Have you ever wanted to grow broccoli from seed? Now is the time to give it a try! Broccoli is nutritious and delicious, and you can eat more parts of the plant than you might think. In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know about growing a spring or fall crop of this beloved Brassica. Read more now.
When life gives you leaves, why not make compost? Autumn’s falling leaves are perfect for making a well-balanced compost bin. Often treated as “waste,” dead leaves are a valuable natural resource that you can turn into black gold for your garden. To learn how to create compost and mulch with fall leaves, keep reading.
Do your cabbage plants appear diseased? An array of organisms can afflict cabbage plants, ranging in severity from powdery mildew, which generally does not kill its hosts, to bacterial soft rot, which totally decimates them. Read on to figure out which pathogen has infected your cabbages and what you can do about it.
While the American hazelnuts grown on the East Coast are resistant to Eastern filbert blight, this disease can be devastating to the prized European cultivars commonly grown in Oregon and Washington State. Ready to learn how to identify, prevent, and manage this potentially lethal disease? Read more now.
Is your pumpkin vine taking over the garden, growing faster than you can contain it? Don’t lose hope. Growing your gourds vertically can tame those unruly vines, and training pumpkins on a trellis also helps to keep them free of pests and disease. To learn everything you need to know, read more now.
Cauliflower is a cool-weather crop that’s challenging to grow. It takes an ideal combination of temperature, moisture, and nutrients for pristine heads to form. Sometimes, even with best practices, plants fall victim to disease. Read on to learn how to avoid, recognize, and address 12 common cauliflower conditions now.
Are wildlife pests trying to make a meal from your sunflowers? Try these kind and effective tricks to protect sunflower blooms from squirrels and birds. Nets (for the flowers!) and scary Mylar are two of the best ways to preserve your flowers for yourself, and seeds for the songbird feeder. Read more now.
Store bought avocado seeds can be turned into a simple, fun project that you can do with children, at home or in the classroom. This educational activity extends learning opportunities through the summer. Demonstrate the plant life cycle and spark a love of gardening by growing a lovely tree to enjoy for years to come.
You can save money and spread even more joy when you save your bachelor’s button seeds to grow again next year. Follow a few simple steps and you’ll have so many cornflower seeds to plant and share. Start planning when the cheerful blooms appear, follow up with the perfect storage spot, and you’ll be set next spring.
Ever wondered if you can grow bay in a container? Yes, you can! It isn’t fussy if you miss a watering or let it get root-bound. Plus, growing it in your kitchen garden or indoors means you will have a ready supply of this pungent herb at hand. Bay leaf is ideal for growing in pots, and we’ll show you how. Read more.
Excessively large green tomato buds that do not develop into flowers can be a sign that your plants are infected with tomato big bud phytoplasma. This disease is incurable, so your main focus should be on prevention. Read on to learn what to look for and how to prevent this disease from infecting your tomato plants.
Looking to grow chives from seed? You’re in luck! They’re easy to propagate and before you know it, you’ll be cooking with your own homegrown herbs. This article will give you everything you need to know, from seed saving tips to advice for getting seedlings started, whether you’re growing them indoors or out.
Sclerotinia stem rot, or white mold of tomato lives up to its name causing brittle dead stalks filled with fluffy white clumps of fungus. This disease frequently kills tomato plants, and the fungi can live in the soil for up to a decade. Read on to learn how to recognize the symptoms and prevent it from spreading.
If you call wild moose your neighbors, you probably know how hard it is to keep them out of your garden and away from your trees. All your hard work can be torn to shreds in an instant by those huge, hungry mouths. In this article, we share top tips for keeping moose out of your garden and orchard. Read more now.
Do you fancy the idea of picking tasty, tangy cherry tomatoes fresh from the vine? Easy to grow and vigorous, they produce an abundance of bite-sized fruit in an array of beautiful colors. Among the earliest to ripen, they deliver a long season as well. Get all the best tips for growing cherry tomatoes right here.
Gray mold on strawberries is a disease caused by Botrytis that is very common throughout the world, and difficult to control. The fungus is even resistant to most fungicides. Read more now to learn what steps you can take to control this potentially devastating fungus, and prevent it from ruining your harvest.
