Archive for August 2008
Using containers in borders — August 26, 2008
Containers aren’t just for porches, patios and decks — you can also put them in your perennial borders. Here are some tips to help you decide where to place the containers.
Grasshoppers — August 26, 2008
If you’ve walked through tall grass in the summer, you’ve seen grasshoppers leaping away in all directions.
Swordleaf inula — August 19, 2008
If you have clay soil, you might want to try growing swordleaf inula. The mounds of small swordlike leaves are almost covered with 1-in.-diameter golden-yellow flowers in midsummer.
Septoria leaf spot — August 19, 2008
Septoria leaf spot is a common fungal disease that can affect black-eyed Susans. It begins with brown-black spots on the leaves.
Mantids — August 12, 2008
Mantids are among nature’s most elegant, efficient and lethal predators. But despite their movie-monster appearance and ferocious reputations, they make great garden helpers.
Common ragweed — August 12, 2008
If you suffer from hay fever, this is the culprit. Common ragweed can grow anywhere from 1 to 4 feet tall and produces green flowers in late summer.
Nasturtiums in salads — August 5, 2008
Not only are nasturtiums beautiful garden flowers, they’re edible! Add leaves and flowers to salads and summer pizzas for a spicy, peppery taste.
Blossom-end rot on peppers — August 5, 2008
Blossom-end rot is a common problem with peppers, tomatoes, melons and squash. It starts out as a round, sunken, soft spot at the end of the pepper and grows steadily larger.
