An infestation of fungus gnat larvae can damage certain plants by feeding on their roots. Fungus gnats are small, gray-to-black flies that primarily affect indoor houseplants. Adult gnats do not damage plants; however...
One natural way to manage weeds in your garden and improve soil structure is to use cover crops. This method dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times [1]. Cover crops (green manures) are fast-growing plants grown to...
Pruning is a common practice in and around the garden that needs attention now and then. Knowing why, how, and when to prune is important for achieving healthy, vibrant plants. What is Pruning? In horticulture, pruning...
Mexican bean beetle (Epilachna varivestis) larvae cause more damage than mature beetles. They feed on the undersides of leaves, pods, and stems. This pest cause considerable damage to bean plants and other legumes [1]...
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 utilized it to aid in crop development. What is Manure? Manure refers to organic matter derived from animal dung, which can...
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. That 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...