PPM refers to the concentration of minerals and solutes in the water, indicating the amount of total dissolved solids (TDS). It quantifies the amount of nutrients available to plants in the water. EC measures the ionic activity in a solution, providing a metric of how well the solution can conduct electricity, which correlates directly to the amount of dissolved salts or minerals in the water​​.

Creatures in a garden are part of a complex web of interactions. Beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies, and certain beetles contribute to pollination, which is crucial for the production of fruits and seeds. Predatory insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and spiders help control pest populations, reducing the need for chemical pesticides​​. Earthworms and other soil organisms improve soil structure and fertility by decomposing organic matter and recycling nutrients.

However, not all creatures are beneficial to gardens. Pests such as aphids, slugs, and caterpillars can cause significant damage by feeding on plants. Vertebrates like rodents and deer might also pose threats to garden vegetation through consumption and disturbance, potentially leading to considerable losses​​.

Pollination: 

Many gardens depend on creatures like bees and butterflies to pollinate flowers, which is essential for fruit setting. Without these pollinators, many plants would fail to reproduce, leading to reduced biodiversity and food supply shortages​​.

Pest Control: 

Natural predators play a crucial role in managing pest populations. For example, birds and bats are effective in reducing insect pests, while nematodes and predatory insects target soil-dwelling pests and other harmful insects​​.

Soil Fertility: 

Earthworms, microorganisms, and other decomposers break down organic matter, turning it into humus, enriching the soil, and making nutrients available to plants. This natural process supports plant health and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers​​.

Plant Damage: 

Certain insects and larger animals can be detrimental. For instance, aphids suck sap from plants, weakening them and spreading diseases. Larger animals like moles and rabbits can damage roots and young shoots, impacting plant health and crop yields​​.

Disease Transmission: 

Some creatures act as vectors for diseases. Insects like mosquitoes can spread diseases among plants, animals, and humans, affecting overall garden health and safety​​.

Resource Competition: 

Some invasive species compete with native species for resources, potentially leading to decreased biodiversity in the garden ecosystem. This imbalance can alter the ecological functions and resilience of garden environments​​.

Effective garden management involves understanding and integrating these creatures into the ecosystem. Practices such as creating habitats for beneficial insects, using barriers to protect plants from pests, and choosing plant varieties that are resistant to local pests can help enhance the benefits while minimizing damage. Additionally, fostering a diverse garden through companion planting and maintaining natural areas within or near the garden can support a healthy balance of creatures​​.