Despite headlines of the past year detailing misuse of pesticides, most gardeners realize that some chemical control of plant pests is still necessary for plant health. If the headlines scare us into: … that is all to the good. But suppose the headlines scare us into giving up all garden use of chemicals and cause … Read more
To save or not to save, that is the question. Should we put aside the amazing collection of partly filled boxes, bottles, and sacks of pesticides accumulated for another garden season, or should we discard them? The answer depends upon how much storage space is available, how much money is invested, and the quantity and … Read more
Efficient spray equipment and power-packed pest controls are ours for the asking, yet despite them, we spend more effort protecting our plants from pests than our forefathers ever did. Many of our pest problems have been solved thanks to technical knowledge and skill. But there are many reasons why we can’t wipe out all pests … Read more
White, woolly patches on the trunks, branches, and twigs of white pines are caused by pine bark aphids, which may also attack Scotch and Austrian pines and an occasional Balsam fir. The aphids are dark brown and covered with a woolly protective coat. When severe infestations, a whole tree trunk may appear white, and white … Read more
In May, everything happens with a rush, plants push out tender new foliage, and gardeners get the urge to sow seeds and to transplant. But warm showers and balmy days also stir the uninvited guests in the garden to activity—the bugs with their voracious appetites and assorted blights. What can you do about them? Put … Read more
Whether you apply insecticides and fungicides as sprays, dust, mists, or aerosols, all parts of the plant must be covered for effective control. Fine Cone-Shaped Spray A fine cone-shaped spray under constant pressure is best, and a tong spray gun with an adjustable nozzle that can be turned up enables you to wet the undersides … Read more
Malnutrition in human beings is considered a disease. But, for some reason, we do not think in the same terms as plants. Most gardeners feel that if a plant lacks some element, such as nitrogen, all that is needed is to supply the missing dement. Although partially true, this is only partially accurate. For example, … Read more
If you keep a watchful eye for signs of trouble and have a well-stocked pesticide shelf to draw upon at a moment’s notice, insects and diseases will have difficulty trying to conquer your garden. Here are some of the most common pests to watch for and some precautionary measures to take for a pest-free vegetable … Read more
Insects are not spontaneous. Those which suddenly attack your garden plants have probably been hiding during the winter. Some hibernate as eggs on dry plant stems, some as worms in cells in the soil or under leaves, and others as adult beetles, moths, or flies in piles of plant debris. With warm weather in the … Read more
Question: What is wrong with my raspberry bushes? Some of the leaves have turned dark green and curled. They bloom and produce berries, but the berries never fully develop. At first, only one or two were like this, but every season more are affected. Answer: This sounds like leaf curl, a virus disease that causes … Read more