low toxicity.

Experience and science have shown that maintaining good hygiene in the garden significantly reduces incidence of disease. Cutting out and destroying diseased tissue as soon as it appears. Removing diseased leaves that have fallen as soon as possible. If fungal or bacterial diseased fruit, leaves or wood is left on the tree or the soil surface it will very quickly and easily re-infect healthy tissue. The disease spores will also overwinter and infect pruning cuts or even healthy new growth in spring.

Copper is a common fungicide used for preventing and curing many different fungal diseases. But not all copper fungicides are equal. Find out about the advantages and disadvantages of the different options.

No one thing will control pests and diseases, but a combination of practices will. See our list of recommendations in order to minimise damage from pests and diseases.