The black and yellow orb weaver spider is one of the most colorful in California gardens. The female is large (body often over an inch long) with the signature black abdomen with broad yellow bars. Hanging in the middle of their intricate web, they’ll patiently sit and wait for the vibrations of a flying insect […]
Look for this gorgeous spider in the garden Read More »
Summer is here and so are yellowjackets – those one-half to one-inch-long bright yellow wasps with black strips and their signature “narrow” waist. Yellowjackets prey on other insects and scavenge on human food and garbage. They will fiercely defend their nests – in holes in the ground, inside wall cavities or hanging gray paper-looking ones,
Watch Out for Yellowjackets! Read More »
National Mushroom Month is an annual observance highlighting the culinary versatility, nutritional value, and ecological importance of mushrooms. Traditionally celebrated in September, it was created to promote fungi appreciation and consumption. It’s a perfect time to appreciate these fascinating organisms that play essential roles in both our gardens and our kitchens. Although we often think
September is National Mushroom Month Read More »
Predators are one of the primary groups used in the biological control of insects and mite pests. These include some of the larger insects and spiders along with amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles. Spiders are major predators in the garden. Most common garden spiders are observed in the open during the day are not likely
Protect your Garden Predators! Read More »
It can be frustrating to have the tomato plants you’ve babied for the last couple months start to show signs of potential trouble. Before reaching for a pesticide, identify the cause. Many tomato problems are related to weather, watering, or nutrition – not insects or diseases. Healthy soil, consistent irrigation, and good air circulation are
Tomato Leaves turning Brown? Read More »
If you’ve discovered narrow surface runways in your lawn, gnawed bark on young shrubs, or disappearing bulbs, voles may be the culprits. Often called “meadow mice,” voles are small rodents that feed on grasses, roots, bulbs, and the bark of young trees and shrubs. While they can be frustrating garden visitors, pesticides are rarely the
Are Voles Visiting your Yard? Read More »
In Marin, flies are often a nuisance during summer and fall, and some species enter our homes. Here are the most common: Filth-breeding flies like house flies and blow flies develop in compost, animal waste, dead animals, and garbage. These flies are commonly contaminated with bacteria, including those associated with food poisoning and can spread
Flies can be a Nuisance Read More »
The ethereal green lacewing is one of the more recognizable garden “good guys.” With its slender pale green body, delicate gossamer wings, and immense golden eyes, it gives the appearance of a fairy prancing on garden leaves rather than the aggressive predator that it is. Lacewings, also called aphid lions, are natural enemies of several
Pretty Garden Helpers Read More »
If you’re looking for an alternative to synthetic herbicides, horticultural vinegar can be an effective option for controlling young weeds. Unlike household vinegar, which contains about 5% acetic acid, horticultural vinegar typically contains 20% or more. This higher concentration makes it much more effective at burning the leaves and stems of small, actively growing weeds.
Horticultural Vinegar: A Natural Tool for Weed Control Read More »
Home composting is one of the best things you can do for your garden—and the environment. By turning kitchen scraps and yard trimmings into rich, nutrient-filled compost, you reduce the amount of waste going to landfills, improve your soil naturally, and help plants thrive without relying as heavily on commercial fertilizers. It’s a win for
Compost Smarter: Keep the Good, Keep Out the Rats Read More »
