Crafting your own Valentine’s bouquet is charming and from the heart. It feels personal, creative, and far more genuine than grabbing a pre-made arrangement on the way home. But as more people turn to DIY floral projects, horticulture experts are waving a gentle but important red flag: those gorgeous stems you’re gathering may be carrying…
pest prevention
This Free App Could Save Your Garden From Dying This Spring
Spring makes gardeners feel unstoppable right up until a warm week, a windy day, and one missed watering knocks plants sideways. If you’ve ever watched seedlings flop overnight or seen pots dry out faster than you thought possible, you’re not alone. The good news is you don’t need fancy sensors or expensive gadgets to get…
Is Taking Clippings From Plants In A Store Illegal?
It’s easy to see why this question keeps popping up. Often, a tiny snip feels harmless and the plant will “grow back.” Plus, propagation is one of the most frugal gardening skills there is. But stores aren’t wild plant libraries, and what feels like a freebie to a shopper can look like damage or loss…
NC State Agriculture Officials Issue New Alert About an Invasive Pest Moving Into Backyards
If you love your yard, your garden, or the peace of soaking up sunshine among your flowers and trees, it’s time for a quick reality check: something unwelcome might be creeping in right under your feet. North Carolina agriculture officials have just issued a fresh alert about an invasive pest that’s no longer lurking only…
Why Winter Pest Prevention Saves More Than Summer Treatments
Most gardeners don’t think about pests until leaves are chewed, blossoms are ruined, or something starts oozing off a stem in July. By then, you’re paying in money, time, and stress while trying to fix a problem that’s already multiplying. The smarter move is to treat winter like the setup season, because a lot of…
Why Skipping Crop Rotation Leads to Bigger Pest Problems
Farmers and gardeners are always chasing that delicate balance between lush, thriving crops and sneaky pests lurking in the soil. But skipping one of the oldest tricks in the book—crop rotation—can turn your garden paradise into a pest playground. When plants are repeated in the same spot season after season, it’s like sending out an…
Why Pests Overwinter in Untended Garden Beds
Winter may look like a quiet timeout for the garden, but beneath the surface it’s more like a survival reality show packed with drama, strategy, and stubborn contestants. As leaves fall and beds go wild, tiny creatures start scouting for winter condos with insulation, snacks, and protection included. Untended garden beds just happen to check…
Why January Is the Best Time to Prevent Garden Insect Infestations
The crisp chill of January might make you think the garden is asleep, but beneath the frost, the stage is already set for a summer invasion. Garden insects may be hibernating or hidden, but savvy gardeners know that early preparation can save months of frustration. While most people are still cozying up with hot cocoa,…
7 Pest Problems That Begin Long Before You See the Damage
You open your kitchen one morning, and something feels off. A drawer is sticky, crumbs litter the counter, or a faint musty smell drifts from the pantry. You assume it’s a minor annoyance, but in reality, a silent invasion could already be underway. Pests are masters of stealth, laying the groundwork for destruction before you…
How to Catch Hidden Pests Before They Invade Your Shed This Winter
Winter is coming, and while you might be busy stocking up on firewood or prepping your garden tools for hibernation, there’s a secret threat lurking in the shadows: pests. Tiny intruders like rodents, spiders, and insects see your cozy shed as prime real estate when the cold weather hits. One day you’re enjoying a clean,…