Common Diseases of Tomato and their Control: Buckeye Rot
Karen Meyers Buckeye Rot of tomato is caused by three species of the soil borne fungus-like water mold, Phytophthora: P. capsici, P. drechsleri, and P. nicotiana var. parasitica. The disease is common…
Common Diseases of Tomato and Their Control: Blossom End Rot
Caused by a lack of calcium uptake from the soil, blossom end rot can affect peppers as well as tomatoes. It appears as a water-soaked spot on the blossom end…
Common Diseases of Tomatoes and Their Control: Bacterial Spot
Bacterial spot is caused by several species of Xanthomonas, most commonly X. perforans, and is more prevalent in warm (75-86 F) humid climates with frequent rainfall (or overhead watering). The…
Garden Tools: Basic Garden Trowel
The basic garden trowel has a handle with a scoop-shaped blade that is wider near the handle and pointed at the far end. The point may be sharp or not…
Weeds and their Control: Rattlebox (Crotalaria spectabilis)
Karen Also called cat’s bell, this herbaceous annual is native to India and Southeast Asia but was introduced the southeastern US, probably as green manure, but it escaped cultivation, naturalized, and…
Weeds and Their Control: Bathhurst Burr (Xanthium spinosusm)
Also known as prickly burweed and spiny cocklebur, bathhurst burr is an annual and a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes sunflower, yarrow, and lettuce. It is…
Weeds and Their Control: Pineapple Weed (Matricaria matricarioides aka Matricaria discoidea)
Also known as disc mayweed, pineapple weed is an annual herb and member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes chamomile, daisies, and lettuce. It is native to northeast…
Weeds and Their Control: Common Reed (Phragmites australis)
Common reed is a vigorous warm season perennial and a member of the grass family, Poaceae, that also includes corn, rice, and bamboo. It is native to north America and…
Weeds and Their Control: Common Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)
Common horsetail is a herbaceous perennial plant that bears spores rather than seeds and is more closely related to ferns than to seed bearing or flowering plants. Is is native…
Weeds and Their Control: Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius)
Scotch broom is a deciduous flowering shrub and member of the pea family, Fabaceae that also includes alfalfa, mimosa, and black locust. It is native to northern Africa and western…