Are you wondering if you have space in your garden for vining cantaloupe? It’s true that they take up several feet of space when they’re grown on the ground. But you can grow them vertically to save space, help prevent disease, and allow them to get all the sun they need. For everything you need to know, read more now.
Whether or not to compost tomatoes is a controversial topic in the gardening world. Fears that composting tomatoes will encourage pathogens, create messes, and cause trouble the following season lead many gardeners to trash their plants. Read on to examine these concerns and learn how to safely compost tomato plants.
The fresh taste of juicy homegrown tomatoes is one of the joys of summer gardening. Whether you enjoy them tossed in a summer salad or cooked in a classic sauce, tomatoes are a must-have in the veggie garden. Learn how to plant and grow your own tasty tomatoes and enjoy the fresh taste of summer. Read more now.
Some types of fungi have developed resistance to a number of the fungicides used to control them. However, by knowing how these compounds target the fungi, we can develop a plan to vary treatments and alternate between different types, making resistance much less likely. Read on to learn how to rotate fungicides.
Raspberry fruitworms eat the leaves of raspberries and blackberries, and their larvae infest the fruit. Since this can lead to a very unpleasant surprise for consumers, it is fortunate that there is a range of control options. Gardener’s Path will train you how to monitor your populations of these pests and control them.
Canna, often called canna lily, is a rhizomatous perennial with spikes of bright blossoms, and ample, tropical-style foliage. Under less than ideal conditions, it may fall victim to a condition called rust. Learn what this is, how to treat an infection, and what preventative measures you may take to avoid an outbreak.
Sex appeal comes in all shapes and sizes, but in insects, it’s often rooted in trace amounts of a pheromone. Gardeners and growers use this to their advantage by luring and trapping the males or preventing them from finding their mates. Read on to learn how to use these hormones to control pests in your garden.
Almond hull rot occurs at hull split and can limit the ability of the trees to bear fruit in the future. And the infected nuts that remain on the tree can harbor navel orange worms. This disease is much worse in well-fertilized and properly irrigated trees. Read on to learn how to prevent and control almond hull rot.
Did you know you can turn lettuce scraps into more delicious, leafy greens with nothing but a container, some water, and a little bit of time? We’ll show you how to grow your own hyper-local greens for free, with minimal effort. It’s also a fun project to do with the kids. Learn more now.
It’s the perfect time to start growing your own herbs, fruits, veggies, and mushrooms at home, or to take up a new hobby like terrarium-making or succulent propagation. We’ve found the best kits to help you get started. Most include everything you need, with helpful instructions. Pick your favorite, and get growing!
Planning to spend some time outdoors in the garden this summer? Learning how to work safely in hot temperatures and hours of sun exposure is essential knowledge for the gardener. It’s time to brush up on the basics and maybe even learn something new. Beat the heat and stay safe from the summer sun with this guide.
Cabbage maggots are tiny insects in the soil, and often by the time the plants show symptoms, it is too late to save them. Knowing what to look for lets you monitor for them and identify their presence in time to implement control measures. Read on to learn how to identify and control these pernicious pests.
Have you tried nude gardening? World Naked Gardening Day is the first Saturday in May, and it’s time to get out there and feel the soil beneath your feet. Gardening can be a sensual, healing experience to enjoy through all of the five senses. To get our tips for celebrating this year, read more now.
Deep-green Asian, or Asiatic, jasmine is a fantastic ground cover, especially for shady areas of the garden. But like many plants, it can get out of hand. Read more now to learn about several methods for pruning and controlling the spread of this assertive vine. Your neighbors will be glad you did!
Armillaria root rot is a serious fungal infection that attacks many different plants. This fungus can devastate apples and most other kinds of fruit trees. Resistant to fungicide treatments, it is difficult to control. Learn what makes this pathogen so hard to control and how to prevent infection in your apple trees.
Stressed pecan trees can be susceptible to pecan twig dieback disease. Caused by fungi, this infection cannot be cured by fungicides. Learn how to identify pecan twig dieback and steps you can take to prevent it from taking hold and how to treat infected trees. Plus tips on how to keep your trees healthy. Read more now.
