Spider mites are not insects. Instead, they are members of the arachnid family, as are spiders and ticks. They are so small that they are difficult to see without a magnifying glass. While they are almost invisible, the damage they inflict is not. This garden pest feeds on the leaves…
Perhaps the last thing we would associate with the diminutive red beetle with the black spots is a sexually transmitted disease. But believe it or not, ladybugs, or ladybirds and lady beetles as they are also sometimes called, can contract a disease that is transmitted during copulation. As it turns…
Marigolds are one of the easiest flowers to grow. They are perfect for beginner gardeners, although experienced gardeners will love them also. In addition to being easy to grow, they are low maintenance, hardy, and beautiful! The yellow, gold, orange, or maroon blossoms, show off their warm hues from spring to fall.…
Rosemary is a beautiful, fragrant herb that originated in the Mediterranean. Like lavender, thyme, oregano, and basil, it is a member of the mint family. This low-maintenance shrub has slender, needle-like leaves that grow on woody stems. It can reach between two and six feet (.6 and 1.8 meters) tall and…
Lush, green carrots tops are not always a sign that the root is developing properly beneath the soil. On the contrary, while the tops look healthy and vibrant, the roots can be stunted, forked, twisted, or otherwise deformed. It can be disappointing and frustrating to wait 75 to 80 days…
Dirt cheap is an idiom people use when they want to express how inexpensive something is. The idea is that since dirt is plentiful, it must be cheap. Ironically, good, quality dirt is not cheap. If you have purchased organic potting soil or potting mix lately, then you know this to be…
Nematodes are microscopic roundworms categorized as either predatory or parasitic. Predatory nematodes hunt down garden pests, like cutworms and squash vine borers, and are considered beneficial by gardeners. On the other hand, parasitic nematodes, like root knot nematodes, feed on plant roots and cause considerable crop damage.Root knot nematodes attack…
Bean rust is a fungal disease that attacks legumes, like black-eyed peas, purple hull peas, green beans, pole beans, fava beans, snow peas, snap peas, etc. The spores, which spread easily, can affect all parts of the plant, including the leaves, pods, stems, and shoots. Rust fungi have a complicated life…
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…
The spotted lanternfly may not be an insect that is familiar to many of us, but it soon could be. This beautiful but destructive pest is an invasive species that is native to China, India, Vietnam, and eastern Asia. It was first observed in the United States in Pennsylvania in…