In terms of staying healthy, plants are a lot like people. They are most likely to fall victim to a disease or other injury if they are stressed out. So, one of the most important strategies for avoiding pest and disease problems is giving the plant the right amounts of water, fertilizer, and light to keep it happy. A happy plant is a healthy plant, or is it the other way around?

Keep in mind that every plant is different - and what works with one may not work with another. It's essential that you get to know your plants and pay attention to any signals of distress before a problem gets out of control.

Other strategies for avoiding pest and disease problems:

• Check plants carefully before you buy them to make sure they are healthy and pest-free.

• Only buy plants from people you trust, who know how to care for plants.

• Choose plants that are suited for your climate and environmental conditions.

• If you notice a problem with a plant keep it away from your other plants.

Don't get discouraged if your plant gets a pest or disease - it doesn't mean you have to get rid of it. Check out the other articles in this section for advice for identifying and solving your plant's problems.