If you haven't seen a cabbage looper in person, just wait. It is a common pest and one of the easiest to identify in the home garden. The light green caterpillar (larva), found throughout North America and Mexico, has white stripes down its back and measures approximately 1 to 2…
Swiss chard, or chard as it is also called, is one of the most nutritious, low maintenance plants you can have in your garden. Not only is it easy to grow, but its beautiful foliage also adds vibrant color to any growing space. Swiss chard is similar to kale in…
The Green Lynx Spider is a beautiful, bright green arachnid with long legs. It is found in the southern United States, especially in the Gulf Coast region, as well as some locations in Northern California. It also lives in Mexico, Central America, Venezuela, Jamaica, and the West Indies. The spider…
Starting a garden can seem a bit intimidating. You may think that only those with a green thumb can grow a successful garden. But the truth is, having a productive garden has nothing to do with the color of your thumb. Rather, it has everything to do with having a…
Oregano is one of the most beloved herbs around the world. Its name stems from the Greek words oros, which means mountain, and ganos, which means joy. In other words, this herb is the joy of the mountain. Its aroma is amazing, and the taste compliments so many dishes, especially…
Spinach, Cucumber, and Basil SoupOne thing about living in a warmer climate is that you have to wait a long time for "soup weather." A seriously long time. Thankfully, there are some soups that we Southerners can eat during the warmer months that don't make us feel like we have…
Mealybugs are common pests that plague both indoor plants and outdoor gardens. Nymphs and adult mealybugs equally pose a threat because they suck the sap out of plants via their needle-like stylets, causing leaves to turn yellow and drop off. Flower buds and fruit are also at risk. What's more,…
Many people associate mealybugs with indoor plants. However, these small pests, which are related to scales and whiteflies, can also be found living outdoors in colonies on ornamental and vegetable plants where they can do significant damage by feeding on the sap. Their honeydew secretions add additional woes because it…
Okra is one of my favorite vegetables to grow. It's a fascinating plant that is heat tolerant, which is perfect for our warmer climate, and it has beautiful hibiscus-like flowers. Plus, its green finger-shaped pods can be prepared a number of ways, including grilled, roasted, fried, and stewed. Who doesn't…
As they say, looks can be deceiving. Such is the case for the cucumber beetle. This small, seemingly innocuous insect can cause tremendous damage to your garden. I'll show you how to identify the adult and larval stages, as well as how to control, and possibly even prevent, these pesky…