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
In recent years, gardeners have become increasingly frustrated by the emergence of superbugs – pests that have developed a natural resistance to pesticides. Insects are among the most adaptable, rendering many chemical insecticides useless. Additionally, chemical solutions tend to harm beneficial critters and sometimes even the plants they’re used on. Thankfully, natural remedies remain effective, … Read more
Neem oil is generally considered one of the safest, most useful natural insecticides on the market. In its purest form, it is literally the oils extracted from cold-pressing various parts of Azadirachta indica, especially the seeds. Pure Neem oil contains several active compounds, the most important of which is Azadirachtin. Azadirachtin interferes with an insect’s … Read more
The flowers on Hibiscus trees are gorgeous, short-lived, and tasty when made into an herbal tea. But if you begin to notice growing populations of winged bugs on the undersides of leaves and around your plants, you may be dealing with white flies on hibiscus. White flies on hibiscus can feed on your leaves and … Read more
Hibiscus is a common plant with almost 300 different varieties. The Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis is the most common variety found in garden centers and nurseries. Its beautiful flowers can add a tropical, exotic flair to the garden or home. The flowers send us on a trip to Hawaii with hula dancers with a hibiscus in their … Read more
Caterpillars can quickly decimate a vegetable crop. Controlling caterpillars takes a combination of prevention, avoidance, monitoring and suppression. It is the only way to successfully battle caterpillars. Natural Ways to Control Caterpillars Many people reach for chemicals to get rid of caterpillars. But there are some natural steps to add to your caterpillar control system. … Read more