James Craig 
All pest grasshopper species overwinter as eggs. In spring when soil temperatures warm, hatching occurs as eggs hatch out as nymphs feed on plants before going through five or six stages before becoming adults. At its optimal time for insecticide spraying, spraying should take place when third-instar nymphs have reached maturity and feeding damage has …
Thrips can be hard to spot without using magnification; without magnification they appear like dark slivers resembling lobsters up close. Adult thrips insects are long and thin creatures ranging in color from yellowish-brown or black; their wings (if present) have narrow and fringed wings, while immature forms known as nymphs may or may not possess …
Crabapples are hardy, fragrant trees that offer stunning fall colors. Not only are they attractive to birds and great landscape additions, they can grow to 15 feet. One variety worth noting is the Pink Spires Flowering Crabapple which produces flowers in shades of pink, rose, orange, and bronze. Crab apples make for an easy snack …
Grass can provide cats with essential trace minerals, micronutrients and folic acid. Furthermore, grass helps clear out their digestive systems by encouraging them to vomit up hair balls or any debris accumulated inside. But, if your cat eats large amounts of grass, this could indicate an underlying medical condition and should be assessed by a …
Soil test kits come in various forms. There are chemical kits that require you to mix soil samples with reagents in order to determine what nutrients exist; and digital metering technology. There are kits available that offer laboratory analysis of your samples; which option best meets your needs will depend on what’s important to you. …
Tomatoes require plenty of space in which they can establish strong roots and flourish. A layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture while protecting the plants from disease-causing splashes of water that might harm them. optimal plant spacing promotes air circulation, helping prevent diseases from spreading between tomato plants and decreasing bug infestations while simultaneously …
If your tomatoes are still green or beginning to turn, there are ways you can expedite their ripening quickly using ethylene gas released as they mature. To help your tomatoes ripen more quickly and capture this ethylene gas, place them in an airtight container such as a paper bag or cardboard box. This can help …
Aphids feed on chlorophyll found in plants, causing them to wither and die off quickly if left unchecked. Fast action must be taken in order to stop these damaging pests’ devastating impact. Wear gardening gloves and use your fingers to knock aphids off stems, leaves and flower buds into a bucket of soapy water to …
Perlite and vermiculite are lightweight granular materials that add air to soil, providing airflow necessary for seed starting, propagation, transplants, containers and hydroponic systems. Perlite can quickly drain away excess moisture, which makes it ideal for plants that prefer to dry out between waterings, such as cacti. Furthermore, perlite improves drainage and aerates garden soil, …
Are you short on space but longing to cultivate an orchard? Espalier trees provide delicious fruit harvests in even the tightest of spaces. Dog training requires both patience and hard work, but can be well worth the effort. Training should begin in winter while regular trimming and training during the summer will keep them at …
