Both farmers and home gardeners are likely to find cover cropping a valuable practice. Sowing dense, fast-growing plants to cover fallow soil helps to control weed growth and inhibit erosion. The decaying plants improve soil structure and replenish nutrients. Read on and learn if it is beneficial to rotate cover crops.
Roses add an inviting touch of romance to a landscape. Be sure to keep yours in top form by pruning the right way at the right time. Did you know that you can adjust the quantity and size of blossoms by varying your cutting technique? Learn this and more with 5 pruning tips in this guide. Read more.
Fruit flies love fruits, no surprise there. One species targets rotting produce indoors, and another ruins perfectly healthy fruit in the garden by laying eggs inside the sweet flesh. This guide covers everything you need to know about these tiny, brown, red-eyed flies and strategies you can use to control them. Read more.
Did you know that appearance, disease, growth stage, and more reveal what nutrients plants need? Like us, plants need a wide range of nutrients, and they can gain them from many sources. Learn how to master plant nutrients, diagnose deficiencies, and restore balance here at Gardener’s Path!
Want to use eggshells in your garden? Learn the best techniques for breaking them down in your compost and using them as a soil amendment. And find out the truth about whether eggshells really repel garden pests. To learn more about turning eggshells into garden amendments instead of landfill waste, read more now.
If you want to grow boysenberries, you’ll need to know how to propagate them. There are various different methods: from planting bare roots and nursery starts, to cloning your own by taking cuttings, tip layering, sucker transplants, and root division. You’ll be on your way to a berry patch filled with fruit in no time.
Have you noticed little dark-colored flies hanging around your plants? If you’ve had trouble identifying which of the common nuisance insects they are, you may have noticed fungus gnats and shore flies are difficult to tell apart. From how they fly to how the larvae look, here’s how you can distinguish between the two.
Trap crops are plants that are more attractive to pest insects than your crops are, luring the bad bugs away from your vegetables, fruits, and flowers, and preventing damage. Once on these decoys, the pests are easy to find and kill, meaning less insecticides are needed. Read more about trap cropping in this guide.
Want to grow tomatoes from seed? It’s easy to start these delicious summer vegetables from the comfort of home, and then transplant them to your garden. We explain when to start and what you’ll need, with step by step instructions. Learn how to start your own seeds and harvest a bumper crop of juicy ripe tomatoes now.
If you have only a small outdoor space and want to grow your own vegetables, container gardening is the perfect solution. Not sure where to begin? This guide will give you all you need to get started, including choosing and prepping containers, selecting appropriate plants, and routine care of your crops. Read more now.
Succulents are funky and fun to grow, especially in the trendy and functional containers we’ve gathered for you. Read on to discover 7 of our favorite pots and planters, plus key growing tips and a foolproof design scheme. Learn how to show off your water-wise plant collection now, right here on Gardener’s Path.
Houseplants and fungus gnats go hand in hand, but one of them is not welcome in your home. Though usually just a nuisance insect, the larvae can turn from feeding on organic matter to chewing on plant roots. This guide covers everything you need to know about these tiny flies and strategies you can use to control them.
Late winter can be extremely dreary as we wait for the color, life, and joy of spring to return. But you can bring spring along early by forcing tree and shrub branches to blossom indoors. The process isn’t difficult, but there are a few tricks you should know to ensure that you can bring forth those cheery blossoms.
Whether you’re considering an in-ground sprinkler system, buried reservoirs, soaker hoses, or drip irrigation, get expert advice about the benefits of each and learn how they can help to maintain moisture levels in the home landscape. Read more about irrigation methods for home gardeners now on Gardener’s Path.
Powdery mildew is a chronic problem in temperate climates throughout the world. Fortunately, it does not usually kill its hosts, but it can debilitate them. You can treat this fungal infection with a range of certified organic products and homemade treatments. Read more now to learn how to use these remedies in your garden.
Viburnums are versatile, low-maintenance shrubs that are usually disease-free, but under certain conditions, you may face issues. Many of these are fungal in nature, causing damage that is merely cosmetic, though others may be more serious. Learn how to identify and treat common viburnum diseases in this guide. Read more.
