While we are all dealing with climate change today, 35 years ago there was another environmental threat that was successfully abated. Damage to the ozone layer, that fragile shield of gas that protects the Earth from the harmful portion of the rays of the sun, was happening at an alarming rate. Caused by a number […]
International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer Read More »
These flying pests are annoying with a bite that can be anywhere from mildly irritating to seriously painful. AND they can transmit disease, so it’s a good idea to start with preventing them from breeding. Don’t let mosquitoes breed in your yard! Anything that can hold water for more than five to seven days can
Keep those pesky mosquitoes away Read More »
National Water Quality Month is dedicated to making the most of the relatively small amount of fresh water we have – only 3 per cent of the total water on the planet, and two thirds of that is locked up in ice caps! Having clean water is vital to our individual health, our collective agricultural
August is National Water Quality Month Read More »
It’s a good time to recognize these natural pest controllers! Gardeners should be glad to see snakes glide through the garden. These much-maligned reptiles consume garden pests, including slugs, grubs, mice, voles, and rats. Garter snakes are the most common type found in our area. They’re medium-sized slender snakes with a head barely wider than
Snakes are good for the Garden Read More »
One of the easiest insect pests to recognize is the whitefly. These aren’t actually flies and look a bit like tiny white moths. You might notice them sitting on the underside of an infested leaf or see them flutter off as you water or handle the plant. They’re easily disturbed but fly only a short
See some fluttering around your veggies? Read More »
It’s Eat your Vegetables Day! Likely you do this each and every day. Here in Marin, we’re fortunate to have ready access to wonderful, healthy produce. And even better if you can step into the garden and pick your own! As you check out some of those leafy greens, like cabbage, spinach, and chard, look
Weird trails in your veggie leaves? Read More »
The main benefits a layer of mulch on your vegetable or flower beds can provide include: Conserves moisture by slowing evaporation Reduces growth of weeds Helps reduce erosion Adds organic matter as it breaks down Increases water absorption and retention Makes surface areas more attractive With our current drought situation, we’re all trying to preserve
Mulch gives you a big bang for your buck Read More »
It’s National Hug Your Cat Day. Give your furry feline friend some extra attention, and while hugging, look out for fleas. Spring and summer are favorite times of the year for fleas – those biting pests that are annoying to people and pets. The common flea in California is the cat flea. Despite its name,
Watch out for fleas when you hug your cat Read More »
Don’t be fooled! This is NOT a green ladybug! The cucumber beetle is a common pest that feeds on the vegetable gardens and may also attack ripening stone fruit, although it’s not fussy and can be found in many parts of the yard, even on roses. These beetles may spread cucumber mosaic virus or wilts
Those aren’t Green Ladybugs! Read More »
If you’re getting spring fever and wanting to add new plants to your garden, take care with your choices – don’t plant a pest! Plant pests, commonly called Invasive plants, are plants that are non-native, reproduce and spread quickly, and cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health. Plants may be invasive in some
Don’t Plant a Pest! Read More »
