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.
It’s a nasty surprise to discover your seedlings are dead thanks to cutworm damage, with all the hard work of getting your plants started undone in just one night. Don’t let them destroy your garden. Our guide will show you how to identify these pests and get rid of them so you can enjoy the harvest. 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.
Morning glories are rapidly growing vines with attractive foliage and showy flowers that open each morning through the summer. Learn to grow them in containers and enjoy these colorful blooms without worry about the vines taking over your garden. Read on for more about growing and caring for potted morning glory vines.
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.
Rosemary is a delightfully aromatic herb that is most commonly propagated from stem cuttings or by layering. Armed with the right information and just one established plant, you can easily grow countless more. Learn about the various methods of propagating rosemary in this step-by-step guide. Read more 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.
Do you want to clone a rose plant that you adore? Taking cuttings is an easy way to make it happen. By snipping a stem from the parent plant and putting it in soil, you can encourage it to root and create a new rose plant. But of course, there’s more to it than that! In this guide, we’ll explain the entire process.
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.
Don’t let a little thing like a lack of garden space prevent you from growing nutritious, delicious caraway plants. Carum carvi grows incredibly well in containers, so you don’t have to go without, even if you only have a little corner of a balcony available for your gardening. Read our guide to learn more.
Garden slugs and snails are known as gastropods, and an infestation can decimate tender seedlings and mature plants in short order. Join us here for a look at the most effective natural methods to banish the slimy bandits for good!
There is nothing more disappointing than finding caterpillars chewing the seedlings to bits, aphids sucking on the stems, or larvae wriggling in the flower heads of the sunflowers you planted. Read more now to learn everything you need to know about common Helianthus insect pests and how to deal with them.
If your corn seedlings are dying, you might feel like you’ll never get to enjoy homegrown corn on the cob. But if you know the five main reasons why young corn plants fail to thrive, you can solve the problem and go on to achieve sweet success. Find out why your corn seedlings are suffering in this guide. Read more now.
If you’re new to the world of vegetable gardening, you’re in for a treat! Fresh veggies have a flavor that can’t be beat, and they’re healthy and nutritious. Plus, growing your own is friendly on the budget, and gardening is an excellent way to reduce stress. Learn all about these positive benefits right here on Gardener’s Path.
Currant fruit flies can ruin a gooseberry or currant harvest in a hurry. That’s why it’s essential to know how to identify and get rid of these devastating maggots. Each larva can eat through an entire berry and each fly can lay hundreds of eggs. This guide has all you need to know to keep them under control.
Ready to learn how to get the most beautiful and productive results from your garden? Our article gets to the root of the problem. The soil type in your yard is the key to happy plants. From woodland to seashore and acid to alkaline, this piece will guide you to success. Read more on Gardener’s Path.
Are you eager to expand your blueberry patch? You could go to a nursery and buy potted plants, but why not try propagating your own? You can do this by taking cuttings, collecting and sowing seeds, via layering, or transplanting suckers Learn how to propagate your own blueberry plants using these methods. Read more now.
If the thrumming sound of summer cicadas seems to start early this year, it’s likely because your region is experiencing a springtime emergence of a 17-year periodical species. Rising from the ground in droves, cicadas may pose a threat to the trees in your landscape. Read on to find out if you need to take action now.
Do you want to add an aromatic herb with bold flavor to your indoor kitchen garden? Look no further than Cuban oregano, a type of coleus that tastes like its namesake but twice as strong. A semi-succulent that’s tasty and beautiful, Cuban oregano cheers up any kitchen windowsill and livens up any dish. Read more now.
Bring the pungent evergreen foliage of rosemary onto your deck or patio by growing it in containers. If you don’t have room in your garden, this versatile, easycare herb grows happily in pots and planters and provides ornamental interest in addition to its culinary uses. Learn how to grow rosemary in containers now.
A cottage garden is the perfect place to escape from busy, hectic days.
It’s a simple way to create an outdoor oasis that will be well worth your time and effort. Learn more now.