Need an alternative to grass under a shady tree? Do you have a slope that’s hard to mow? Ground cover plants offer a low-maintenance alternative to the carpets of lawn to which we have become accustomed. Learn about 15 of the best flowering ground covers for your unique property in this guide. Read more now.
Did you know that not all insects are pests? Many beneficial varieties may already be living in your gardens, helping to control populations of bugs that enjoy feasting on veggies, herbs, and flowers. Read on to discover who your friends are, and how to encourage them to work and thrive in your yard.
A cascade bonsai is a dramatic work of art that evokes the windswept trees that cling to life on the edges of a cliff. Creating one requires skill and patience, but you don’t need decades of practice to master making a cascade, or shaping your tree without leaving a mark. Get started now with this guide. Read more.
Fresh alfalfa sprouts or microgreens grown at home are healthy and tasty. In the cold months, they’re a welcome source of fresh produce. And this indoor gardening project is simple enough for beginners and kids, with results in days. Here are the basic how-to’s, along with advice on food safety and some recipe ideas.
Pothos plants are extremely straightforward to propagate. They lend themselves well to cloning via cuttings or dividing. Seeds, on the other hand, are a different proposition. If you’re curious about how to make lots of healthy new pothos babies, this guide shows you what you should know, and what doesn’t work.
Pruning a bonsai well requires equal parts technical skill and artistic vision. You need to know how to prune the plant without damaging it so you can bring the living piece of art that you dream of to life. In this guide, we’ll help you to achieve both goals with a little bit of technical and creative guidance.
Norfolk Island pine trees are in the spotlight during the Christmas holiday season, but they make easy-care houseplants all year long. And if you want more of these conifers, they aren’t hard to propagate either. There are a few different methods you can use to propagate these trees – keep reading to learn more.
It’s hard to overstate how important having healthy soil is to raising robust bonsai. Without a good foundation, bonsai can’t thrive. Creating your own bonsai substrate isn’t difficult or expensive, but it can make all the difference to your plant. Learn what comprises a healthy substrate and how to create your own.
Pruning junipers the right way takes a bit of finesse and know-how. If you do it wrong, you can end up with a sad-looking skeleton of a plant, rather than a robust shrub that adds to your garden. You need to know when, how, and which branches to prune if you want to keep your plant healthy and looking good. Read more.
For inexpensive succulent houseplants that grow quickly and are easy to care for, learn to root aloe vera cuttings from single leaves or divide pups from parent plants. The gel from the leaves soothes burns, and the starts you propagate make great gifts for indoor gardeners. Learn how to propagate aloe in this guide.
Flowers in the Viola genus – violets, violas, and pansies – are some of the easiest flowers to grow. So why not grow them indoors? Extend the growing season or simply add some cheer to your indoor window sills by planting and growing violets as houseplants. We’ll cover all you need to know in this guide. Read more now.
With generous panicles of beautiful, fragrant flowers, the allure of lilacs is powerful. If you don’t have the space for a mature, 30-foot specimen, a good option is to grow dwarf varieties in containers – a smart solution for decks, patios, and other small spaces. Learn how to grow lilacs in pots and planters here.
Hardly a garden vegetable is safe from the hungry moth larvae known as beet armyworms. They chew leaves, burrow into crowns, and can kill seedlings. This guide covers everything you need to know about Spodoptera exigua, including their life cycle, preferred food, and a variety of strategies you can use to control them.
Cover crops are easy, low maintenance plantings that produce fast, effective improvements to your garden soil. Among the many benefits, they prevent erosion, cycle important nutrients, improve soil texture, provide mulch, break pest cycles, and suppress weeds. Here are 15 of the best cover crops for the home garden.
Are your chestnut trees looking a little, shall we say, under the weather? Maybe you’ve noticed wilting leaves, or nuts that rot in their shells. Learn how to identify, prevent, and manage five common diseases that may afflict chestnut trees, with recommendations for selecting resistant varieties. Read more now.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-grow beginner bonsai plant that can stay indoors all year long, dracaenas fit the bill. That’s because they’re simple to care for and undemanding when it comes to light, food, and water, even inside your home – perfect if you’re just dipping your toe into the art of bonsai. Read more.
Want to grow your own chestnut trees? A variety of insects and other types of wildlife would adore the opportunity to much on a leaf, or a tasty nut in the fall. Read our guide now to learn which pests to be on the lookout for, and how to prevent or control an infestation and protect your hard-earned harvest.
