The client called in with a concern about a leaf spot on maple leaves. The Virginia Tech Plant Diagnostic Lab identified the leaf spot as purple-bordered (or purple eye) leaf spot (Phyllosticta minima). This is a very common disease of maples … [Read more...]
How to deal with fall webworms
The signs of fall are all around us: shorter days, cooler temperatures, pumpkin-spiced foods and an abundance of silky nests in hardwood trees and shrubs. That last sign is the often-unwelcomed indication that the fall webworm has arrived. The … [Read more...]
I Found a Caterpillar. What Will it Turn Into?
Did you find a caterpillar outside, and you're wondering what kind of butterfly or moth it will turn into? Would you like to raise it to an adult? Find out the name of your caterpillar, what it eats, and what it turns into with the help of this quick … [Read more...]
Designing for the Smaller Garden
Let’s face it. Most of us do not live in a sprawling mansion on a large tract of land. Our landscape needs are for much smaller houses and properties. When designing for a small lot, choosing smaller versions of our old favorites will make … [Read more...]
Gardening for Butterflies
Learn about the butterfly life cycle, and how to manage your garden to attract butterflies. They are also extremely important ecologically. Butterflies pollinate flowering plants and serve as food for other organisms, thus forming an important link … [Read more...]
Permethrin-Treated Clothing May Disable Ticks, Study Finds CDC research suggests that wearing these items might stop the insects from biting you
Shirts, pants, hats, and other clothing treated with the insecticide known as permethrin have been touted for 15 years as a way to prevent the tick bites that can lead to Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and more. … [Read more...]
How to Prune Lavender Plants
Vigorous pruning means heavier blooming. A hardy plant for sunny dry spots and one of the longest-blooming semi-shrubs around, lavender (genus Lavandula) would earn a place in most sunny gardens even if it didn’t have such a … [Read more...]
An Introduction to Seed Saving for the Home Gardener
Seed saving is an ancient art that enabled humans to cease being hunter gatherers. Up until the end of World War II, home gardeners typically saved their own seeds, because high-quality seeds at affordable prices were generally not available. … [Read more...]
Three SURPRISING Things I Learned About Asian Longhorned Ticks
Late in the evening Sunday August 12. Only 4 more TickSpotters pictures left to look at today. But wait, what’s THAT one. This TickSpotter had sent in something different; a simple picture of a suspicious-looking tick found on their dog … [Read more...]
Nature can be as engaging as video games — how to help kids fall in love with the outdoors
You don’t need to go to a national park to help your kids fall in love with nature; a walk around the block can be enough. Tech also doesn’t have to be the enemy. Instead, use it as a tool to enhance their awe, says science communicator Scott … [Read more...]