Insect Pests – Page 2 – Homestead on the Range

Keeping a Garden Journal

While gardening comes down to experience and diligence, having the right tools makes a difference. One handy tool is the garden journal.

Top 10 Books for Beginning Farmers

Whatever stage you are in as a new farmer, one of the best things you can do is to read extensively. We have picked out 10 must-reads to get you going.

Pierce’s Disease

Pierce’s disease (PD) is a bacterial disease of grapes named for Newton Pierce, who described the disease in 1892. The bacterium species is Xylella fastidiosa.

Fire Blight

Fire blight, found across North America, is a disease to be reckoned with. Caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora, this blight affects pears, apples, cane fruits, roses, and more.

The Changing Face of American Agriculture: Part 2

Young people continue to enter agriculture, while some environmental issues have attracted the attention of the average American.

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) does not affect only cucumbers. It also targets: Squash. Melons. Peppers. Tomatoes. Beets. Spinach. Celery. Petunias. The disease is primarily spread by aphids, but it can also be spread by cucumber beetles and on gardening tools. The virus overwinters in perennial weeds. Symptoms Stunted, unusually bushy plants. Thin, rough, curled leavesContinue reading “Cucumber Mosaic Virus”

Get Ready for July 2016

Summer can be very busy, but don’t forget to learn and brainstorm. Spend some time enjoying nature, researching animals, and growing healthy plants. Brush up on your birdwatching vocabulary. Discover how wood type affects the sound of your guitar. Explore the 11 physiographic regions of Kansas. Learn about rare and popular breeds of livestock. ConsiderContinue reading “Get Ready for July 2016”