Mosaic viruses are more common in cabbages than you might think, with some estimates saying 10% of plants are infected. There’s no cure, and mosaic virus can spread – and completely ruin your crop. That’s why prevention is so important, and knowing what to watch for is essential. #cabbage #mosaicvirus #gardenerspath
Whether your goal is to grow just one tree or enough to fill an orchard, like most fruit trees, pomegranates grow best via certain propagation methods. Learn which tried and true techniques can produce plants that are clones of the parent plant, and how results may vary. Then give them a try at home! Read more now.
If you don’t know how to manage an outbreak of Cercospora leaf spot, it can ruin not only this year’s beet crop, but those for years to come. It renders beet greens inedible and can affect neighboring vegetables in the garden, like chard and spinach. Read on to learn how to deal with this destructive fungal condition.
Want to grow your own fresh fruit, or are you looking for a fun project to do with the kids? Pomegranates can be grown from seed, producing variable but potentially worthwhile results. In the right climate, they can be grown outdoors in the ground or a container, or brought inside to overwinter. Read more now.
Your garden is full of pests waiting to chomp on your Swiss chard. Before you can nab your harvest to use it in the kitchen, bugs like aphids, blister beetles, and cutworms are creeping around, just waiting for the opportunity to strike. A little knowledge and the right tools are all you need to prevail. Read more.
Are you looking for a vibrant new plant for the house or garden that’s a cut above the rest? Consider Persian shield, a unique tropical variety with amazing, iridescent purple leaves. Learn all about this exceptional tropical plant in this guide. Read more now.
Homegrown Swiss chard does double duty with its beautiful stems and incredible flavor. But disease can ruin its appealing appearance and its fantastic flavor, denying you the harvest you’ve worked so hard for. A little prevention goes a long way, but if disease still takes hold, there are things you can do. Read more.
Coneflowers are pretty darn tough. They can withstand a lot, including drought and most pests and diseases. But when problems impact your echinacea, you want to take swift action to protect your precious plants. This guide shows you what to watch out for, how to prevent these issues, and what to do if they turn up.
Pest infestation and disease are unfortunately common among fruit trees, though pomegranates manage to dodge a large number of both. While you’ll need to remain vigilant for signs of distress, you can treat many common issues that may arise. Learn what to look for and how to intervene to help your pomegranates thrive.
You may have already learned many great companion plant combinations, but do you understand the science behind why they work? From controlling pests to preventing soil erosion, companion planting is a key element among organic backyard gardening practices. Read our guide on the benefits of companion planting now.
Bonsai is where horticulture meets art, and practitioners strive to capture nature in a miniature display. If you’re new to bonsai, you might be curious about where it came from and what it takes to create your own. This guide will fill you in on everything a beginner needs to know to get started. Read more.
Are leafy greens with bug holes okay to eat? They might be, but this is not the case if mammals have been nibbling on your crop. Shockingly, eating a raw slug or snail can also impact your health in rare cases. Read more now to learn when it is okay to eat greens from the garden that have been damaged by insects.
Have you considered planting native wildflowers in your garden or yard? Using a palette of well-adapted plants, you can design and grow a local wildflower landscape to fit your gardening style and growing conditions. Find the best tips on how to plan and plant your own unique, native wildflower garden in this guide.
If you’re growing lettuce for fresh salads, there’s nothing more frustrating than finding your crop has been ruined by disease. From bacteria to viruses, there are a number of potential pathogens to contend with. In this guide, we take a look at some common lettuce diseases and offer tips for prevention. Read more now.
Cover crops aren’t just for farmers. They’re easy, economical, and efficient for the home garden too. With many benefits, they’re a smart, natural method of protecting the soil, improving its structure, and increasing nutrients all at the same time. Learn how and when to plant cold weather cover crops. Read more now.
Any pests in the garden can be a real pain, but especially those that target cabbage, as they can destroy your crop and spread to other brassicas and garden plants. The list of animals and insects to be on the lookout for is quite lengthy, so it’s best to be prepared to deal with them expeditiously once they appear.
