Workshop Teaches How to Manage Pests Naturally In Your Arizona Garden

There are many reasons to start your own garden: a sustainable food source, the ability

to control factors like pesticide and herbicide use, and an inexpensive and rewarding way to put food on your table.

Sustainable gardening is more than just a trend these days. It’s a smart, earth-friendly way to grow healthier plants while protecting our environment.

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Organic Gardening in the Desert

That’s why many gardeners are turning to organic gardening. Concerns about exposure to synthetic chemicals and support for long-term soil health are two reasons many of us are turning to organic gardening. Healthy soil isn’t just “dirt”; it’s a living ecosystem that supports plant growth, filters water, and cycles nutrients essential for life.

According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), organic herbicides and pesticides help gardeners manage problems while protecting beneficial insects and pollinators and preserving the overall balance of their landscape.

The Discovery Gardens on the UA Sierra Vista Campus | Val Davidson/TSM

Smart Pest & Weed Control the Organic Way

The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension promotes Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a science-based approach that combines multiple strategies to control pests safely and effectively.

This means choosing the least harmful methods first, such as proper plant spacing, mulching, and hand weeding, before turning to organic treatments. Timing and identification are really important for balance, especially in Arizona, where seasonal cycles and climate can influence rapid weed and pest growth.

Organic tools like neem oil, insecticidal soaps, and encouraging natural predators can help keep gardens thriving without harming soil life or nearby ecosystems. Strong, healthy plants grown in nutrient-rich soil are naturally more resilient, and they’re also more nutritious.

Visit the Discovery Gardens: Cochise County Master Gardeners Reveal a New Feature

Gardening in Arizona: Expect the Unexpected

Planting a garden in Arizona is different from just about anywhere else. Working with that difference can make gardening here an exciting endeavor.

Arizona gardeners know every season brings surprises. We have a much longer growing season, but warmer winters can allow insect eggs to survive, leading to larger pest populations. The summer’s monsoon rains often trigger explosive bursts of weed growth. Planning ahead with organic strategies helps you stay one step ahead.

Monsoon mix for Arizona — Created with Canva

Join the CCMGA Workshop!

If you want to learn more about organic gardening, mark your calendar. because hands-on help is on the way.

Don’t miss “Using Organic Herbicides & Pesticides in Your Garden,” hosted by the Cochise County Master Gardeners.

The workshop is on Friday, June 19, 2026 | 1:30–3:00 PM
University of Arizona, Sierra Vista Campus, Groth Hall Room 503
$10 (cash or check)

Registration is required: Call or text (520) 559‑7078.

Learn more about gardening in the desert! Cochise County Master Gardener Jan Groth says: Come to this workshop! Grow your knowledge—and your garden!