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Plant stages **➡️ Protecting against pests

⌛ Time estimate: 5-10 minutes

🔊 Prefer to listen to the audio version of this section? Click over here to play it! 👂 ➡️

https://soundcloud.com/junior-jardinero/chapter-5-section-2-protecting?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

<aside> ❓ What are pests? Pests are any insect 🐛 or animal 🦝 that attacks plants, food, or animals and does not allow them to grow.

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<aside> 🌼 Did you know marigold flowers are a natural pest deterrent? When your marigolds sprout, they should help keep away harmful bugs!

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Common pests to look out for:

1. Aphids

Aphids are pests and can do a lot of damage, especially to young seedlings. They suck up water from your plants. 🚱

<aside> ✅ Check the back of your leaves. You might find aphids, which are small black, white, or green bugs that like to munch on plants. Gently rub your finger along the back of the leaf to get aphids off the leaf.

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• [ ] Activity: When your seed has sprouted some leaves, check the back of the leaves find aphids!

To avoid aphids make sure you check out your plants regularly! Aphids grow really fast, they like to hide… and they love spring. Moisture 💦 is their best friend. So, to stop them from eating your plant, water your plants in the morning 🌅!