Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica syn. Polygonum cuspidatum), an herbaceous perennial member of the buckwheat family, was introduced from East Asia in the late 1800s as an ornamental and to stabilize streambanks. Knotweed is a highly successful … [Read more...]
The Ghost Tree: Bringing Back the American Chestnut
Billions of American chestnut trees once shaped life in Appalachia, but a foreign fungus erased them in a matter of decades. Today, only sickly sprouts remain — ghosts of a vanished ecosystem. Sara Fern Fitzsimmons and The American Chestnut … [Read more...]
Tips to Avoid Lawn Problems
A beautiful lawn takes time, patience, proper care and a never-ending watchful eye. The following lawn care tips can reduce many lawn problems: Read more: SOURCE: … [Read more...]
Southern Black Widow Spider
The widow spiders, genus Latrodectus, are found worldwide in the warmer regions of most continents. The taxonomy of these spiders is challenging and as few as six to as many as twenty-eight species are recognized. Read More: SOURCE: … [Read more...]
Fungus Files: What to do about toadstools in your lawn
With the rain has come a handful of calls into the Extension office about mushrooms/toadstools popping up in lawns. Most callers are curious as to why toadstools are showing up now, while a few are on the warpath to eliminate these fungal intruders. … [Read more...]
Figs in the Home Garden
With significant winter protection, both container and in-ground figs can be productive. So how do we grow and care for figs in northern zones? How do we choose cultivars, plant, fertilize, deal with pests and diseases, and winterize figs? Read … [Read more...]
Vegetable Problems in Summer – Diseases
What's wrong with my plant? In this section we will share the most common diseases in the vegetable garden in the warm months. Read more: SOURCE: … [Read more...]
Weed Control Options for the Home Vegetable Gardener
In addition to dealing with the issues of possible disease and insects, weeds can be a tremendous burden on the home gardener. Weeds compete for space, steal nutrients and water from crops, and can look unsightly in the home garden. Read … [Read more...]
Groundhog
Groundhogs are excellent diggers; they dig both simple and complex burrow systems. Most burrows are 25 to 30 feet long and from two to five feet deep, with at least two entrances. Continued: SOURCE: … [Read more...]
Kids’ Butterfly Garden: Attract Butterflies & Learn Together
Winged jewels of the air … flutterbys … no matter what you call butterflies, they entrance everyone. Planting a garden to attract them is one of the best ways to get children interested in gardening and nature while introducing them to a bit of … [Read more...]