The hellebore is an early-blooming perennial that is best known for having nodding flowers that grow through the snow. It is propagated by three methods. Discover what all three methods mean to the home gardener, and which two can be done at home with our guide to understanding hellebore propagation. Read more now.
Are you aggravated by ants crawling around your home? If you have an infestation in your house or yard, it can be very difficult to get it under control. Discover the different methods for controlling ants, including how and when to use bait and what works best for different species. Learn how to eradicate ants now.
Thief ants get their name because they steal food and larvae from other ant colonies. These tiny ants have the dubious honor of being among the most difficult types of ants to control in your home – and they can spread human diseases. Learn how to identify, prevent, and manage a thief ant infestation. Read more now.
Are you a bird lover looking for a feeder to attract your favorite species to your yard? Bird feeders are available in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes. Join us now as we take an in-depth look at 13 of the best bird feeders and how they stack up against each other. Choose your favorite from our top picks.
Argentine ants are one of the most invasive of all ant species. With multiple queens and colonies, they can quickly take over large areas, spreading disease and encouraging crop pests. Learn how to identify these insects and strategies to manage an Argentine ant infestation in your home and garden. Read more now.
Chives are wonderful for adding a light oniony flavor to any number of savory dishes, including soups, salads, and baked potatoes. It’s a cinch to grow your own, especially in pots and containers that are easy to access from the kitchen, whether that’s on the back porch or on a sunny windowsill indoors. Read more now.
Kale is a frost hardy annual that’s grown for its nutritious, flavorful leaves in fantastic colors and fanciful shapes. And it’s just as easy to grow in pots or containers as in the ground. Learn how to plant up a few pots for the kitchen garden right now, then enjoy its beauty and health benefits well into winter.
Despite kale’s tendency to be healthy and vigorous, the plants can be vulnerable to insects, nematodes, bacteria, and fungi under certain circumstances. Read on to learn how to identify and control pests and pathogens on your kale plants.
Did you know that you can grow ginger indoors all year long? In fact, growing ginger in containers alongside your other houseplants is surprisingly easy, and will reward you with a consistent supply of fresh juicy roots. Learn tips and tricks for growing this tropical herb in containers indoors in any climate.
Don’t let your kale get overrun with pests. If you’re growing kale in your vegetable garden there’s a good chance you’ve got some insects damaging your plants. If they get out of control you’ll want to take action. Learn how to identify who’s chomping on your greens and kill these bugs naturally. Read more now.
The invasive spotted lanternfly is currently under quarantine in multiple states, and could easily cause billions of dollars of damage in Pennsylvania alone. It feeds on hardwood and fruit trees and vines, and is a particular threat to grape vines and hops. Read on to learn how to manage an infestation.
Citronella ants feed on insect secretions rather than human food. So, you might not think they are a threat. However, these ants frequently invade houses when they swarm and look like termites. Read on to discover the difference between citronella ants and termites and what to do when you are under siege.
Learn all about how and when to plant a southern fall vegetable garden, and enjoy homegrown produce well into fall and winter, when your northern friends can’t even see their soil underneath all the snow. Plus, get expert tips on which plants you’re likely to have success with in autumn.
Apricot soft rot caused by Rhizopus is a very serious infection that can destroy all your ripe peaches, apricots, nectarines, or plums . However, you can take steps to minimize the chances of your stone fruits from being infected. Read on to learn how to prevent Rhizopus rot in your harvest.
Pharaoh ants are highly difficult to control. While they are extensive problems in Florida and Texas, they also infest buildings in cooler climates. These aggressive ants will even attack the skin of burn victims in hospitals. Read on for tips on controlling these foreign invaders.
While you may think of potatoes when you think of soft rot, these bacterial diseases destroy a range of plants – from broccoli to tomatoes. There is no cure once your produce is infected, but there are steps you can take to prevent infection. Read on to learn how to protect your stored crops against bacterial soft rot.
Odorous house ants are native to the entire continental United States and are one of the most common types of ants that infest houses. They prefer warm, moist places like hot water heaters and will even nest behind paneling. Read on to learn how to eradicate these invasive creatures.
An incurable grapevine disease that is spread by very common insects threatens grapevines in warmer parts of the United States. However, there are steps you can take to prevent your plants from becoming infected by both tackling the insects that spread it and implementing cultural methods to protect your plants. Read on to learn how to prevent Pierce’s disease.
