In the Pacific Northwest, where the rose has won international acclaim for its size, beauty, and case of culture, there are two major fungus diseases and four persistent pests (of the insect type) which demand the attention of rose growers. Two Major Fungus Diseases Let us take the fungus diseases first. Mildew and black spot … Read more
Garden chemicals are available in greater numbers this year than ever before. Years ago insecticides and plant growth regulators were introduced for home use. Most of the “old reliables” are not around to help make gardening more enjoyable and more successful. Malathon Insecticide Malathon is perhaps the most crucial “old timer” for insect and mite … Read more
There’s good news in the war on garden pests: the struggle grows easier by the season. Thanks to recent improvements in spraying and dusting equipment, you can go forward to battle assured of winning with a minimum of effort. New designs make garden spraying and dusting practically a push-button job. And even if you are … Read more
Sufferers from the painful, itchy skin and eruptions caused by poison ivy spend many miserable hours. To avoid this, it is most important to identify this plant, all-too-often found in gardens, as well as in the woods and along roadways over a large part of the country. Seeds dropped by birds cause young plants to … Read more
Fungi cause the majority of plant diseases. The chemicals which kill or inhibit fungi are called fungicides. Fungicides protect seeds from decay and tender seedlings from damping-off, seedling blights, and smuts. Fungicide sprays and dust ward off the following diseases, such as: Leaf spots Blights Scabs Mildews Rusts Anthracnose Smuts and many others Soil applications … Read more
The colorful array of pesticides in cans, packages, bombs, or bottles seen in horticultural supply and hardware stores must be confusing to the average gardener—perhaps even frightening. In addition to the problem of choosing the right one for his particular trouble, he must also wonder about all the warnings and precautions printed on the labels. … Read more
Several readers share how they handled their most serious pests in the garden. Charlotte Parrish We moved into our new village home right after the lawn had been turned over, graded, seeded, and thousands of bulbs planted in the beds. Ground moles from miles around moved in the same day. During the night, we could … Read more
Gardeners this season can take a new approach to knock off some of the marauding insects in the garden. In a miniature version of germ warfare, they can spread a plague among the caterpillars. Although biological control of insects is not new, it has never been compared to various poisons to control insect pests. To … Read more
There’s a long list of reasons why you should avoid chemical insecticides. Superbugs, risks to beneficial insects, and other consequences often outweigh the benefits. However, neem oil is a natural alternative that has proven effective against a wide range of pests while posing minimal risk. When applied as a soil soak, this already amazing extract … Read more
Hibiscus trees and bushes is one of the most popular plants, and for a good reason. Their beautiful flowers, though short-lived, add an exotic touch to any garden or house plant collection. When cared for properly, they are also easy to grow. A member of the mallow family, the hibiscus is a warm-weather flower native … Read more