Golden Hour Gardening: Pest Patrol at Dusk

Golden Hour Garden Program: Pest Patrol at Dusk” is a hands-on, seasonal program tailored to mid-July conditions in Southern Illinois, when heat and humidity drive peak garden pest activity. Held during the cooler evening “golden hour,” the program takes advantage of dusk conditions when many insects are easier to observe, offering a more comfortable time for gardeners to work outdoors.

 

Participants will learn to identify common mid-summer garden pests—such as squash bugs, Japanese beetles, aphids, tomato hornworms, and caterpillars—while distinguishing them from beneficial insects. The program emphasizes integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, including monitoring, physical removal, proper timing, and environmentally responsible controls.

 

Through a guided tour of the Cultivating Care Food Donation Garden, demonstrations, and discussion, participants will gain practical skills to manage pest pressure, support healthy plants, and maintain productive gardens throughout the summer. Attendees will also learn how to get involved as volunteers with the Cultivating Care Food Donation Garden.