Blister beetles are insects that, when frightened, secrete an oily substance called cantharidin. When the substance comes into contact with skin, it causes a burning sensation, and the skin becomes red, painful, and swollen. Within 48 hours, blisters will appear, hence the name blister beetle. If swallowed by an animal…
On occasion, you may come across a potato or a sweet potato whose flesh or skin has a green tint. What causes the abnormal color, and is the potato safe to eat? We’ll answer these questions and more in this helpful article. What Causes Potatoes to Turn Green? Potatoes, also called tubers,…
Learn everything you need to know about hammerhead worms, also known as hammerhead flatworms, and how to deal with this toxic and invasive species.
It can take quite a bit of patience when waiting for fruit and vegetables to mature and then ripen. Tomatoes are no exception. But what if the tomatoes you are growing aren’t blushing, much less turning red? In this article you will learn the top seven reasons tomatoes do not…
The three types of blight that most often affect tomatoes are early blight, late blight, and Septoria leaf spot. In this article, you will learn how to identify, treat, and prevent late blight. Although the focus of this article is on tomatoes, the information can be applied to other members…
Early blight is one of the most common fungal diseases that affects tomatoes and other nightshades. Learn how to identify, treat, and even prevent this disease before it destroys your harvest.
Does Epsom salt really cure blossom end rot (BER)? We take a quick look at basic science to determine if this popular treatment method is fact or fiction.
Blossom end rot is a common condition found in tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, eggplant, melons, and squashes, like zucchini. It is characterized by a water-soaked spot or lesion located at or near the bottom of the fruit. Blossom end rot is not a disease but rather a physiological disorder (or an abiotic disorder)…
Ladybugs and Asian beetles come in a variety of colors and spot patterns. Learn the difference between these two insects (one is beneficial and one is invasive) and how to tell them apart.
Pine trees are evergreen conifers that add majesty and beauty to the landscape. They are also an abundant source of organic material since they shed their needle-like leaves year-round, unlike deciduous trees, which lose their leaves only in the fall or early winter. Even though pine trees are a never-ending…
