Attract Beneficial Bugs with Meadowsweet
June 6, 2013I was so excited to find one of my favorite native shrubs this spring at a local nonprofit’s plant sale. Needless to say, I bought one and it is already at home in one of my perennial borders.
Emerald Ash Borer Damage
January 31, 2013The havoc created by a little green insect known as the emerald ash borer is very evident these days here in western Pennsylvania. Tree after tree is meeting its end because of this imported pest, and the ash trees on our property are no exception.
Pests and High Tunnels
December 11, 2012While high tunnels are great for season extension and disease prevention, think twice about how they affect pests.
4 Ways to Prevent Japanese Beetles
October 24, 2012In researching an article I recently wrote, I came across some interesting information about preventing Japanese beetles in the garden. I thought I might share the advice with you now so you’ll be better prepared to battle them next season.
Stink Bug Studies
October 18, 2012The stink bugs have been terrible here this fall. A recent introduction from Asia, the brown marmorated stink bug has really become problematic for gardeners and homeowners in the East, and its range is spreading.
Incomplete Metamorphosis of Milkweed Bugs
September 20, 2012Last spring, I planted a handful of different types of milkweed in my garden. They hosted several monarch caterpillars this year, though I was never able to find any of the chrysalises.
Daddy Longlegs
September 17, 2012Yesterday, Uzzi and I were lounging, chewing cud, when Uzzi said, “What’s that?” There was a long-legged, spider-like thing crawling along his back.
3 Problems that Could Ruin Your Garlic Crop
September 10, 2012Watch out for these top diseases and pests that threaten your garlic crop and could keep you from growing this culinary favorite for years to come.
Praying Mantises in the Garden
August 23, 2012In May, I purchased a praying-mantis egg case from a local nursery and put it out into the garden. A few weeks later, the eggs hatched, and initially, several hundred baby praying mantises were clinging to my plants.
Dung Beetles
August 14, 2012The other day, Uzzi and I were lying in the shade chewing cud when we glanced down and our eyes bugged out—there was a shiny black beetle pushing a big ball of manure with his back feet.