White spot fungi are selective in the crucifers they infect and cause disease on the leaves of turnip, rutabaga, canola, mustard, radish, and horseradish. The fungi overwinter on volunteer plants and cruciferous weeds. Read on to learn how to control white spot fungus on crucifers.
Turnip and rutabaga plants can be severely infested by several types of insects. While row covers can prevent some of these infestations, wireworms are soil-borne threats that can cause the end of the season’s crop in an infested field. Read on to learn how to manage cabbage aphids, root maggots, flea beetles, sawflies, and more.
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens colonizes plant roots and stimulates plants to both grow and to activate their immune systems, resulting in resistance to pathogens. These bacteria also outcompete other microbes and inhibit both bacterial and fungal plant pathogens. Read on to learn more about this biocontrol agent.
From its initial discovery in California in 2009, the spotted wing Drosophila spread throughout the US wreaking havoc on raspberries, blueberries, and many other types of fruits. This fly is very difficult to control, but you can do so organically. Read on to learn how to control this pest in your home garden.
Bacterial leaf spot on turnip can be caused by two different types of bacteria. This disease spreads easily and can be very difficult to control. Preventing the pathogens from becoming established is the best way to protect your turnip crop. Read on to learn how to protect your plants from these bacteria.
Cool, wet conditions favor downy mildew infection on turnips. Not only can the pathogen destroy the leaves, but it can also spread into the root and cause the turnips to crack. Fall crops are particularly susceptible to this fungus-like organism. Read on to learn how to prevent and control this disease.
Species of the fungus Alternaria can infect your turnips, causing leaf spots and spreading to the seed pods. There are a number of methods to prevent this disease, and both microbial and synthetic fungicides that will control it. To learn how to prevent and control this disease, read more now on Gardener’s Path.
Black rot of turnips caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris is a devastating bacterial disease that is easily spread. Since it is very difficult to control, preventing it from becoming established is your best bet. Read on to learn how to keep your turnips from becoming infected with black rot.
Cotton root rot infects more than 2,300 plant species in the southwest, including apples, peaches, almonds, and most other fruit and nut trees. While the disease is usually fatal, there are some steps you can take that might save your tree. Read on at Gardener’s Paths to find what to do if your tree has this disease.
The bacteria Streptomyces lydicus colonize plant roots and protect them against fungi and bacteria that cause disease. They can also be sprayed on plant leaves to control foliar pathogens. These bacteria are safe for people and beneficial insects. Read on to learn how they work and how to use them in your garden.
Wet soils encourage the development of fatal Phytophthora infections on fruit trees. However, you can take measures to prevent these infections. Read on to learn how to avoid collar and crown rot on your trees.
Do your shade, nut, or fruit tree limbs and trunks have unsightly growths on them? If so, they are probably burr knots or crown gall. One is due to roots growing on the stems, while the other is a bacterial infection. Prevention is the best bet for these disorders. Learn how to prevent and, in some cases, control them.
Walnut husk flies are damaging pests, particularly in California and Washington State. The flies pupate in the ground for 1-2 years and spend their larval stage hidden inside the husks. However, by monitoring the adults, you will know when to treat these pests before they lay their eggs. Read on to learn how to control these voracious insects.
Since southern blight can infect hundreds of plants and live in the soil for years, it is a severe threat to apple and crabapple trees. Especially if you live in the south, learn how to prevent this disease and keep it at bay with rigorous sanitation.
The complex of apple black rot cankers, black rot on fruit, and frogeye leaf spot can cause serious losses on apples and crabapples. However, you can minimize the damage by removing dead tissue and mummified fruit. Read on to learn the details of controlling these diseases.
If you’re growing caraway in your herb garden this year, you may have to deal with insect pests or diseases that are common to this plant. Read on to learn about preventative measures, how to recognize signs of trouble, and methods for addressing an infestation or infection, in this concise guide.
The fungus Armillaria attacks trees and shrubs in a wide variety of soils around the world. It can cause a fatal root rot on all fruit trees, including apricots. Read on to learn how to prevent this tree killer from infecting your apricot tree.
