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 »
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 »
During this time of year, many insects, including ants and termites, search for new places to establish colonies. When conditions are right—warmer temperatures, brighter sunlight, and light winds—winged insects leave their original nests. This mass flight is known as swarming, and the winged insects are called swarmers or alates. Although dramatic, swarming itself is short-lived
Is that an Ant or a Termite? Read More »
Have you ever seen these critters in your rose garden? Or worse yet, do you have any of these symptoms that they’ve been there? Roses with petals that resemble Swiss cheese? Young buds and stems that have holes or are broken just below the bud? Meet the really bad guys of the rose garden –
These are Nasty Rose Pests Read More »
Backyard birdwatching is a rewarding hobby, but it can attract some unwanted guests—rats and mice. These rodents will happily scavenge food meant for birds, but with a few simple strategies, you can prevent them from raiding your feeders and ensure that your feathered friends get their share. 1. Choose Rodent-Proof Feeders and Stations The first
Be careful with that birdseed! Read More »
First, you see them, then you don’t. The glossy new leaves on your dwarf fruit tree vanish overnight. The mahogany-colored foliage on your prize rose is suddenly shredded. Even the tough, leathery leaves of a California live oak show heavy chewing. A closer look reveals little more than ragged leaf edges and missing tissue. Chances
What’s eating your leaves? Read More »
Dandelions are common weeds found in lawns, gardens, and even sidewalks. They are easy to recognize by their bright yellow flowers, jagged leaves, and fluffy white seed heads that spread in the wind. These perennial plants come back year after year and grow from a deep taproot that can reach several inches into the soil,
Dandelions in your lawn? Get them while they’re young! Read More »
Ants marching up and down the trunk of an otherwise healthy-looking fruit tree? Branches or stems that look bumpy and shiny, as if coated with sugar water? These clues often point to a scale insect infestation. Click here to learn more about managing scale.
Scale Insects on Fruit Trees Read More »
Managing crabgrass in the home garden can be effective without resorting to toxic chemicals. The key is prevention, persistence, and using least-toxic methods that work with natural plant growth cycles. Crabgrass is a warm-season annual weed that germinates when soil temperatures rise in spring. Because it spreads by seed, stopping it early is critical. Prevention
Managing Crabgrass Isn’t Easy Read More »
