The article discusses the importance of maintaining a healthy garden, highlighting the benefits of gardening for both physical and mental well-being. It emphasizes the role of plants in providing oxygen, purifying the air, and reducing stress. The article also explores the various types of gardening, including container gardening, vertical gardening, and raised beds.

Neem oil is derived from the neem tree, a native of India. The neem tree is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant tree with a long history of medicinal and insecticidal uses. Neem oil is a natural, biodegradable, and non-toxic alternative to synthetic pesticides. The effectiveness of neem oil in pest management stems from its unique chemical composition.

Employ physical barriers for additional protection. Floating row covers, which are lightweight, translucent fabrics draped directly over plants or plant rows, shield crops from insects, while allowing sunlight, air and water to penetrate. These are particularly useful for protecting seedlings in the tropical climate of Malaysia. Sticky traps also effectively capture pests; use yellow ones for flying insects and blue for thrips. Finally, promote biodiversity. A garden with a variety of native plants, water features and undisturbed areas fosters a balanced ecosystem where natural predators thrive, aiding pest control. Assoc Prof Dr Christopher Teh heads the Department of Land Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia. His field of specialty is in soil and water conservation. The views expressed are entirely his own.