Crown gall bacteria can infect apples, crabapples, peaches, pears, nectarines, apricots, and plums throughout the world – causing unsightly growths that can girdle the trees and kill them. Read on to find out how to prevent this soil-borne disease from attacking your fruit trees.
Bot rot (white rot) can result in cankers on the limbs and twigs and fruit rot that may not show until your apples or crabapples rot after storage. Fortunately, this fungus only infects trees that are stressed. Read on to learn how to prevent infections from occurring.
Sago palm makes a sturdy addition to the garden in warm climates. But what should you do if pests and disease plague your cycads? Whether you’re dealing with scale, rot, yellowing, or mold, a nutrient deficiency, or a simple case of overwatering, we’re here to help with our pro tips! Read more now on Gardener’s Path.
California is trying to avoid Florida’s fate of the destruction of its citrus industry due to citrus greening. Homeowners are the focus of preventing the spread of this lethal disease because all of the infected trees in California have been residential trees. Read on to discover what you can do to protect your tree.
While you may have heard of mosquito-repelling plants, and while there are some that contain substances that do indeed repel the dreaded pests, it’s a bit more complicated than simply adding new plants to the landscape. At Gardener’s Path now, learn the best way to keep mosquitoes from biting at backyard barbecues.
Apricot, peach, nectarine, and plum fruit are susceptible to the unsightly scab disease. Wet weather triggers its spread, but the fungus can lurk on your trees undetected until the tree starts producing fruit. Read now to learn how to control this disease using cultural methods and, if necessary, fungicides.
If you have a pile of bricks left over from a building project, you’ll love these 15 ideas for using them in the outdoor landscape. Durability and traditional style make bricks a timeless choice for pathways, edging, and so much more. Find functional and decorative design inspiration, right here on Gardener’s Path.
Have you ever seen hummingbirds in the wild? Tiny and fast, they’re hard to spot. Wouldn’t it be great to slow them down for a good look? You can, with a hummingbird feeder filled with the sweet nectar they crave. Read on to learn about 5 products that are perfect for attracting these tiny wonders to your yard.
Constructing your own container of showy annuals and perennials is an easy and fun project to welcome the springtime weather. Following just a few core design principles, you can create your own eye-catching arrangement of flowers and foliage. Read all about spring container gardening and design now on Gardener’s Path.
Arranging fresh flowers for the table is easy when you follow these instructions for our festive holiday sparkle centerpiece. Choose flowers from your local market, make a container from an everyday item, and use your garden’s off-season treasures to craft glittering accents. Let’s get started, here on Gardener’s Path.
Nothing says Halloween like jack-o’-lanterns, but what good are they if they rot before you can say trick-or-treat? Before you go to the farmers market, read 9 quick tips to make carved pumpkins last longer. From selecting the best to inhibiting moisture, we’ve got ideas you can use, right here on Gardener’s Path.
Building a bat box is an easy DIY activity, with a functional and beneficial outcome that provides a home for the nocturnal wildlife in your area. With just a drill – no other power tools required – you can produce a fully functional bat house. Keep reading to learn how to build your own now on Gardener’s Path!
Succulent plants are not just for desert landscapes. Cluster them in bright containers to energize a patio, or among river rock for a serene garden bed. Set pots around the house for eye-catching color, shape, and texture. Easy and fun, they add style to any decor. Meet eleven beauties, here on Gardener’s Path.
Ready to add some classic heirlooms to your vegetable patch? We explain this often misunderstood gardening term, and share some of our favorite varieties and where to find them, from pink tomatoes and purple beans to rainbow carrots and a variety of delicious options in between. Read more now on Gardener’s Path.
Looking for the best way to support your tomatoes? Using the Florida Weave, all of your plants can be supported with the same trellis. It’s easy to set up, requires very few materials, and can be used for both determinate and indeterminate varieties. Read more now on Gardener’s Path and learn how to make your own.
For vertical gardens, leafy greens, and especially root crops, or if you simply want improved soil and drainage, a raised bed is the best option. But buying these from the store can really make you question the frugality of gardening. Check out this simple plan to build a small, economical version. Read more now.
