Growing Plants from Seed: Cucumber (Cucumis sativa)
Karen Cucumbers are in the same family as squash and melons but do not cross with them. Different varieties of cucumbers, however, will cross pollinate with each other and if you…
Beneficial Insects and how to Attract Them: Tachinid Flies
There are over 1300 species of tachinid fly in North America, all belonging to the family Tachinidae from which they get their common name. Most trachinid larvae are non-selective parasites…
Weeds and Their Control: Waterweed (Ellisia nyctelea)
The annual weed, also known as Aunt Lucy, is a member of the Waterleaf family (Hydrophyllaceae) and is native to the US where it is found in most states except…
Growing Plants from Seed: Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Marigolds are mostly warm weather annuals native to the Americas with yellow, orange, and rusty red flowers and finely cut pungent foliage. They may be small (six inches), medium (twelve…
Garden Pests and Diseases: Preventative Measures
Problems with pests and diseases are constant problems in the garden. You can’t entirely eliminate them but you can do something to minimize them. Good garden practices go a long…
Ten Interesting Facts about Woodlice (Sowbugs and Pillbugs) and How to Control Them
Woodlice can be a pest in the garden when the eat young seedlings. Altough sowbugs and pillbugs look very much alike, those that roll up into a ball when distubed…
Weeds and Their Control: Annual Knawel (Scleranthus annuus)
Annual knawel is an annual in the pink family ( Caryophyllaceae) and native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Also known as German knot weed, it has spread throughout the…
Growing Plants from Seed: Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Parsley is a biennial native to the Mediterranean area where it grows wild from Sardinia east to Lebanon. It is usually grown as an annual by those who just want…
Growing Plants from Seed: Bachelor’s Button (Centaurea cyanus)
Bachelor’s button is a cool weather annual native to Europe where it was a common weed in corn fields and hence acquired the common name cornflower. The species is has…
Growing Plants from Seed: Petunia
Petunias are tender perennials native to South America but grown as annuals. They belong to the tomato family (Solonacea) that also includes tobacco, peppers, and eggplant. There are about twelve…