September is National Mushroom Month. Time to celebrate this extraordinary class of organisms. They are so much more than the things you put on salads or see springing up in your lawn. Mushrooms are the reproductive part of fungi that we can often see. Sadly, fungi don’t get the respect they deserve, since most of […]
Want to kick the chemicals? One BIG way to reduce the use of insecticides through biological control. Simply put, it’s a pest management strategy that enhances the role of natural enemies, reduces reliance on pesticides, and helps to protect the environment, people, pets, and wildlife. One of the key steps is to encourage natural enemies,
Becoming Beneficials Read More »
In spring our hillsides can be covered with brilliant soft yellow flowers that are beautiful to behold. And yet – they are an incredibly invasive plant that grow in dense stands that outcompete many native plants. These dense stands are highly flammable and increase the risk of wildfires. The most common species found in California
Don’t Let the Pretty Flowers Fool You! Read More »
It’s the best time of year for home-grown tomatoes. Your plants are loaded with fruit waiting for picking and enjoying! While harvesting the brilliant red orbs you notice some of your tomato leaves curling or rolling. What’s up with that? Time to play detective, as tomato leaf curl can be the result of a variety
Tomato leaves curling? Read More »
National Water Quality Month in August reminds us that it takes much more than just turning on the tap to guarantee clean, drinkable water. Depending on where we live, the amount of water, usage, population and treatment facilities available vary. Protecting our water resources and educating ourselves about water quality is an important goal of
It’s National Water Quality Month Read More »
Summer’s the time for those buzzing bees. While these insects can cause painful stings, and allergic reactions for some, they are not usually aggressive. In the landscape, they can be beneficial by providing pollination to plants and, for some, preying on pest insects. They can also create nests in places where you and the family
Watch out for Stinging Bugs Read More »
On July 22nd, relax in the shade and enjoy National Hammock Day. These portable, comfortable slings create excellent napping spaces no matter where you are! Dating back thousands of years to Central America where hammocks protected people from creatures and dirt. The netted bed was introduced in Europe when explorers brought it back in the
Stretch Out in a Hammock! Read More »
Ever heard of kudzu vine? It’s often referred to as “the invasive vine that ate the south” and the “mile-a-minute” plant. Once established, kudzu grows at a rate of one foot per day with mature vines growing up to 100 feet long. We have a smaller, somewhat less aggressive type of weed – field bindweed.
Bindweed is a Really Nasty Weed Read More »
Gophers are one of the most destructive rodents in the garden damaging a huge array of plants including shrubs and trees. Voles, also known as meadow mice, are also a rodent pest. Moles, on the other hand, are not rodents, and while they can make a visual mess of your lawn, they are actually good
FAQs: Moles, Voles & Gophers Read More »
Got grasshoppers? During the last month there have been multiple reports of large populations of these pests covering people’s plants, especially in the Sacramento area. These sporadic garden pests can have population booms, usually every 8 to 10 years in California, sometimes lasting 1 to 3 years. The most destructive and widespread grasshopper species is
There’s a Whole Lot of Jumping Going on! Read More »
