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Pest Damage ID Part 3: Who’s destroying my garden?

Creepy crawlies may come to mind first when we think about garden pests, but birds and mammals can sometimes cause us even more trouble. Damage from smaller critters might look like holes or discoloration. But when it comes to uprooted plants, heavily nibbled veggies or flowers, seeds snapped right up out of the ground, or…

Pest Damage ID Part 2: Who’s Discoloring My Leaves?

Pest damage isn’t always as obvious as holes in your leaves. In our last pest damage ID post, we covered the most common insect pests that chew or rasp away at plant leaves. This time, we’re taking a look at some more subtle culprits: those that suck the juices right out of your plants like…

Pest Damage ID Part 1: Who’s chewing holes in my leaves?

If you garden long enough, sooner or later some pest is going to break your heart. Maybe your freshly emerged seedlings will be mowed down to the ground, your favorite flowers will emerge twisted and discolored, or you’ll find an entire shrub defoliated in a matter of days. There are many wonderful and rewarding things…

Aphids: Natural Pest Management

Aphids are one of those ubiquitous pests that every gardener has to contend with. A handful of aphids won’t cause much damage, but their lightning-fast reproduction rates and tendency to gather can make them a cause for concern. But don’t reach for harsh pesticides yet! The good news is that there are lots of beneficial…

Natural Pest Management for Indoor Plants

Where there are plants, you can be certain there will be pesky creatures looking to munch on them. Unfortunately for indoor plant parents, this holds true even inside our homes. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared, and minimize any harm that may befall your plants. Where Do Indoor Pests Come From? Even if…

Bee Or Not a Bee? A Guide to Flying Garden Friends

Gardeners know how important bees are to our gardens and our planet, and most of us welcome the ones we recognize. But for all their popularity, bees remain misunderstood. Many people don’t realize just how diverse bees really are. Even many avowed bee-enthusiasts may only picture the classic black and yellow honey bees when…

Pest Prevention: Stop Problems Before They Start

around fifty aphids concentrated on a leaf

For natural pest prevention, early spring is the time to start!

Pests With Benefits: Give these critters a second chance

Just like many garden flora have a reputation as “weeds,” certain fauna are often labeled as “garden pests.” Some are vehemently accused of damaging our plants or wreaking havoc in our lawns. Some may pack a nasty bite or sting we can’t forget. A few unwelcome guests might even get a little too cozy in…

Five Pest-Eating Predatory Insects to Know and Love

Know before you squish — the bugs in your garden just might be helpful predatory insects! Some of these garden friends might look or even act a bit alarming, but ultimately they’re well worth having around. Once you know the difference between predatory insects and the herbivores that eat your plants, you’ll be able to…

Dormant Sprays for Fruit Trees: prevent pest problems now

For healthy fruit trees this summer, here’s what to do right now.