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…
Thrips are tiny insects with slender bodies that are difficult to see without a magnifying glass. They measure a mere 1/25th to 1/50th of an inch long and vary in color from pale yellow to brown to black. Even though they have two sets of fringed wings, they are not…
Peppers are edible at any stage of development. Case in point, green bell peppers are technically not ripe, yet they are used in many cuisines. A pepper is considered ripe when its seeds are mature. This stage is often accompanied by a change in color that results from the breakdown of…
Peppers, whether sweet or spicy, are often a favorite crop of gardeners. It is a wonderful feeling when you can harvest beautiful, ripe peppers that rival and even surpass those found in grocery stores. But occasionally, you may discover that some of your peppers are deformed or misshapen. When this…
Portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora), also known as moss rose, is a beautiful, flowering succulent native to South America. The leaves are narrow and somewhat pointed, and they resemble a succulent version of rosemary leaves. The annual boasts single or double blooms that vary in color depending on the variety. The ruffled…
If you are like many gardeners, growing peppers and tomatoes is the highlight of the growing season. Thus, it's no wonder why it is so frustrating when they do not flourish. They may grow well at first, but, at some point, the growth is stunted, and they never quite reach…
The squash beetle or squash lady beetle (Epilachna borealis) is a member of the ladybug (ladybird) family and is most often found in the eastern part of the US. They measure approximately 7 to 10 mm (0.27 to 0.39 inches) and have a bright yellow to orange domed body with black spots.…
Those who love growing tomatoes can attest to the frustration one feels when flowers fall off before they develop fruit. The condition, also known as blossom drop, can affect other members of the nightshade family as well, including peppers. What causes this frustrating phenomenon? Here are the top seven reasons…
Discover the top 10 reasons why tomato leaves curl and how to treat this common problem. Okra In My Garden
If you are looking for a beautiful, flowering shrub that is heat-tolerant, look no further. The Texas Star Hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus) meets this criteria and more! A native of the Southern United States and the Pacific Coast, this low-maintenance hibiscus is hardy in zones 7 through 11. It may die back…