Gophers are one of the most destructive rodents in the garden damaging a huge array of plants including shrubs and trees. Voles, also known as meadow mice, are also a rodent pest. Moles, on the other hand, are not rodents, and while they can make a visual mess of your lawn, they are actually good […]
FAQs: Moles, Voles & Gophers Read More »
Got grasshoppers? During the last month there have been multiple reports of large populations of these pests covering people’s plants, especially in the Sacramento area. These sporadic garden pests can have population booms, usually every 8 to 10 years in California, sometimes lasting 1 to 3 years. The most destructive and widespread grasshopper species is
There’s a Whole Lot of Jumping Going on! Read More »
Admiring the new tender foliage on your potatoes or other edibles, you may notice pin point holes in the leaves. On closer inspection you see a tiny little black bug jump straight up! You may have some flea beetles in your veggie garden. Being less than 1/10 inch long, and jumping like fleas when disturbed,
Holes in your Vegetable Leaves? Read More »
Those leaves with the striking green and yellow marbled pattern you spy on the branch of your neighbor’s apple tree may look like a cool new designer variety, but don’t be fooled. More than likely, it’s the result of a mosaic virus. Viruses cause many important plant diseases and are responsible for huge losses in
Mosaic Virus – Good or Bad? Read More »
May is National Strawberry Month. Fresh strawberries are one of the most popular and refreshing treats anywhere. Healthy too! And perfect for everything from cheesecake to mojitos to jam. Grown in all fifty states, their peak season lasts from April through June. Just like growing your own tomatoes, there’s nothing quite like having your
It’s National Strawberry Month! Read More »
Are your roses sporting new leaves that glisten in the sunlight and are slightly sticky to the touch? See a trail of ants crawling up the trunk of your plum tree? How about powdery black stuff on your camellia bush or the garden furniture next to it? All are indicators that sucking insects may have
Protect your Plants from Sucking Pests Read More »
With warming temperatures after plenty of rain, weeds may be popping up all over. You may have kept them under control last season, but wind and birds can help move weed seeds right back into your yard. It’s so much easier if you can get them out while they’re young, and most importantly, before they
Managing Weeds Safely Read More »
First you see them, then you don’t. Those glossy new leaves that cloaked the branches on your dwarf fruit tree seemed to disappear overnight! Same with the succulent mahogany-colored foliage on your prize rose plant, and the prickly leathery leaves on a large chunk of your California live oak. What’s up with that? Even your
Leaves that Disappear in the Night Read More »
Have something creating holes in your garden soil, or eating your oranges? But don’t see any obvious pests? The new tool from the University of California, Wildlife Pest Identification Tool, may help you find an answer. This online tool will help you narrow down potential vertebrate pests using signs of the critter. Using a photo
An Easy New Tool to Help ID Animal Pests Read More »
Ugh! Snails and slugs, the bane to most gardeners. Loosely related to octopi and oysters, they glide along on their muscular foot, secreting mucus to facilitate movement, leaving their trademark glistening trail behind. With similar biology, the snail carries an external shell while slugs have evolved without one. Both are most active at night or
Those Sneaky Slimy Critters Read More »