Do you want to lower the maintenance and effort that you need to expend on your yard or garden to make it presentable? Are you sick of mowing the grass and trimming the shrubs? If so, our guide is for you. Get our 10 tips on planning your landscaping to avoid as much maintenance as possible.
Are you worried about pruning your plants? Worried about damaging your trees, shrubs, and woody plants in the process? If so, read our detailed guide and find out how to do it right and lower your stress level.
Peat moss has been a go-to soil amendment for gardeners for decades. More recently there has been some controversy as to its sustainability. Should gardeners use it? What alternatives are available? Find answers to these questions and more on Gardener’s Path.
The only thing that’s better than one African violet is two, and the only thing better than two African violets… well, you get the idea. This quintessential houseplant is easily reproduced from cuttings. With a little time and effort, you can fill your house with these exceptional flowering plants. Read on to learn how.
You don’t need lots of space, or a garden even, to grow and enjoy your own homegrown blueberries. You can grow these bushes in containers and keep them on your patio or balcony where they provide ornamental interest as well as delicious fruit. Learn how to grow your own blueberries in pots in this guide. Read more now.
You’ve waited all season, your blueberry plants are finally bursting with ripening berries, and your mouth is already watering. Don’t turn your back for too long, because birds love those ripe, sweet blueberries too. Read more now to learn all the different ways you can protect your blueberries from birds.
If you’ve ever shopped for bay trees at the nursery, you know they can be pricey. No need to shell out the green – if you’re up for a challenge, why not propagate one at home via cuttings? This comprehensive guide will walk you through taking and growing bay tree cuttings the right way for the best chance of success.
No doubt you’ve seen shrub roses, but did you know they can also be climbers or ground covers? Roses come in a number of different growing styles, including bushy, rambling, or even tree shapes. This guide will walk you through all the different styles so you can better narrow down what will work for you in your space.
Have an elderberry bush you love? Or are there wild elderberries nearby that you’d love to grow in your garden? Reproduce that lovely bush through cuttings. Whether hardwood or softwood, in water or soil, elderberries are simple and straightforward to propagate by cuttings. This guide shows you all you need to know.
Are you still watering plants from the top with a watering can? Maybe it’s time to try bottom watering. Also known as reverse watering, this technique has some advantages that can result in healthier, happier plants. This guide helps you learn when and why you should use bottom watering, and how to do it the right way.
Growers typically plant resistant apple varieties to control the major pathogens in their region. What can home gardeners do to prevent the occurrence of diseases on their apple trees? Read more to discover prevention techniques, learn ways to identify common diseases of apples, and implement control methods.
Forsythia is a low-maintenance shrub that grows in full sun and average, well-draining soil. It’s famous for its bountiful yellow spring blooms. Depending upon the age and condition of yours, it may be beneficial to do a hard pruning. Read on to learn how to decide when this practice is the appropriate action to take.
Forsythia is a deciduous shrub for USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8, best known for its yellow blossoms and for being one of the earliest spring bloomers. These grow best in locations with full sun and well-draining soil. Read on to learn how to propagate more from the ones you have, and fill your yard with springtime cheer.
If you live in a climate that tends to be hot and humid, Septoria leaf spot can be a devastating disease of tomatoes. This fungal infection can be very persistent, so you may need to use fungicides to keep it under control. Read on to learn how to prevent, identify, and control this disease in the garden.
Because hybrid cultivars don’t grow true from seed, three smart ways to increase and enjoy beautiful azaleas in your yard or garden is to multiply them vegetatively through cuttings or by stem or air layering. Learn how to propagate azaleas for gorgeous new shrubs in this step by step guide. Read more now.
If your corn is dying of seedling blight, also called damping off, it’s easy to feel frustrated. But take heart – with a bit of background knowledge and prevention, you can keep a second crop from getting infected. Read more now to find out the answers to your most pressing corn seedling blight questions.
