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Pests & Problems
Another new virus is killing roses throughout much of the United States. Learn how to spot the symptoms and project your roses against this deadly disease.Continue reading
Downy mildew strikes down impatiens
Wondering why your impatiens are dying? A deadly new strain of downy mildew disease is wiping out impatiens in many parts of the United States this summer. In 2012 it has spread quickly throughout much of the North and East, and also parts of the Southeast. Read on to find out more about the disease, what to watch for and what you should do in your garden.Continue reading
Keep deer from eating the landscape
Few animal pests do more landscape damage than the common deer. In a deer’s eye, that patch of hosta and grouping of foundation azaleas you just planted are a dinner buffet. How can deer and gardeners co-exist? Here are a few ideas.Continue reading
Fly problem? Sanitation, standing water could be the culprit
Few 'bugs' bug people more than flies. There are at least 16,000 species of true flies in North America. And, just one pair of flies can produce as many as 1 million offspring over a 6- to 8-week period. Sanitation is the leading strategy to cut down fly populations.Continue reading
Japanese beetles: Double trouble for gardeners
Assorted beetles account for 40% of the world’s insect population, but of the 350,000 known beetle species, it is the Japanese beetle that irks American gardeners most. Here's what you need to know to keep Japanese beetles under control.Continue reading
Plant “crime scene” investigation: Scouting for problems
So much can go wrong in a garden. The tough part for many gardeners is figuring out what’s causing, or nearly causing, a plant to fail. Because plants can’t point to where it hurts, you’ll need to diagnose differently: Instead of playing doctor, play detective.Continue reading
Keep rabbits from eating the landscape
Protect your food and ornamentals from those pesky (but cute!) cottontails with these helpful tips.Continue reading
Wilting plants? Could be heat, not drought
Wilting isn't always a sign that a plant isn't getting enough water. It could be flat-out hot temperatures.Continue reading
Check houseplants for creepy crawlers
If your house plants have yellow leaves, scraggily growth or other unhealthy symptoms, you might inspect for mealy bugs or fungus gnats. These are two common house plant pests, and here’s what you can do to control them. Continue reading
Fall clean-up reduces insects and diseases in the garden
Fall is the ideal time to clean-up the beds and prep them for winter. Removing plant debris exposes the soil surface to sun and cold terperatures, which help destroy any insects or diseases that may spend the winter harbored in leaves or fallen fruit. Continue reading
Aphids zap nutrients from plants
Some of the most common insects to attack plants in the landscape or indoors are aphids, tiny insects that suck juices from leaves, flowers, stems and fruit. A garden hose is your first weapon against these critters. Continue reading
