| Scenario | Activity | Vulnerability | Weather | Hygiene | Monitoring | Adjacent | Controls | Score | Band |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Well-managed beds, mild conditions | 2 | 3 | 2 | 9 | 8 | 2 | 8 | 17.0 | Low |
| Early outbreak, average hygiene | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 55.0 | High |
| Warm, humid week with poor monitoring | 8 | 7 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 7 | 4 | 82.5 | Critical |
Each input is rated on a 0–10 scale. Some factors increase risk directly, while others lower risk. The calculator combines inputs with a weighted average, then scales to 0–100.
Weight totals are normalized if they do not sum to 100%.
- Walk the bed and rate pest activity from your scouting notes.
- Rate plant vulnerability based on stress and known susceptibility.
- Estimate weather suitability using your recent conditions.
- Score hygiene, monitoring, and controls as you actually practice them.
- Press Calculate risk score to get score, band, and steps.
- Export CSV or PDF to store records and compare weeks.
Why a Risk Score Matters
Garden scouting often yields scattered notes, not a decision trigger. A unified score converts observations into a comparable metric across beds and weeks. In this calculator, the 0–100 output is designed to map directly to action timing: below 25 supports routine monitoring, 25–49 suggests tightening inspection, 50–74 signals near‑term intervention, and 75+ calls for immediate containment.
Input Scales and Field Signals
Each factor uses a 0–10 scale so different gardeners can rate consistently. Pest activity captures counts, damage frequency, and distribution. Vulnerability reflects crop sensitivity, growth stage, and stress from heat or drought. Weather suitability summarizes recent humidity, rainfall, and warm nights. Adjacent host pressure accounts for nearby weeds, compost piles, or untreated ornamentals that can seed re‑infestation.
Weighting for Different Crops
Default weights balance detection and prevention, but advanced weights let you fit local reality. For tender leafy greens, increase vulnerability and weather. For perennials with strong tolerance, emphasize activity and adjacent pressure. When hygiene practices are excellent, reduce hygiene weight and raise monitoring to reward frequent scouting. If weights do not total 100%, the tool normalizes them so comparisons remain stable. Use the non‑synthetic preference option when you want recommendations that prioritize hand removal, barriers, and low‑impact sprays, while still keeping the same consistent scoring framework.
Interpreting Bands and Triggers
Band labels are aligned with integrated management steps. Moderate scores generally justify mechanical removal, pruning, irrigation corrections, and targeted spot treatments. High scores indicate that multiple drivers are aligned, so rapid reductions in breeding sites and plant‑to‑plant spread become the priority. Critical scores recommend isolation, strict sanitation, and product use only according to label directions and local guidance.
Recordkeeping and Trend Use
Exported CSV and PDF reports create an audit trail for what you observed and when you acted. Logging weekly scores helps reveal whether a control program is working: a 10‑point drop within seven days often means pressure is falling, while a rising trend indicates new sources or missed scouting. Pair scores with notes on hotspots and treatments to refine weights over time.
1. What does a 0–10 input represent?
Rate what you observe, not what you hope. Use 0 for none, 5 for average, and 10 for extreme conditions. Half‑steps allow finer scoring when your scouting notes sit between levels.
2. Why do hygiene, monitoring, and controls reduce the score?
These factors represent prevention capacity. Higher values mean cleaner beds, better scouting coverage, and stronger barriers or cultural controls. The calculator flips them using (10 − value) so strong practices lower risk.
3. Can I customize weights for my garden?
Yes. Enter percentages in the weight fields to emphasize the drivers that matter most for your crop and climate. If the total is not 100%, the calculator automatically normalizes weights to keep results comparable.
4. How often should I run the calculator?
Weekly is a practical baseline in active seasons. After rain, heat waves, or a new outbreak, run it every 2–3 days until the score stabilizes. Consistent timing improves trend comparisons.
5. Does a high score mean I must spray?
No. The band indicates urgency and suggests integrated steps. You may solve many situations through pruning, sanitation, watering adjustments, or physical removal. If products are used, follow label directions and local guidance.
6. What do the CSV and PDF downloads include?
Downloads capture your latest inputs, normalized weights, score, band, and notes. CSV supports spreadsheets for trend charts, while PDF is useful for printing or sharing. If you download before calculating, a sample report is generated.