The fungal disease purple spot produces purple lesions on asparagus spears as they emerge from the ground. It spreads from infected asparagus residue that remains in your garden. This disease can be severe in wet weather and shorten the lifespan of your plants. Read on to learn how to manage this disease.
The organisms that cause crown and root rot can live in the soil for very long periods. There are no good chemical controls for Fusarium, but there are some for Phytophthora. You can minimize the stress to your asparagus to prevent these diseases and make them more likely to survive. Read on to learn these steps.
Asparagus rust is a highly complicated fungal disease with four different stages that can invade your plants without showing symptoms until it is too late. Cultivars bred to be resistant to this pathogen often lose effectiveness over time. Read on to learn what symptoms to look for and how to treat your infected plants.
If your spring forsythia display isn’t up to par, it could be because the shrubs have suffered cold weather damage. Unusually low temperatures and frozen precipitation can wreak havoc on plant tissue. Read on to discover the warning signs and steps you can take to try to restore your forsythia to its former glory.
Who hasn’t had a hard time at some point with trying to keep their plants watered appropriately? If you regularly forget to water or you keep giving your plants too much, get yourself a soil moisture meter. These garden tools take the guesswork out of watering, and this article will show you how to use a hygrometer.
Love roses? Even though you’ve probably heard all about the diseases, pests, and other problems that gardeners face, growing roses doesn’t have to be complicated. We’ll provide the foundation you need to care for your flowers like a pro. Read more to learn the basics of growing these stunning blossoms in your garden.
The bright yellow blossoms of arching and upright forsythia varieties are springtime favorites. To keep yours in top form, it’s important to know when and how to prune them. Read on to discover 5 tips that will help you hone your skills and have bushes that are healthier and more attractive than you thought possible.
Are you sick and tired of always having to mow the lawn? Instead, save time, money, and water by converting your grass yard to low-growing chamomile. Chamomile lawns improve the soil and attract pollinators while greatly reducing maintenance. Continue on to learn how to grow chamomile as a lawn alternative.
Hellebores provide color in the late winter to early spring garden with their delightful cup-shaped flowers. While they are typically trouble-free, these robust plants can occasionally suffer from infestations. Learn how to identify and control the most common hellebore pests in this guide. Read more now.
Forsythia is a spring-blooming shrub that is best known for its profusion of bright yellow blossoms. While they are generally quite healthy, this sturdy and fast-growing shrub sometimes develops knobby bumps along its stems. Read on to find out what these unattractive growths are and why you shouldn’t ignore them.
Hydrangeas are perennial flowering shrubs that make a bold statement in the summer garden. If you can’t get enough of these beauties why not try propagating them yourself, instead of buying expensive potted shrubs? Learn how easy it is to propagate hydrangea cuttings in this step-by-step guide. Read more now.
Allium leaf miners are devastating pests of garlic, onions, shallots, chives, and leeks – and can destroy an entire crop. These invasive pests are spreading rapidly throughout the mid-Atlantic and northeastern regions of the US. Learn how to identify, prevent, and control allium leaf miners in this guide. Read more now.
Hellebores provide color in the late winter to early spring landscape and are typically trouble-free. However, there are some diseases that may infect your plants, caused by fungi, water molds, and a particularly virulent virus. Learn how to identify and treat common hellebore diseases in this guide. Read more now.
If you’re looking for unique perennial flowers, hybrid hellebores are for you. Also known as Lenten roses, they’re perfect for moist, shady locations in the garden, and reward with cheerful blossoms in late winter and early spring. Learn how to cultivate these evergreen early bloomers in this guide. Read more now.
If you are looking for a simple water feature for your garden, why not add a birdbath? The relaxing tones of chirping birds and trickling water will make your backyard into a restful haven and welcome your feathered friends. Discover 11 of the best birdbaths and some must-have accessories, plus helpful buying advice.
Agapanthus are easygoing, robust plants that don’t typically succumb to disease. However, in some cases they may become infected by fungi and water molds, generally as a result of poor growing conditions. Learn how to diagnose and treat the most common agapanthus diseases in this guide. Read more now.
