Pest management on vegetable bedding plants begins with a clean, weed-free, disinfected greenhouse. Before growing the crop, the greenhouse should be cleared of plant debris, weeds, flats and tools. Empty benches, potting tables, storage shelves, tools and cell packs should be washed and disinfected with a sanitizing agent. After the greenhouse has been sanitized, care must be taken to avoid recontamination with pathogens. Purchase seed from reliable sources. If possible, purchase seed that has been disinfested by chemical and/or heat treatment by the seed company. Potting media is easily re-infested by dirty hose nozzles or tools and unsanitary growing conditions. The floor of the greenhouse is a good source for diseases. Use a hook to keep the hose nozzles off the floor. Grow transplants off the ground in a well ventilated greenhouse. To prevent root rot diseases, avoid over-watering and over-fertilizing. Water early in the day to help prevent foliar diseases.

Use separate greenhouses for vegetable seedlings and ornamental bedding plants. Separate greenhouses: 1) will protect vegetable seedlings from any insect pests that may migrate from ornamentals and plants that are held over; 2) will protect vegetable seedlings from tospoviruses and 3) will make it easier to treat the vegetable seedlings if pesticides are needed.