The saying goes that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you’ve seen a toad ambling around your garden, beauty may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Many people consider these bumpy, jumpy, lumpy-looking creatures downright ugly. Yet toads are incredibly beneficial, and having one or two in your garden
Take Another Look at these Snail Eaters Read More »
As temperatures cool, and the weather turns wet, we’re not the only ones looking for a comfortable place to call home. If you’re seeing ants inside your house now, they’re likely looking for warmth, food, and shelter, especially in the kitchen. The main motivators for ants coming indoors include: Don’t reach for the bug spray!
The Ants Come Marching In Read More »
There is something extraordinary about seeing a Cooper’s hawk perched quietly in a backyard tree, watching and waiting. These beautiful raptors, and our many species of owls, are not simply fascinating wildlife. They are predators that help keep populations of rodents and other small animals in check. Unfortunately, the use of rodenticides can turn these
Let the Hawks and Owls Hunt Read More »
Contrary to what many people might think, spiders are REALLY good for the environment. They are very effective at helping reduce insect pest populations. However, if you see too many spiders, or they are in locations in and around the house that are undesirable, you might elect to reduce their numbers. If you’ve seen ads
Prevent Spiders with Orange Oil? Read More »
Here in Marin, you probably have some of nature’s best garden pest managers right outside your door. Many of our common backyard birds eat insects, spiders, caterpillars, snails, and slugs. By providing habitat for them, gardeners can encourage these helpful predators and reduce the need for pesticides. Bushtits are tiny, busy flocking birds that move
Your Backyard Birds: Nature’s Pest-Management Team Read More »
Did you catch the spring spectacle of male turkeys gobbling and strutting their stuff to attract the attention of hen turkeys? Males often court in groups, with the dominant male gobbling, spreading his tail feathers, drumming / booming, and spitting. In my neighborhood there’s a huge flock with a least a half dozen of them
Those Wild Turkeys Read More »
Tuesday, September 22 is the autumnal equinox, astronomically the day when the sun crosses the celestial equator heading south. From this point until the first day of winter, days will get shorter. The time of the year usually ushers in cooler weather, which is a good reminder to start cleaning up the garden. Referred to
End of Season Clean up with the Equinox 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 »