If you love the pungent evergreen foliage of rosemary but don’t live in the right growing zone to enjoy it year-round and are forced to let the plants die each winter, why not grow them indoors in containers instead? These easy-care plants make excellent indoor garden herbs. Learn how to grow your own in this guide.
No garden space? No problem! You can grow dwarf and mid-size varieties of sunflowers in pots or planters. This guide includes the best container growing tips and techniques. Choose the top sunflowers, a full sun spot, and sow wisely, and soon you’ll have your own pot of golden flowers for seed or floral arrangements.
Crown rot can appear out of nowhere and cause your plants to collapse, or even die. While the symptoms are usually similar, various pathogens can cause this ailment. Identifying the specific pathogen involved can help you to treat or prevent crown rot disease. Learn how to tell these pathogens apart in this guide.
No one wants to lose their harvest to pathogens. Brussels sprout diseases can range from cosmetic to deadly, and knowing which is which and how to deal with them is key to a successful harvest. This guide helps you handle the most common diseases, and includes tips on how to avoid them in the first place. Read more.
As any adult knows, brussels sprouts are absolutely marvelous. Sadly, pests seem to agree. They won’t hesitate to take a nibble out of your plants. Not only can they threaten your harvest by harming your sprouts, they can spread diseases too. Don’t let it happen to you. We’ll show you how to identify and stop them.
Soggy breakdown disorder is a particular problem in Honeycrisp apples, and the fruit can be hiding this issue even though it looks fine on the outside. Read more now to learn how to prevent soggy breakdown in your homegrown harvest by conditioning the fruit before storing it at the proper temperature.
Hostas grow well in containers, so why not grow them in compact places where you might not be able to otherwise? A potted plant makes a statement in the garden or on a patio. There are just a few tips you need to know in order to make these popular plants thrive in pots. Read our guide to learn more.
Have you noticed that your potted camellia is losing leaves, dropping blooms, or generally looking unhealthy? There are several potential causes, but fortunately, most are easy to address when caught early and dealt with quickly. Learn about the most common problems and how to fix them fast. Read more now.
Broccoli is delicious and nutritious, which is no doubt why it’s so popular in home gardens. The trouble is that pathogens seem to love broccoli as much as we do. Whether it’s fungi that will ruin the foliage or bacteria that can wipe your plant out, there are lots of problems to watch for. These are the most common.
Woolly aphids are plant-sucking insects that cover themselves with a fluffy, waxy coating, making them look like little cotton balls. They feed on shrubs and trees, and are mainly a cosmetic concern. This guide covers everything you need to know about these pests, including the strategies you can use to control them.
White grubs, also known as grub worms, are beetle larvae that feed on plant roots. They are especially problematic for our lush green lawns, and they can be hard to control. This guide will help you learn all you need to know about these pests, including identification, monitoring, and the available control methods.
Cauliflower is a cool-weather cole crop that can be temperamental, even under the best of circumstances. When insects feed on it, a whole new set of challenges arises. Read on to discover nine of the most common cauliflower pests that feed on foliage, heads, and roots, and learn about effective treatment options.
Diatomaceous earth is a wondrous powder made from the crushed bodies of prehistoric fossils, with many modern garden uses! Get tips for application as a natural pesticide. Plus, learn how to use it in your home and on your poultry flock in this guide from Gardener’s Path.
Despite the hardiness of most Dracaena plants, these houseplants are susceptible to infections that cause their stems to turn black. This is usually due to fungal root rots that occur from overwatering. Read more now to learn how to diagnose black stems on Dracaena and what to do with an infected plant.
Are you struggling to combat a squash bug infestation in the garden? Anasa tristis is a pesky insect that resembles a stink bug in its adult stage, and these pests can cause damage and wilting in your squash plants and other edibles. In this guide we offer tips that can help to save your cucurbit harvest. Read more now.
A garden favorite, irises add elegant beauty and fragrance wherever they’re planted. Upright and clump forming, they look terrific in beds, borders, and containers. But to keep plants vibrantly flowering, they benefit from regular division every three or four years. Learn how to divide and transplant irises now.
Caterpillars, beetles, aphids, and more are all waiting for a chance to chomp on your broccoli plants. While some pests are just a nuisance, others can kill your broccoli before you get a chance to harvest and enjoy it. We’ll help you to identify, manage, and prevent infestation by the most common broccoli pests.