Whether you’re a seasoned hen-raising expert or a newbie about to embark on this egg-producing hobby, Kathy Shea Mormino’s “The Chicken Chick’s Guide to Backyard Chickens” will teach you all about raising these generous birds in your garden. Read our review of this easy-to-read and humorous book now at Gardener’s Path.
Did you know the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones have changed? This introduces a new array of plants that can grow comfortably in your garden while also denying a few old favorites. Read on to learn about why these changes have taken place, and how they may affect new plantings as well as seasoned perennials.
Need a creative DIY project? Garden paths can add interest and practicality to the landscape, and they’re useful and attractive whether you have multiple acres or a small suburban lot. If you’re ready to make some design-savvy changes to your outdoor space, learn how to add walkways to your yard now at Gardener’s Path.
Like many of your other landscape plants, trees need a little extra attention as winter prepares to rear its chilly head. Get the best tips now on Gardener’s Path for preparing your beauties for the arrival of Jack Frost.
It is frustrating and alarming when the top part of an otherwise healthy tree dies inexplicably. Want to learn why this happens, how you can treat this odd problem, and how to prevent it from happening to other trees in the future? Our expert tips can help. Read more now on Gardener’s Path.
If you love to make your own Christmas decorations but don’t have a lot of free time to handcraft a wreath, make a swag for the door instead. Fast, simple, and easy, they add a gorgeous splash of fresh seasonal color that will look good for weeks. Join us now for a step by step tutorial!
Let’s put our hands together for the bats! These flying critters are vital in the backyard and offer their services as bug catchers of the highest caliber. By offering bats a place to roost in your garden, you can encourage them to make regular appearances, offering their mosquito-catching skills. To learn the benefits of bats, plus tips to build your very own bat box, read more now on Gardener’s Path.
Don’t give up yet – there’s hope for your houseplants! Tropical greenery cures our indoor doldrums, but many of us are fearful that we are agents of black-thumbed death, forever doomed to a plant-less lifestyle. Gardener’s Path has the solution – our guide to basic houseplant care, plus a selection of excellent houseplants that can take one heckuva beating. Keep reading to learn all about it!
Did you know your flock of chickens will provide tastier and more nutritious eggs if you provide them with fodder or sprouts? Learn how delicious and healthful greens can also make your birds happier — read more now on Gardener’s Path.
“Ish” gardening is a perspective that encourages more awareness while in the garden. From old-fashioned tricks to planting with purpose and even making friends with the plants outside (no, really!), “Ish” gardening offers a fresh approach to getting our hands dirty. Read more now on Gardener’s Path.
TV gardening personality Joe Lamp’l says modern edible gardening is becoming the wide availability of tools and products make modern gardening easier and more appealing to a larger variety of people around the country. Read our interview with the gregarious Joe Gardener on Gardener’s Path now.
Are cockroaches — much to your horror — running amuck in your garden? Check out Gardener’s Path for advice on discouraging and killing these vile creatures. We’ve got ideas for natural deterrents, as well as tips for bringing out the big guns, if you really have to.
Need to energize a ho-hum space? Do it with tillandsia. These unique air plants require no soil, and add color, interest, and texture to any décor. Create exotic tropical arrangements and vary them to suit your mood. Learn about this intriguing flowering species from your friends at Gardener’s Path.
Meet Bob Piaschyk, a smart and determined Texas nurseryman whose sharp eyes identified a beautiful and unusual tree. With luck, its propagation could lead to the financing of his grandkids’ educations. Learn about his quest now at Gardener’s Path.
Should you cut back your bicolor or African iris every winter, as you probably do with your ornamental grasses? It depends on a few factors. Learn more about when and how now from Gardener’s Path.
The crape myrtle is celebrated for its abundant groupings of colorful and delicate flowers in hues from white to deep red. If you know anything about these trees, you know that pruning them is a subject of great debate. To learn the proper way to trim crape myrtle trees, read more now on Gardener’s Path.
Are you looking for a quick and easy holiday decoration? Make this Blooming Heart Centerpiece for your Valentine’s Day table. All you need is a visit to your local produce market for flowers, a run to the craft store for floral foam and ribbon, and about half an hour to put it all together. Read on for easy directions from your friends at Gardener’s Path.