Controlling Spider Mites in the Garden
Though very tiny, spider mites can do a load of damage and they are so widely distributed in the environmentContinue Reading
Category: Pesticides
Clip On, Mosquitoes Off!
This has been a rainy year where I live and rain means mosquitoes, enough to make puttering around in theContinue Reading
Gardening Tip: If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It!
Here’s a principle about laidback gardening that I don’t emphasize nearly enough: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” WhenContinue Reading
Choose a Pesticide With the Narrowest Possible Spectrum
The ideal pesticide would be the one with an extremely narrow spectrum, acting on only one enemy and nothing else.Continue Reading
So, What Exactly Is Insecticidal Soap?
Regular readers of this blog may have noticed I often recommend insecticidal soap for controlling insect pests found on plants.Continue Reading
Pesticides: Test Before You Spray
You’ve found a new pesticide you think will help solve a problem you have with your plants? A home remedy,Continue Reading
Caffeine is Actually an Insecticide
The coffee plant (Coffea arabica) didn’t evolve the capacity to produce caffeine just to help humans keep their eyes openContinue Reading
Gardening Myth: Aspartame Can Control Ants
There seems to be no limit to the number of urban legends about gardening. I heard a new one justContinue Reading
Pelargoniums against Japanese beetles?
Not that I want to scare you, but… Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) season starts in late June/early July and ifContinue Reading
Can Aspirin Prevent Plant Viruses?
It hardly seems credible, but in fact there are several studies showing that aspirin (yes, good ol’ acetylsalicylic acid!) can helpContinue Reading