Warm days and cool nights are happening now. These are perfect conditions for powdery mildew to thrive in the garden. This common disease is easily recognized by the talcum-powder like appearance on new and old leaves, tender new shoots, some flowers, and fruits. It affects a huge range of plants – roses, crape myrtle, sycamore, …
These flying pests are annoying with a bite that can be anywhere from mildly irritating to seriously painful. AND they can transmit disease, so it’s a good idea to start with preventing them from breeding. Don’t let mosquitoes breed in your yard! Anything that can hold water for more than five to seven days can …
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. Consume many prey during their development. Are generally larger than their prey. All life stages may be predators; some are only predators …
It’s Eat your Vegetables Day! Likely you do this each and every day. Here in Marin, we’re fortunate to have ready access to wonderful, healthy produce. And even better if you can step into the garden and pick your own! As you check out some of those leafy greens, like cabbage, spinach, and chard, look …
The main benefits a layer of mulch on your vegetable or flower beds can provide include: Conserves moisture by slowing evaporation Reduces growth of weeds Helps reduce erosion Adds organic matter as it breaks down Increases water absorption and retention Makes surface areas more attractive With our current drought situation, we’re all trying to preserve …
Don’t be fooled! This is NOT a green ladybug! The cucumber beetle is a common pest that feeds on the vegetable gardens and may also attack ripening stone fruit, although it’s not fussy and can be found in many parts of the yard, even on roses. These beetles may spread cucumber mosaic virus or wilts …
May 20 is World Bee Day. The United Nations designated this day to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development. Bees and other pollinators, such as butterflies, bats, and hummingbirds, are increasingly under threat from human activities. Pollination is a fundamental process for the survival …
If you’re getting spring fever and wanting to add new plants to your garden, take care with your choices – don’t plant a pest! Plant pests, commonly called Invasive plants, are plants that are non-native, reproduce and spread quickly, and cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health. Plants may be invasive in some …
Got roses? They’re at the peak of bloom right now. Hopefully, they’re free of the ugly disease called rust, that loves the cool, moist morning temperatures. This fungal disease is easy to identify – look for orange, powdery pustules on the undersides of leaves. Early in the season they’re yellow to light orange, with the …
May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month, and it’s a good idea to learn more about this debilitating disease and how to prevent it. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection; in our area it’s primarily transmitted by black-legged ticks. These tiny arachnids are typically found in wooded and grassy areas. Although people may think of …