During population outbreaks, gypsy moth caterpillars, with their colorful spots and skin-irritating fuzz, chew on and can defoliate trees and shrubs. Our guide covers all you need to know about these pests, including their biology, natural enemies, and the strategies you can use to prevent infestation and control them.
Want to spruce up your indoor decor? Houseplants are the way to go! Enhance living spaces with pet-safe varieties that are easy to maintain – and that may help to eliminate airborne toxins. Discover five potted beauties that are sure to refresh your surroundings – read more now on Gardener’s Path.
Peach twig borers (Anarsia lineatella) start by infesting the shoots of stone fruit and almond trees, moving on to the fruit once it matures. These insects can cause serious losses, and aggressive control measures may be necessary to eradicate them. Read on to learn how to identify and control this pernicious garden pest.
Lace bugs, with their intricately designed wings, feed on trees, shrubs, and grasses, and are mainly a cosmetic concern. But when it comes to ornamentals, their damage can be ugly. This guide covers everything you’ll need to know about these strange looking pests, including the strategies you can use to control them.
Root weevils are snout beetle larvae that feed on a host of common garden plant roots, especially ornamentals. The long-nosed adults also snack on plant leaves, causing cosmetic damage. This guide will help you to learn all you need to know about these pests and the strategies you can use to control them. Read more.
Every type of peach (as well as almond and apricot) is susceptible to phony peach disease, which results in compact bushy trees that stop producing fruit. There is no cure, and you will have to destroy your tree if it’s infected. Read more now to find out how you can prevent this insidious disease from affecting your home orchard.
Adult whiteflies and their nymphs are tiny plant-sucking insects that cause speckles, yellowing, and leaf drop. They are notorious pests of vegetables and some ornamentals, and can vector serious viral diseases. Learn all you need to know about these insects and the variety of control options available to you now.
Dealing with scale in the garden? These minute, ancient insects can cause major stress to some plants by sucking out their vital nutrients. Typically kept in check by their natural enemies, ecological disruption can lead to unexpected infestations. Learn about the varieties of scale and pest management techniques now.
Root maggots are small fly larvae that tunnel into the roots of a variety of common garden plants, such as cabbage and onions, causing wilting, chlorosis, and root rot, and ruining harvests. Learn all you need to know about the species you might find, the crops they attack, and the control options available to you now.
Want to bring the prairie beauty of echinacea to your patio? Coneflowers are a sturdy staple of flower gardens across the US, with their stand-out shape and color. We’ll help you learn how to grow coneflowers in containers so you can enjoy these fetching flowers even if you only have a tiny spot on a balcony.
Late blight can rapidly devastate entire tomato crops under favorable conditions. Experts advise checking plants at least twice a week to monitor for this infection, and you can consult local resources to find out if it is active in your area. Read more to learn what to look for and how to prevent late blight.
The “rose of winter,” camellias are well known for their winter blooms. But when you lack space in your yard or temperatures in your region dip too low, you might miss out – unless your camellia is in a container that can be moved indoors in cold snaps and pruned to keep it compact, opening up some new possibilities.
If you’re growing lettuce it can sometimes feel as though all the animals and insects in the neighborhood want to share your homegrown harvest. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common lettuce pests, both large and small, and provide tips on how to identify the culprits, prevent, and control them. Read more now.
Although bergenia is a low maintenance plant that is rarely bothered by pests, there are exceptions. Black vine weevils can chew notches on the leaves and damage the roots. Slugs can be a problem in plants that have decaying leaves on them. Read on to learn how to control these pests on your bergenia plants.
Also known as cornflowers, bachelor’s buttons are fairly simple to grow from seed when you follow these instructions. They’re pretty and practical, great for edible blooms, container gardening, and attracting pollinators. This tried-and-true seed-sowing advice will help you get more blooms and avoid rookie mistakes.
Smuts are fungi that ruin crops like corn, rice, wheat, and onions, as well as lawns and ornamentals. They are characterized by growths called galls, and foliar and fruit disfigurement. In this article we discuss different types of smut fungus and ways to avoid them in the home garden. Read on for all you need to know.
Although bergenia typically resists disease, specialized fungi can attack these plants. The most common disease is anthracnose, which can cause spots on the leaves and stems, and more rarely, crown or rhizome rot. Fortunately leaf spots are treatable. Read on to learn how to recognize and control diseases in bergenia.
