The first time I saw Fuligo septica, I thought an animal had vomited in my backyard. I was not surprised, therefore, when I later discovered that the organism is also known as dog vomit slime mold, an appropriate name to be sure. Others call it scrambled egg slime mold because…
Summers can be brutal, not just for humans but for gardens as well. Excessive temperatures can cause plants to be stressed, making them more susceptible to pests and diseases. High temperatures can also scorch plants and produce, resulting in lower yields. Thankfully, there is an affordable and efficient way to…
Why Disinfect Tools? Tools that have come into contact with diseased plants can transmit pathogens to other plants if not sanitized properly. Some may think that rinsing tools with water is enough to remove pathogens. But just as washing our hands with water does not remove bacteria, washing tools with…
Neem oil is derived from the neem tree, an evergreen shade tree that is indigenous to tropical India and South Asia. Although the oil can be extracted from all parts of the tree, the seed kernels contain the highest concentration. The usually yellow-brown oil has a pungent odor that some…
Containers are a great alternative to traditional in-ground or raised bed gardening. In addition, they are the perfect way to expand an existing garden when you run out of ground space or if you have limited growing space to begin with. (You can learn more about the advantages to growing…
One of the best ways to ensure that your garden gets off to a good start is to clean and disinfect all the seed trays, pots, containers, and other related items before the season begins. Some may wonder if this is necessary, considering that these items are just going to…
The winter season brings change to every garden. Cold temperatures cause some plants to go dormant, while other cold-hardy crops continue to grow. From time to time, the National Weather Service will issue advisories, watches, and warnings for winter weather events like a frost or a freeze. But what is…
For most gardens, the growing season will come to an end in either late fall or early winter, a fact that avid gardeners might not welcome, but one that we are better off accepting and planning for. Fortunately, there are certain things that we can do to protect our plants…
Which one is better for your garden, potting soil or potting mix? While the two terms are often used interchangeably, they do not refer to the same medium. The answer to which is better depends entirely on the purpose for which you are going to use it. This article will…
Let's face it. Sometimes gardening is hard work. The excitement and anticipation that was abundant in the spring are replaced with frustration and disappointment. Insect and disease pressure, not to mention the sweltering heat of summer, have diminished the harvest and the desire to garden. By the time August rolls…
