PREFACE 



THE garden program which the Government initiated during the 

 war aimed to intensify farm and home vegetable gardening as a 

 means of increasing the Nation's food production. This program has 

 stimulated gardening of all types, and although the home gardener is 

 still urged to continue producing vegetables, he is also interested in 

 growing flowers and shrubs. With this widespread interest in home 

 gardening has come greater consciousness of the damage caused by 

 insects, and of the need for information on insect control if a satis- 

 factory product is to be grown, whether it be vegetables or flowers. 

 A greater popular demand on Government and State agencies has 

 accordingly arisen for publications on garden insects and their control. 



The information in this handbook should enable the gardener to 

 recognize the common insect and related pests he may encounter in 

 the flower garden and to apply the proper remedies, thus protecting 

 not only his own plants but also those of his neighbors. 



Flower-garden troubles are due to many causes, such as poor soil, 

 unfavorable weather conditions, plant diseases, and attacks by insects. 

 Plants in a healthy, vigorous condition are best able to withstand or 

 outgrow light injury by insects. Consequently, it is important that 

 the best horticultural practices be followed in regard to planting, 

 watering, fertilizing, and cultivation. 



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