Category: Plant Pests & Diseases

Gray mold, caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, is a common and destructive disease of tomato plants. It can affect leaves, stems, and fruits and spread rapidly under the right conditions. Identifying and treating gray mold early is key to saving your tomato crop. What Causes Gray Mold on Tomatoes? Gray mold is caused by…

Impatiens are some of the most popular annual flowers for shady beds and borders. Their colorful blooms provide a burst of color in otherwise darker parts of the garden. However, in recent years, downy mildew has devastated impatiens plants across North America. This fungal disease results in yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and eventual plant death.…

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables grown in home gardens. However, they are susceptible to several fungal diseases that can severely impact tomato plant health and fruit production. The three most common tomato fungal diseases are early blight, late blight, and fusarium wilt. Learning how to properly diagnose and treat these diseases is…

Botrytis cinerea, commonly known as grey mold or Botrytis blight, is a fungal disease that affects over 200 plant species, including many vegetables, fruits, herbs, and ornamentals. The fungus causes a grey, fuzzy mold to grow on the infected plant tissues, leading to blighting of flowers, fruits, leaves, and stems. Proper identification, prevention, and management…

A healthy, vibrant lawn is a thing of beauty. But when turfgrass diseases strike, that beauty can quickly turn to an eyesore. Diseased turf can develop yellow or brown patches, thinned out areas, and may even die off completely if the disease is left unchecked. As a homeowner, identifying turf diseases early is key to…

Tomato leaves that develop spots can be alarming for gardeners. However, spotty tomato leaves are quite common and rarely indicate a serious underlying issue. With proper care and treatment, tomatoes with spotty leaves often continue to thrive and produce plenty of ripe fruit. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the various causes of and solutions…

Fire blight is a devastating bacterial disease that affects pear trees, including the popular Bradford pear. Characterized by blackened leaves and branches, oozing liquid, and eventual tree death, fire blight can quickly destroy an otherwise healthy tree. Fortunately, with proper disease identification, sanitation practices, and treatment methods, you can stop fire blight and save your…

Fungi are an essential part of our ecosystem, contributing to the recycling of nutrients and organic matter. However, some fungi can also be harmful, especially when they attack trees. Identifying common tree fungi and understanding treatment options is key for effective tree care and landscape management. Signs and Symptoms of Tree Fungus There are a…

Ticks are small parasitic organisms that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles. They can transmit dangerous diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and others to humans and pets. Having ticks in your yard is a major concern, but there are ways to get rid of them and keep them away.…

Ground wasps can be a nuisance and safety concern if they build nests close to your home. Getting rid of ground wasp nests requires some care to avoid getting stung, but there are several effective methods you can use. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about identifying ground wasps, finding and eliminating…