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…
Leaf-footed bugs are members of the Coreidae family of insects, which are primarily sap-suckers. These strange pests are so named because of the leaf-shaped flair located on each hind leg. They are approximately 1/2" to 3/4" in length, not including their long antennae. The adults range in color from gray,…
Zucchini is one of my favorite vegetables to grow in my container garden. For one thing, it's a beautiful plant with giant green leaves and gorgeous yellow blossoms. Another reason is because this healthy veggie (it's a great source of vitamins C, B-6 and K, and manganese) is so versatile!…
What are Squash Bugs?Squash bugs. Those scary, prehistoric-looking insects that are the bane of gardens, large and small. True to their name, they prefer squash plants, such as yellow squash, acorn squash, crookneck squash, patty pan (scallop) squash, and zucchini. But these garden pests will also attack other cucurbits like…