Root-knot nematodes are a threat to plants and crops worldwide. Infestations can be difficult to diagnose and control, but you can prevent the spread of the nematodes by implementing a number of cultural and organic measures. Learn how to identify, manage, and prevent a root-knot nematode infestation. Read more now.
If you love the tall, bright, globe-like flowers and strappy foliage of agapanthus plants but don’t have room in your garden, why not grow them in containers instead? These easy-care plants make a bold statement on your porch, patio, deck, or courtyard garden. Learn how to grow agapanthus in pots in this guide.
If you’re growing hellebores and they are showing signs of disease, you’ll need to rule out hellebore black death. This incurable viral infection is characterized by black streaks on the leaves, stems, and flower bracts. Learn more about this devastating disease and how to identify it in this guide. Read more now.
Citizen science is an open invitation to record your observations of the natural world for the greater good. Organizations ranging from conservation societies to universities offer opportunities for lay people to submit data for analysis by scientists in a variety of fields. Read on to learn how you can contribute.
Certain species of hydrangea have the unique ability to change color from blue to pink and vice versa. With a bit of patience and diligent application of certain soil amendments, you can encourage your hydrangea flowers to change color. Learn why hydrangeas change color and how you can do it at home in this guide.
If you love the bright, elegant flowers of azaleas but don’t have room in your garden, why not try growing them in containers instead? You can also liven up your porch, deck, or patio with the luxurious bursts of color. Learn how to grow azaleas in pots and discover our top container-friendly cultivars in this guide.
Peace lilies are typically easygoing houseplants, but occasionally they may come down with a disease. Most common peace lily diseases occur in nurseries, but certain root rots can strike houseplants in loving homes. Learn more about how to protect your peace lilies from disease now in this guide. Read more now.
Amaryllis bulbs can rot for a variety of reasons, like fungal infections or insect infestation, but some can be avoided. Are you doing everything you can to ensure beautiful blooms, and growing your decorative holiday plants in the best possible conditions? Read our top tips now to ensure healthy bulbs, indoors or out.
Whether grown in a pot or in your garden, amaryllis bulbs can be attacked by the pernicious disease known as southern blight. This fungus is extremely difficult to control, so preventing it is of the utmost importance. Read on to learn how to diagnose southern blight and prevent it from attacking your plants.
Feeling stumped on what to do when a spider plant wilts? Imprecise levels of water and sunlight, insufficient nutrients, and cramped pots can all lead to unhappy withered plants. Continue on for the information you need to identify common causes of wilting in spider plants, and learn how to revive drooping foliage.
Christmas cactus is a popular gift at holiday time that makes an attractive and long-lived houseplant. By manipulating its growing conditions, you can enjoy an abundance of blooms every year. Generally low-maintenance, sometimes a plant is troubled by pests. Read on to learn which ones they are and how to manage them.
Prayer plants are cherished for their unusual habit of lifting their leaves up at night, but also for their dazzling array of colors and patterns. From highly symmetrical markings to impressionistic marbling, discover 21 of the most gorgeous prayer plants you can keep in your home. To meet these stunners, keep reading.
Are you short on backyard space, or simply looking to add some zest to your patio display? Try growing shrubs in containers! Versatile and fun, your options for potted bushes are virtually endless. Learn all about growing and caring for shrubs in containers, and add a whole new dimension to your garden. Read more now.
Cats that have eaten peace lilies may show symptoms ranging from sudden yowling to an upset stomach. If your cat is pawing at its face after eating your houseplant, it’s important to know what to do! While less harmful than true lilies, the toxicity of this plant is not to be taken lightly. Read on to learn more.
Looking to add some greenery to your indoor space? Peace lilies are ideal houseplants that are lovely to look at, and simple to care for. Low maintenance? Check. Few issues with pests and disease? Check. Minimal light needs? Check. Learn how to grow and care for peace lilies in this guide. Read more now.
