There are many types of pest that can affect vegetables in the garden.

Here are some of the most common:

1. Insect pests: Insects such as aphids, whiteflies, thrips, caterpillars, beetles and leafhoppers can eat the leaves and fruit of vegetables, or transmit diseases to plants.
2. Mites: Mites are small arthropods that suck plant sap, which can cause leaf discolouration and deformation. Common mites include spider mites and red spiders.
3. Fungal diseases: Fungal diseases such as rust, grey mould, mildew and root rot can cause spotting, yellowing and mould on plant leaves and fruit.
4. Rodents: Rodents such as rats, mice and voles can tunnel under plants, eat vegetable roots and fruit, and damage seedlings.
5. Slugs and snails: Slugs and snails can eat the leaves and fruit of vegetables, which can lead to holes and scars on plants.

It's important to monitor your garden regularly for any signs of infestation and take preventative measures to minimise the risk. Prevention methods can include using netting to protect plants, regularly clearing away weeds and dead leaves, rotating crops, using companion plants to keep pests at bay, and watering plants in the morning to reduce the moisture that encourages fungal diseases. If an infestation does occur, you can use control methods such as trapping, using natural pesticides, or applying specific commercial products to eliminate the pests. 

Getting rid of slugs in the garden

Slugs can cause damage to plants in your garden by feeding on their leaves and stems. Here are some tips for getting rid of slugs in your garden:

1. Collect slugs by hand: You can go out at night, when slugs are most active, and collect them by hand. You can put them in a bucket with soapy water to kill them.
2. Use slug traps: You can use commercially available slug traps or make your own by putting beer in bowls or bottles cut in half. Slugs are attracted by the smell of beer and fall in, where they drown.
3. Use barriers: You can surround plants that slugs like with barriers, such as eggshells, wood ash or sawdust. Slugs don't like to pass through these substances and will therefore avoid plants surrounded by them.
4. Use natural products: You can use natural products to keep slugs away, such as mint essential oil, garlic or coffee grounds. You can also spray lemon juice or diluted beer on plants to protect them.

It's important to note that using pesticides can have harmful consequences for the environment and local wildlife. Try using natural methods to control slugs in your garden.