Blister beetles produce a chemical called cantharidin. This chemical is toxic to humans and animals and may cause dehydration, blisters, and even renal failure if swallowed. If eaten by an animal (even one as big as a...
Flea beetles are small jumping beetles that feed on many crops in the garden. They mainly feed on brassicas and related plants. So, a flea beetle infestation can cause significant damage to your vegetable garden...
If you’re planning on adding onions to your vegetable garden, that’s a good idea. Many beginner gardeners find them easy to grow. Onions usually take about 90 to 120 days to mature when grown from seed...
Sawflies belong to the same insect order (Hymenoptera) as bees, ants, and wasps. They are named for the saw-like ovipositor the female uses to pierce plants and lay eggs [1]. The adult sawfly resembles a wasp, but...
White vinegar is commonly used for cleaning and cooking. Its acetic acid can also help kill or control many weeds. Regular household vinegar (5% acetic acid) works on young, small weeds. However, vinegar with a higher...
Plant-eating stink bugs damage plants by sucking their sap. In some cases, they can cause significant damage to your crops. You may find stink bugs in your garden on tomatoes, corn, green peppers, beans, and other...
Wondering what companion plants to grow with squash? It’s a good thing because it’s crucial that the nearby vegetables, herbs, fruits, or flowers help squash plants thrive. They should provide support, not...
Leaf-footed bugs can quickly become a problem in your garden. They damage fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants by piercing them and sucking out their juices. This can lead to significant crop damage and reduced...
Wood ash is helpful in the garden. Commonly used as a soil amendment, it is a good source of calcium and potassium, along with smaller amounts of phosphorus and magnesium. Wood ash is the powdery substance that remains...
It is that time of year again when amateur and professional gardeners alike have to deal with pests. One of these pests is the Black Vine Weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus), a member of the Curculionidae family. Controlling...