Weeds and Their Control: Common Cinquefoil (Potentilla simplex)
Karen Common cinquefoil, also known as oldfield cinquefoil, is a low growing perennial that resembles a strawberry plant with yellow flowers. It is native to tall grass prairies but is now…
Weeds and Their Control: Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum)
The name “poison hemlock” conjures up visions of Socrates drinking his fatal brew as shown by the French painter Jacques-Louis David. A brew containing poison hemlock was given to condemned…
Interesting Facts about Spider Mites as an Aid in Control
Spider mites can be serious pests of garden and greenhouse plants including trees, shrubs, vegetables and ornamental plants. The leaves of plants infected with spider mites first show small white…
Differences between Powdery Mildew and Downy Mildew
Mildews that cause diseases in plants are of two different types, powdery and downy. Although they have similar names they are distinctly different and have different symptoms and control measures.…
Interesting Facts about Whiteflies as an Aid in Control
White flies are tiny white insects that collect on the undersides of leaves. They come a great masses forming a white cloud around a plant, and produce a sticky honeydew…
Interesting Facts about Rusts Affecting Garden Plants as an Aid to Control
Rusts are considered one of the most harmful diseases of plants. They are caused by fungi that can infect the leaves, stems, fruits, or seeds of plants, producing pustules on…
How to Scarify Annual and Perennial Seeds
Have you every bought a packet of seeds that recommended nicking the seeds or soaking them overnight in water before sowing? Morning glory, moon vine, and lupine seed need this…
How to Make Root Cuttings
When you have a plant you love you may want to produce more of them to use in your own garden or pass on to friends. There are many ways…
Quick Tip for Transplanting Perennials in Fall
On a recent trip to the local big box store during early November I found a nice little New York aster in the bargain bin. It had already finished blooming…
How to Plant Spring Blooming Bulbs
The bulb catalogs start coming by the beginning of summer and there is a good reason why. Spring blooming bulbs should be planted in the fall and you need time…