Pests are a natural part of growing plants, but you can help prevent them with simple practices built into your daily Gardyning routine.
To help bring you peace of mind, Kelby observes members’ Gardyns 24/7 and will alert you if anything suspicious is detected. Plus, our plant experts are always available to help members through any questions or challenges. If, in spite of your best prevention efforts, you do end up with pests, it’s okay! We’re here to help you every step of the way.
Learn more about membership’s unique perks, including full access to Kelby, here!
Where do I start?
Pest prevention starts with simply being aware of certain factors that increase your risk of pest infestations, though they are not necessarily factors you can always control.
- Having indoor-outdoor pets heightens your risk as animals can bring unseen pest hitchhikers with them inside.
- Open windows and doors, even with screens in place, can also provide easy paths for pests to reach your Gardyn, so be mindful of where in your home you place your device.
- Finally, understand that pests can live in the soil of potted houseplants, so it’s best to keep them away from your Gardyn to reduce the chance of cross-contamination.
Practice Prevention in 4 Easy Steps
Keep reading for details on each prevention step!
1. Observe & monitor all of your plants regularly
This is also called scouting, and it’s key. Detecting anything suspicious early helps you gain time to make the best decision about how to deal with it before the problem feels unmanageable.
The best way to scout is to look at your plants at least once a week for pests or early signs of their damage. Look under leaves, on stems, near flowers, and on new growth.
Scouting doesn’t have to be a unique step - integrate it into your daily Gardyning routine! Peruse your plants whenever you harvest, add water, or have a moment to appreciate their beauty. For the best chances of catching anything suspicious, scout every 3-4 days.
Learn what to look for while scouting here!
2. Keep your plants healthy & your device refreshed
This step is all about maintaining a routine of our regular, recommended care for your plants and Gardyn device. This routine works as pest prevention because healthy plants have a strong immune system and naturally repel many would-be pests and diseases.
Refresh your tank monthly and top it off weekly to help avoid stressing your plants, which would leave them susceptible to an attack. Refreshing your tank also helps keep your Gardyn clean. In addition, weekly doses of HydroBoost, covering unused slots with Pod Caps, and using yCovers all help prevent algae growth, which can invite pests to your device.
Master Gardyner Tip: Fungus gnats are particularly attracted to algae - it’s one of their food sources! To prevent algae growth, use Pod Caps to cover any open slots, and yCovers to prevent algae on rockwool.
3. Remove pest habitats
We recommend keeping your Gardyn area tidy, as pests are attracted to dead or dying leaves. By continually removing decaying material, you're giving pests less incentive to visit your device.
Regularly remove dead leaves, unsprouted yCubes, and any plants that have bolted or are no longer producing. Sweep the top of your Gardyn’s lid and the surrounding floor of any bits that naturally fall as a result of harvesting and care.
4. Wash hands & tools before handling plants
Because pests are so small, they can easily travel throughout your home on your clothing or skin without you ever noticing them. Wash your hands and roll up your sleeves (literally!) before handling your Gardyn or your plants.
Dirty tools can easily spread diseases and pests from an infected plant to a healthy one, so be sure to properly clean and disinfect tools between uses to reduce transmission.
Extra Considerations for the Pest-ophobic
Choose pest-resistant plants
While all Gardyn portfolio plants have been tested and chosen due to their rigor and health within the Gardyn’s system, some varieties are more pest-resistant than others. Likewise, there are some plants that are especially attractive to pests. To reduce your risk of getting pests, find our top recommendations for the best plants to choose, and avoid, here!
Incorporate beneficial insects into your Gardyn's ecosystem
We know, suggesting insects sounds ironic if you’re worried about pests. But, beneficial insects are intentionally placed, ecosystem-friendly insects that can be used as both a pest prevention and treatment method. All of the beneficial insects we recommend are a type of predatory mite. The bonus? They’re not visible to the naked eye, do not spread in your home, and come in small, easy-to-handle sachets. Learn more here!
Questions? Reach us at support@mygardyn.com, or chat with us! We're here to help.