When you bring home a Norfolk Island pine for the holidays, this is one Christmas tree you won’t have to take out to the curb when the festivities have ended. These evergreen conifers make excellent houseplants – however, there are a few tricks to preventing them from outgrowing your home. Keep reading to learn more.
If you love amaryllis, did you know that you can grow these dramatic flowers from seed? The process requires a few years of patience but allows you to create your own hybrids for spectacular results. Learn how to pollinate, harvest, and sow amaryllis seeds for years of glorious blooms with this guide. Read more now.
Add some funky fresh flora to your indoor decor with Tillandsia, or air plants. They need indirect sunlight and no soil. Arrange and rearrange them as often as desired using creative supports such as crystals, driftwood, metal stands, and terrarium globes. Read on and discover 17 of our favorite Tillandsia species now.
Amaryllis bulbs produce stunningly colorful flowers that are often grown indoors during the winter holiday season. Easily propagated from offsets and by divisions, just one mature bulb has the potential to produce several new plants. Learn how to propagate amaryllis from bulb offsets and sectioning. Read more now.
Colorful coleus is a tropical foliage plant that is easy to grow and thrives in shady locations. With vibrant, variegated leaves in a range of color combinations and patterns, coleus is ideal for massed plantings, or as specimens in beds and borders. Learn how to plant and grow coleus now with this guide.
If you love the big, colorful blossoms of hydrangeas but don’t have room in your garden, why not try growing them in containers instead? You can even bring the luxurious bursts of color to your porch, patio, or deck. Learn how to grow hydrangeas in pots in this guide, plus we’ll share our top container-friendly cultivars.
Cabbage loopers may look like harmless inchworms but their voracious munching can damage many crops in your garden including kale, turnips, cabbage, and broccoli. There are a number of methods that you can use to manage these caterpillars. Learn how to identify and control cabbage loopers in this guide.
Protecting fruit trees from harsh winter weather only takes a few minutes, and it’s absolutely worth the effort. Don’t ignore this important step to ensuring healthy growth and production the following season. Read more to learn how to winterize fruit trees in the garden, as well as those planted in containers.
Did you know that you can regrow bok choy from kitchen scraps? With just a bowl full of water, a leftover stalk, and a few days to spare, you can easily regrow this plant from leavings that you might have thrown away otherwise. Read more to learn a quick and easy technique for growing bok choy from a stalk.
Want to grow your own poinsettias at home? Start with a live poinsettia plant and then follow seven steps for a brand new batch of beautiful, baby Christmas flowers. By taking cuttings from your established plant, you can grow others just like it. Learn how to propagate poinsettias from cuttings in this guide. Read more.
If you want an orchard of pear trees but don’t want to spend a fortune, why not try growing them from cuttings? It takes time but with a bit of effort you’ll be planting out your own newly propagated trees. Learn how to start pear trees from cuttings in this guide and you’ll be on your way to enjoying a thriving orchard.
If you’re growing vibrant geraniums, like cranesbill, garden, and ivy, learn how to propagate new plants from stem cuttings. Whether you just need more plants or want to keep your favorite annuals from year to year, taking cuttings is an easy and cost-effective propagation method. Get started now with easy how-to instructions.
If you love the vibrant, evergreen bird of paradise plants, did you know that you can grow them as houseplants? Whether you are bringing your outdoor plants in for the winter, or want to add some tropical flair to your decor, learn how to grow and care for bird of paradise indoors in this guide. Read more now.
Milkweed is wonderful for attracting monarch butterflies and other pollinators to the garden, and with minimal winter care, this attractive perennial herb will reemerge from its impressive root system year after year. Ready to learn how to winterize your milkweed plants for a bounty of blooms next season? Read more.
If you are growing tropical birds of paradise you’ll need to know how to care for them over the winter months. These flowering plants aren’t cold hardy, and sometimes they need extra winter protection – even in their ideal growing zones. To learn all about winter care for bird of paradise, read our guide now.