Fire blight, found across North America, is a disease to be reckoned with. Caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora, this blight affects: Pears. Quinces. Apples. Crabapples. Cane fruits. Roses. The disease is most likely to appear after a mild winter and during a wet spring. Insects transport fire blight bacteria from plant to plant when […]
Fruit
Downy Mildew
Downy mildew is caused by parasitic fungi of the family Peronosporaceae, a group of water molds. The resulting disease is quite common in humid climates, affecting most of the fruits, vegetables, flowers, and grasses that gardeners like to grow. This mildew tends to overwinter in old plant matter. Unfortunately, it also has a remarkable ability […]
Cedar-Apple Rust
Cedar-apple rust is a disease caused by fungi of the genus Gymnosporangium.
Brown Rot
Brown rot is a serious disease of fruits and almonds caused by fungi Monolinia fructicola and Monolinia laxa. The fruits most susceptible to the fungus are: Peaches. Nectarines. Plums. Apricots. Cherries. Almonds. However, apples and pears are infected with brown rot on occasion. The fungus grows and multiplies rapidly in wet weather, entering plants through […]
Blossom End Rot
Blossom end rot may look like some type of dreaded bacterial disease, but it is actually a symptom of nutritional deficiency. Affected plants include: Tomatoes. Peppers. Eggplants. Squash. Watermelons.
Black Rot
Black rot is a particularly unpleasant fungal disease affecting apples, grapes, members of the cabbage family, and others.
Bacterial Wilt
Bacterial wilt is a disease affecting cucurbits, such as cucumbers, muskmelons, squash, pumpkins, and gourds.
Bacterial Leaf Spot
Bacterial leaf spot is a disease affecting several plants of interest to gardeners:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose, also called bird’s-eye spot, is a disease caused by several similar species of fungus. These fungi affect many plants: Snap beans. Turnips. Cucumbers. Squash. Peppers. Tomatoes. Eggplants. Brambles. Shade trees, particularly sycamore and ash. Turfgrass. Athracnose development is favored by wet conditions and temperatures between 75°F and 85°F. It spends the winter in dead […]
New Compact Family Garden Journal Available
The Family Garden Journal published by Homestead on the Range is now better than ever! We have released a new compact edition that is easier to carry, but still contains plenty of room for logging your family’s daily plans, observations, and harvests. Develop your green thumb while creating a keepsake: Start by planning for success […]