Spring is only a month away, and with spring comes gardening season. Now is a good time to check the germination rates of those seeds you have stashed away in the basement—before you need to plant them! You Will Need Seeds. Paper towel. Large Ziploc bag. Instructions Lightly moisten a square of paper towel. (Take […]
Ornamental Plants
The Two Easiest Ways to Attract Hummingbirds
Attracting hummingbirds to your backyard doesn’t have to be complicated! If you want to enjoy the beautiful sight of these tiny creatures hovering outside, there are two incredibly simple ways to put out the welcome mat. One requires a little advanced planning, and one can be implemented today. Plant Hummingbird-Friendly Flowers A diverse display […]
Seeds From the Tombs
Many gardeners know that cool, dry, dark places are ideal for long-term seed storage. Many gardeners cite the seeds found in ancient Egyptian pyramids as evidence. According to the popular story, these seeds, after lying dormant for thousands of years, sprouted when planted. Most scientists would agree on the perfect conditions for storing seeds. However, […]
Keeping a Garden Journal
Gardening season is finally upon us! If you’re like most gardeners, you are looking forward to planting seeds with the full expectation of making this the best gardening year yet. While much of gardening comes down to experience, diligence, and creativity, having the right tools makes a big difference. One handy tool is the garden […]
Luster Leaf Rapitest Soil Test Kit
This pH and NPK test kit is simple and inexpensive—perfect for the budget-conscious gardener.
Walnut Toxicity
To protect themselves from competition, black walnut trees exude a toxin called juglone. Gardens planted near black walnut trees or roostocks frequently fail to thrive due to this toxin. Many plants can be affected, but tomatoes and potatoes show the greatest susceptibility.
Verticillium Wilt
Verticillium wilt is caused by six different species of fungus, all of the genus Verticillium. These six fungi can attack most of the plants and trees that gardeners like to grow, including vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants.
Tobacco Mosaic Virus
Although its most common victims are from the nightshade family, tobacco mosaic virus can infect a surprising array of garden plants.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is caused by one of the most common and widely distributed fungi that plague gardens. The disease can attack a wide range of plants, as it is caused by several species of the order Erysiphales. A sampling of commonly affected plants includes: Cucumbers. Pumpkins. Squash. Melons. Grapes. Phlox. Peonies. Lilacs. Bluegrass. Fescue. The […]
Fusarium Wilt
Fusarium wilt is a disease common to the southeastern United States. It is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum and affects numerous garden plants, including vegetables, small fruits, and flowers. The most susceptible host species include: Tomatoes. Sweet potatoes. Cucumbers. Watermelons. The disease is spread through infected soil. Once it is introduced, it is nearly […]