BY JOE BOLDT (This article first appeared in the San Diego Union-Tribune on February 12, 2022) Whisper the phrase “Integrated Pest Management,” or worse, “IPM” at your local garden club meeting and even the most erudite gardener might be seen fleeing to the nearest exit. Just what is Integrated Pest Management and why should you care? […]
Question: I saw a large green caterpillar feeding on my green tomato leaves. Could it also be chewing on the fruit? Answer: Yes, the caterpillar on your plant is probably the tomato hornworm. It is a common pest in gardens. Tomato hornworms are well camouflaged among the leaves of their host plants. The body […]
Question: What is happening to my Canary Island Date Palm? Answer: The brown mushroom looking top on this Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis) has sadly become a more common site in the San Diego County landscape due to an invasive pest. The South American Palm Weevil – SAPW (Rhynchophorus palmarum) has spread north […]
By DONNA MCCLAY Question: Is companion planting a good idea for my vegetable garden? Answer: Yes! Companion planting has been used in organic gardens for years. Companion planting provides many advantages for the home vegetable gardener. It is defined as planting two or more species in close proximity to create biodiversity and increase yield. Some […]
By By LINDA JONES Summer is the “time of the garden,” when flowers are riotously blooming and fruit and vegetables are ripening. However, you may find you’re not the only one enjoying the fruits of your labors. In order to support their next generation, many nonvertebrate pests, such as aphids and snails, may be eating leaves, […]
