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
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
Neem oil aka Bioneem is a safe, eco-friendly non-toxic pesticide and fungicide for use by home gardeners. It is a non-chemical alternative acceptable in organic gardens, and for commercial applications. Documented Benefits of Neem Oil Neem acts as a growth regulator interrupting the insect’s growth cycle resulting in its death. Its active ingredient has very … Read more
Powdery Mildew should be familiar to anyone who has perpetrated a vegetable garden for more than a few seasons. It is a powdery white / off white residue that appears on many different plants but is particularly fond of pumpkin, Squash, cucumbers and melon, curcubits. Other fruits, vegetables and herbs are also afflicted. Powdery mildew … Read more
An old Urban legend states that adding aspirin to the water in Christmas Trees will help to keep them subtle and fresh. Aspirin contains salicylic acid which is produced by many plants in response to bacterial and pathogenic attacks. Salicylic acid found in aspirin helps prevent the growth of microorganisms. Being an acid it also … Read more