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…
Adding homemade compost to your vegetable garden is an important, cost-effective way to add organic matter to your soil. Compost improves soil structure, aids the soil in retaining moisture, improves drainage, adds beneficial microorganisms, as well as, macro and micronutrients, and can reduce the need to add fertilizer. In short,…
Learn the importance soil temperature plays in planting a garden, as well as how to determine your soil’s temperature. Plus, a chart is provided to help you know the optimum temperature range for a variety of vegetables seeds.
If plants in your garden have exhibited one or more signs of nitrogen deficiency, don’t worry, there are several measures you can take to remedy the situation. Before you begin, however, it would be wise to conduct a quick soil test to determine if you indeed have a deficiency. Testing the…
Nitrogen is one of three primary macronutrients plants need to survive. A lack of this vital nutrient can, among other things, disrupt the production of chlorophyll, cause defoliation, and ultimately lead to plant death. While it is helpful to know how to remedy this type of deficiency, it is also…