An infestation of fungus gnats can cause plants to show signs of wilting, slow growth, and yellowing of the leaves. Fungus gnats are small, dark flies that mostly affect indoor houseplants. The adults are non-biting and...
One natural way to manage weeds in your garden and improve soil structure is to use cover crops. This method dates as far back as ancient Greek and Roman times [1]. Cover crops (green manures) are fast-growing plants...
A common practice in and around the garden that needs attending now and then is pruning. Knowing why, how, and when to prune is important in achieving healthy vibrant plants. What is Pruning? In horticulture, to prune...
Skeletonized, lace-like leaves are signs of Mexican bean beetle damage. The larvae are more destructive than adults, feeding on the undersides of the leaves, pods, and/or stems. The Mexican bean beetle (Epilachna...
What would our gardens, parks, and countryside be like without bees to pollinate crops, flowers, shrubs, and trees? What would our diet be without fruits, vegetables, nuts, and delicious sweet honey? A world without...
The damage from leafrollers is usually not severe. It can start as a minor problem on fruit trees—maybe just a few curled leaves, spoiling the look of the plants. After a while, the fruits may look scarred and deformed...
You can use manure to fertilize the vegetable garden. For centuries, farmers and gardeners have been using it to aid in the development of crops. What is Manure? Manure refers to organic matter that you can use to...
If you notice fat, grayish-brown, greasy-looking worm-like pests at the base of your tomatoes or other plants, those might be cutworms. Plants may also appear to have been chopped off at the base and ruined. This is the...
If your plant leaves look blanched with gray or yellowish spots, it could be a sign of lace bug damage. These garden pests attack the foliage of azalea, sycamore, avocado, rhododendron, Pieris, and other trees and...
Adding agricultural lime to the soil helps reduce soil acidity. This allows alkaline-loving plants to better take up nutrients from the soil. However, there are many other uses for lime in the garden. Below...