What’s eating my lilies, and what should I do about it?
My potted lilies have chewed leaves and I’ve spotted bright red beetles nearby. There’s also a dark, messy-looking deposit on some leaves. Is this all from the same…
garden pests
How can I tell if these leaves were eaten by sawflies?
Something is chewing leaves off my plant, and I’m wondering about sawflies. What signs should I check before treating it?
Are groundhogs actually a problem, or can you leave them be?
We’ve spotted a groundhog in our yard, which is fairly natural and not especially formal. We don’t mind sharing the space, but we’re wondering what trouble they can…
What could be stripping leaves from just one of my cherry trees?
I have four cherry trees, but only one has branches with leaves chewed along both sides. I haven’t spotted insects or other obvious clues. What should I look…
Are these caterpillars going to ruin my dill?
I found several caterpillars on my dill. Are they pests, or should I leave them alone?
Are these speckled tomatoes still okay to eat?
My first Tumbling Tom tomatoes have spots, and some were resting close to the soil as they grew. I can’t tell whether the marks are from insects, weather,…
How do I keep birds from getting the strawberries?
Birds seem to be taking my strawberries just as they ripen. What has worked for keeping them off the plants, and how can I tell if something else…
Help! Deal with Slugs on My Tomato Plants Without Getting Grossed Out?
I recently discovered slugs on my tomato plants, which totally freaks me out! I found one chilling on a tomato late at night, and it made me realize…
How Can I Safely Remove Yellowjackets from My Raised Bed?
I've got a situation with a growing yellowjacket hive in my raised garden bed. I was okay with them at first, but they've become aggressive and I can't…
Why Are Cucumber Beetles Only Targeting My New Garden?
I just planted a brand new garden with fresh soil this year, but I've started noticing cucumber beetles appearing. It's frustrating because I haven't even managed to grow…
Need Help Finding Effective Deer Repellents for My Plants
I'm looking for recommendations on effective deer repellents specifically for my hydrangeas and other flowering plants. Unfortunately, I can't use netting or a fence, so I'm hoping for…
Help! My Tomato Plants Are Being Dug Up!
I recently planted six tomato plants with my partner just two days ago, and we put crushed eggshells in the planting holes. However, this morning, I found that…
What are your best tips for keeping snails out of the garden?
I'm really struggling with snails invading my garden and I can't seem to keep them away! I've tried putting copper tape around my plants, but it hasn't helped…
Are Birds Friends or Foes for My Garden?
I'm new to gardening and trying to figure out if the birds in my backyard are good or bad for my plants. I've heard mixed things—some folks talk…
What's the best way to get rid of mosquitoes in my garden?
I'm looking for effective ways to eliminate mosquitoes from my garden. I have a large pot filled with water, but it also houses some fish, so that's not…
How are you planning to deal with Japanese beetles in your garden for 2025?
I'm gearing up for 2025 and my main strategy involves using Milky Spores and spreading it monthly. I'm not interested in traps or chemicals. Last year, I woke…