Category: Plant Pests & Diseases

Poison hemlock, also known as Conium maculatum, is an invasive, poisonous plant that can be harmful to humans and livestock if ingested. Learning how to properly identify and remove poison hemlock is important for safety. Here is a comprehensive guide on identifying poison hemlock and techniques for effective removal. Identifying Poison Hemlock Poison hemlock is…

Weeds are plants that grow where they are not wanted. They can be invasive, aggressive and compete with desired vegetation in gardens, lawns, fields and natural areas. Determining which plants are considered weeds depends on the location and purpose of the site. Here is a comprehensive guide to identifying common weed species. What Makes a…

Flame weeders provide an effective, non-chemical method for controlling weeds in the garden. As the name suggests, these tools utilize a flame to burn weeds down to the roots. When used properly, flame weeders can help keep unwanted vegetation in check without the use of herbicides. How Flame Weeders Work Flame weeders direct a focused…

Keeping on top of weeds is one of the most important tasks for any gardener. Allowing weeds to take hold can quickly turn your lush garden into an unkempt jungle. But weeding doesn’t have to be a chore. Follow these expert tips to keep weeds at bay all season long. Plan Ahead for Weed Prevention…

Squirting cucumbers are an unusual and fun type of cucumber to grow in the garden. Unlike regular cucumbers, they grow small 3-4 inch fruits that are best harvested when young and tender. When ripe, the fruits quite literally “squirt” a gelatinous liquid and seeds when lightly squeezed, giving this vegetable its descriptive name. With some…

Sumac is a genus of flowering plants that includes over 250 species. Two of the most common sumac species in North America are poison sumac and staghorn sumac. While they share some similarities, there are some key differences between these two plants that you need to be aware of. An Overview of Poison Sumac Poison…

Clover is a common weed that invades lawns and gardens. While clover isn’t necessarily harmful, its spreading nature can quickly take over turf grass areas. Killing clover takes some work, but it can be done organically or with chemical controls. With persistence and the right techniques, you can get rid of clover for good. Why…

Weeds can be the bane of any gardener’s existence. They pop up uninvited, choking out delicate plants and flowers. While store-bought weed killers may seem like an easy solution, many contain harsh chemicals like glyphosate that can damage the environment. Luckily, there are homemade alternatives that provide non-toxic methods for targeting tough weeds. These DIY…

Poison ivy is a common poisonous plant found throughout much of North America. Contact with poison ivy can cause an itchy, irritating, and sometimes painful rash in most people. Being able to identify poison ivy is key to avoiding exposure and the resulting rash. What Does Poison Ivy Look Like? Poison ivy can take several…

Poison sumac is a woody shrub that can cause an irritating, potentially dangerous rash upon skin contact. Learning how to identify poison sumac is important to avoid coming into contact with this hazardous plant. With some knowledge of poison sumac’s distinguishing features and habitat, you can stay safe when spending time outdoors. Introduction to Poison…