Spider Mites Oh My! New Video…

I cannot believe July is almost over and I haven't posted anything since June. I think that is a true sign of being in the throws of the doggiest days of summer. Several of my vegetable plants called it quits while others are just getting started and others are trucking along just fine. I still …

Using a Blacklight to Find “Hard to Spot” Pests in the Garden

Previously in this blog, and across social media, I shared terrifying photos. Hornworm poop Hornworm EggsWhile their presence seems to be dwindling, I still see some signs that they are around like bare stems here and there. So after some other gardeners shared with me how much easier it is to spot hornworms at night …

My $4 DIY Night Bug Trap

I learned how to spot hawk moth eggs and various destructive caterpillars, but could I catch the moth somehow?

I Found A Way To Stay On Top Of The Hornworm Problem

Immediately I wondered what these tiny eggs where on the tomato leaves.

How You Can Identify a Hornworm Problem Before You Spot the Worm

I cannot believe what just defiled my garden.

Ladybug Raising: Beneficial Gardening Meets Early Education

It is early in the gardening season but, oh no, I’ve already spotted the damage. Several leaves are getting spotty. It could be aphids, or spider mites, or white flies…oh my! I need to call in reinforcements! Take a look at what happened after I found a lady bug in the back of my yard …

Dozens of Vampires in Broad Daylight

If  a mosquito has a soul, it is mostly evil. So I don't have too many qualms about  putting a mosquito out of its misery. I'm a little more respectful of  ants. Douglas  Hofstadter The day that followed Post-typhoon warnings began with sunny skies as is often the case. My plants were tucked away in the …

First a Birder, Now a Bugger

I wanted to know the name of every stone and flower and insect and bird and beast. I wanted to know where it got its color, where it got its life - but there was no one to tell me. George Washington Carver I can second Mr. Carver's sentiments. Like Carver, I have a love …

The Very Hungry Caterpillars

"In nature a repulsive caterpillar turns into a lovely butterfly.   But with humans it is the other way around:  a lovely butterfly turns into a repulsive caterpillar." -Chekhov It all started with thin webbing appearing my okra, the irrational bolting of my basil, and then thin webbing on my basil. At first glance, it was obvious …

Odorous, in a Good Way

Give me odorous at sunrise a garden of beautiful flowers where I can walk undisturbed. -Walt Whitman I have been having a problem with mosquitoes congregating near my front door and was looking for ways to deter them. Plus, I wanted a plant in my entry way to make it more welcoming. Finally, the solution came to …