Invasive insect pests in home gardens and landscapes Story and Photos by Dr. Blake Layton When the first Americans arrived in North America, they brought non-native insect pests with them. Head lice and body lice were among the first of hundreds of species of non-native insect pests to invade our country and make it their …
A gardening tale of wonder and woe Story and Photos by Susan Jasan Living in the woods provides opportunities to observe and experience Nature’s creatures. It can also bring with it a variety of unexpected challenges for the gardener. Sometimes gardening in the woodlands is filled with wonder and amazement, other times it is exceedingly …
Keeping helpful birds around your garden is the best organic pest control Story and Photos by Kristi Cook Patience is a virtue, especially in the gardening world. I learned this lesson in a profound way one season while on a morning walk through the garden. As I scouted for disease and pests and checked the …
Caterpillars you are likely to run across at some time in your gardening career Story and Photos by Blake Layton, Ph.D. Where there are plants there are caterpillars. As an avid gardener, you are probably familiar with several species of caterpillars, particularly those that damage some of your favorite plants, such as tobacco hornworms, cabbage …
Can plants really repel mosquitoes? Story and Photos by Sue Hughes It’s summer, and that means war … on mosquitos! In 2014 Bill Gates called the mosquito “The Deadliest Animal in the World.” They carry a host of debilitating and often fatal diseases. Yes, we can douse ourselves with chemicals, light some incense, or plug …
How to use neem oil Story and Photography by Brittany May Neem oil is created by pressing the seeds and fruits of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), which is native to South Asia and India. Pure neem oil has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It is also a major ingredient in many …
How to get rid of these pesky diggers in your landscape By Karen Neill I know you won’t believe this, especially if you have moles tunneling through your landscape, but moles are actually somewhat beneficial in the landscape. They are probably tearing up your lawn in order to achieve this, but they do help with …
10 ways to keep critters out of your fruits and vegetables By A.J. Heinsz-Bailey The first vine-ripened tomato of the season is always the best. You have faithfully watered it, delicately weeded around the plant, and carefully inspected it every day. Tomorrow it will be ready for harvesting. The next morning, you enter the garden …