Leaf miners are tiny larvae that burrow between leaf layers, leaving behind silvery tunnels filled with dark frass – especially unattractive and unappetizing on ornamentals and leafy greens. Learn everything you need to know about these miniscule immature insects and the variety of control options available to you.
Lots of plants can be propagated by saving the seeds and planting them the following year, and fuchsias are no exception. Did you know that those little berries that stay behind when the flowers fall contain the seeds of the plant? This guide will show you how to harvest and store them for planting later. Read more.
Wriggly masses of tent caterpillars on a tree can be a pretty scary sight. Not only can they completely defoliate a tree, but they look like something out of a horror film. This guide will help you learn how to identify and get rid of these common pests, but it also explains why you might want to leave them be instead.
Even though most wasps are harmless and beneficial, the few aggressive, social species out there give the group a bad name. When they decide to build a nest near your home or garden, you may decide to eliminate them. Learn all you need to know about how to identify problem species and the control options available now.
Spider mites are common unwelcome pests that suck on foliage, leaving light-colored spots and covering plants with ugly webbing. Luckily, there are a lot of mites and insects that love to snack on them. Learn all you need to know about these arachnids, how to identify them, and the control options available to you now.
Perennial asters bloom in late summer, bringing masses of blues, pinks, purples, and whites to the landscape until the first frost. In addition to growing in beds, borders, drifts, and meadows, they grow well in pots. Read on for 5 tips on aster container gardening, and take your outdoor living space to the next level.
Want to get your child interested in gardening and eating healthy early in life? If so, read our tips that will help you establish your child’s own garden.
If you seem to spot aphid congregations every time you look at your rose bushes, you’re probably feeling frustrated. How do you keep them under control? Can you do this without harming beneficial insects? And can beneficial insects help get rid of a bad aphid infestation? Find out in this guide. Read more now.
Mealybugs are notorious pests of indoor flora, including your precious houseplants. They suck the sugary juices from the leaves and stems, excrete honeydew and can even vector diseases. Learn all you need to know about these insects, their biology, identification, and available control options in this guide. Read more now.
Thrips are miniscule, common, unwelcome garden pests that leave scars on flowers and fruits, distort leaves, and vector pathogens, including a couple serious plant viruses. Learn all you need to know about these tiny, cigar-shaped insects, how to monitor for them, and the variety of control options available to you.
Blackberries are juicy, sweet, and full of nutrients. If you want your own harvest to eat fresh and use in pies, smoothies, scones, and more, why not try growing them in containers? Planting these brambles in pots saves space in the yard or garden, allowing anyone in Zones 4-10 to enjoy fresh berries. Read more now.
Beneficial nematodes may be used to control soilborne insects in their larval and nymph stages. These tiny, worm-like organisms penetrate the body of their host, introducing a strain of bacteria that kills the host insect. Learn how to use beneficial nematodes for garden pest control in this guide. Read more now.
Perennial asters, in shades of blue, pink, purple, and white, refresh late season gardens for a beautiful transition to fall. Have you been hesitant to plant them because of their somewhat unkempt natural growth habits? Read on for 7 tips that will help you keep them in shape, and make them the pride of your landscape.
Camellias add fall, winter, and spring color to the landscape and shrubs have a variety of blossom forms and growth habits. There are six main methods of propagating these plants at home, including from seed, cuttings, layering, air layering, and grafting. Learn how to propagate camellias in this guide. Read more now.
Have you seen these scary looking nocturnal crawlers? While earwigs can sometimes be beneficial visitors, they do like to snack on many common garden plants, and can become significant pests. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to monitor for and effectively deal with problem pincher bugs. Read more now.
Many types of fungi, a water mold, and several viruses can infect asparagus plants, with varying degrees of severity. This guide will help you to diagnose what is ailing your crop and provide tips on what to do about it. Read on to learn about the dizzying array of pathogens that can infect asparagus.
Hearing thousands of chorusing periodical cicadas is an event you do not want to miss. Before they emerge though, put some thought into how you will protect your young trees, because they can do some damage. Learn all you need to know about these bugs and how to control them to prevent garden damage. Read more now.