What Are Pickleworms? Pickleworms [Diaphania nitidalis] feed on cucurbits, which includes all types of cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, and melons. Their life cycle is approximately one month. Overlapping generations occur. Their minute eggs are white when deposited on the buds, flowers, and other portions of the plant, but change to yellow after the first day. They … Read more
What are Leafrollers? Leafrollers are small greenish to green/brown caterpillars (moth larvae) that feed on leaves, buds, and fruit. They’re the worm in your apple (Or 1/2 worm as the case may be). They are a common problem on fruit trees and ornamental trees, occasionally on vegetable garden plants, but rarely. Some of the more … Read more
If you think you may be suffering from a cabbage looper infestation, the first step is to confirm that cabbage loopers are present. Below we will help you identify cabbage loopers and if it is indeed what is invading your garden, help you control and eliminate the unwanted pests. Identifying Cabbage Loopers Trichoplusia ni, otherwise … Read more
Discovered in the well water of Epsom, England, from which the name “Epsom” salts is derived it has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of ailments, of people, animals and plants. Epsom salt is comprised of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen and in gardening, it is used to correct a magnesium or sulfur … Read more
Spider mites are the bane of any home gardener’s plant collection. Spider mite infestations can often make succulents unhealthy (or even kill them within days), and if you leave an infestation unchecked, it can quickly spread from one plant to another. Fortunately, with a little preventative care and a bit of ingenuity, preventing and treating … Read more
What is Edema and What Causes it? Edema, also known as Oedema, is [caused by] an irregular, abnormal, excessive water retention by plants. It is generally the result of environmental factors, such as heavy rains and wet weather sometimes coupled with over -watering by over-attentive gardeners. The plants basically become bloated and gorged with moisture. … Read more
Most varieties of Beetles feed on developing crops and are harmful in garden soils. Although there are a small handful that are beneficial, they are a rare exception. Identifying which beetles are attacking your garden is the first step in controlling them. Preventive measures can include permaculture tactics such as companion planting as well as … Read more
Called cucumber mosaic because it was first discovered in cucumbers in the early 20th Century. CMV actually effects over 1200 plant species including cucumbers and related squash, melons and curcubits, tomatoes, Peppers and related plants and nearly all commonly grown vegetable and ornamental garden plants. In fact, it has the widest host range of any … Read more
Blossom end rot is caused by a calcium deficiency. Calcium Deficiency in garden plants can also cause yellowing, pale and curling leaves, and stunted growth. Nightshades such as tomatoes, eggplant and pepper as well as curcubits and melons are more prone to blossom end rot than other crops. Generally the first visible sign of blossom … Read more
Garlic is known to be a useful all natural organic pest control. It doesn’t kill the little buggers, it just keeps them away. It’s not harmful to other crops or beneficial insects such as pollinating bees or lady bugs. Garlic is a cost effective and fairly simple garden hack for pest control. Companion Planting Garlic … Read more