Pests of Yucca Yuccas make great additions to the landscape. After all, these tough, water-saving plants look beautiful in almost any surrounding and produce a dramatic flower spike in the summer. There’s not much to dislike about these easy-care plants. Even their pest problems aren’t all that serious, though there are a few insects that affect yuccas. Most pests on yucca are very minor problems, but knowing which yucca plant bugs are worrisome and which aren’t so serious can help you decide how to best handle your yucca’s bug issues....

Reasons for No Mango Fruit on Tree From the family Anacardiaceae and related to cashews and pistachio, the most common mango tree problems are those related to the mango tree not producing. Becoming familiar with its causes is the first step in how to get mango fruit on your tree. Below are the most common reasons for non fruiting mango trees: Diseases The most detrimental disease affecting non fruiting mango trees is called anthracnose, which attacks all parts of the tree but does the most damage to the flower panicles....

Identifying Mole Crickets These insects can be recognized by their gray-brown, velvety bodies and wide spade-like front legs, which are well adapted for digging. Adult mole crickets are about an inch to an inch and a quarter (2.5-3 cm.) in length with wings. The nymphs, or immature mole crickets, are similar looking but are smaller and have no wings. Mole Cricket Damage Mole cricket damage usually occurs in warmer climates, especially areas along the coast of the southeastern United States....

Lettuce Mollusk Problems The type of slugs and snails you may encounter in the vegetable garden vary depending upon where you live. Even though slugs obviously lack shells, both slugs and snails are classified as mollusks. The mollusks use their single “foot” to move within the garden in search of plant matter. Slugs and snails seek shelter from direct sunlight within the garden and are most active at night and when temperatures are cool....

What is Monocropping? Many farmers plant only one crop in the same place year after year. This is what is known as monoculture crops. Supporters claim it is a more profitable way to farm than switching crops around each year. When a farmer grows only one type of crop he can specialize in that crop and purchase only the tools and machinery needed to deal with that crop. However, those against monocropping claim that it is very hard on the environment and actually less profitable than organic means of farming....

How to Avoid Leaf Spot on Chrysanthemum Leaf spot of chrysanthemum is caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas cichorii, which is sometimes carried on the leaves of the plant, so even healthy looking specimens may be susceptible when conditions are right. For this reason, it is important to provide the proper growing conditions and use the appropriate watering technique to avoid bacterial leaf spot on mums. Bacteria thrives in warm, moist environments, so when planting mums, always use adequate spacing between plants to ensure good air circulation....

What makes cucumber skins tough? A tough cucumber skin is most likely the result of the variety of cucumber being grown. Of course, if the cucumber skin is too hard, it can always be peeled; but if you would rather grow fruit without a tough cucumber peel, keep reading. What Makes Cucumber Skins Tough? Cucumbers grown for eating fresh from the garden are of two kinds. There are cukes suited for growing in the greenhouse and those that are more suitable for growing outdoors....

Pruning a Rubber Tree for Branching The most common way of correcting a rubber tree that won’t branch is to break apical dominance. In layman’s terms, this means removing the top growth on the main stem, thus re-directing a hormone called auxin downward, where it will encourage branches to sprout on down the stem. This is best done when the plant is young. Older plants do not like their leafy top canopy disturbed....

Can Native Plants Become Invasive? A native plant can become invasive, even after years of growing it without any problems. Part of the confusion on this subject is the term invasive; it’s relative. A stand of fast-growing, out-competing goldenrod can potentially take over your garden, and you might call it invasive. Yet, in the meadow down the street, it’s just a natural part of the native landscape. Generally, we consider aggressive, non-native plants that out-compete native plants to be invasive, but there are conditions under which plants native to a certain area become a nuisance....

Neptune Tomato Info What is a Neptune tomato? The tomato “Neptune” cultivar is relatively new on the tomato scene. Developed by Dr. J. W. Scott at the University of Florida’s Gulf Coast Research and Education Center and released to the public in 1999, it is bred specifically to stand up to hot and wet summers in places like the Deep South and Hawaii, where tomatoes are famously hard to grow. This tomato plant performs well in hot weather, which is a must....

Reasons for Non-Blooming Clematis Figuring out why a clematis is not blooming is the first step in fixing the issue. Fertilizer – Improper fertilization is often the reason for a non-blooming clematis. Usually, the problem isn’t lack of fertilizer, but too much, which may produce lush foliage and few blooms. As a general rule, clematis benefits from a handful of 5-10-10 fertilizer in the spring, along with a layer of compost....

Help, My Pea Pods are Empty! The simplest and most likely explanation for empty pea pods is that they just aren’t yet mature. When you take a look at the pod, the maturing peas will be small. The peas plump up as the pod matures, so try giving the pods a few more days. Of course, there is a fine line here. Peas are better when young and tender; letting them mature too much may result in tough, starchy peas....

The good news is that ocotillo propagation is surprisingly easy, but the bad news is that rooting seems to be rather hit or miss. If you’re interested in giving it a try, read on to learn the basics of propagating ocotillo plants for your garden. When to Propagate Ocotillo When it comes to propagating, ocotillo plants tend to be somewhat unpredictable, and success tends to be hit and miss. You can try to start a new plant any time of year, but in the desert climate, the best time is during the winter rainy season when the extra moisture and cooler temperatures provide better rooting conditions....

Grandparents’ Gardening Tips and Tricks Some of those tips follow, including those from my grandparent’s generation and beyond. Perhaps, they will answer some of the questions you might have or even some tried and true tips and methods that have withstood time. Supporting Bean Plants Growing beans along a sunflower stem planted in the same hill can offer attractive and sturdy supports for climbing crops. Garden tips from the past say sunflower plants are more stable than even the traditional beanpole....

Peony Flowers in the Garden Learn how to grow peonies, whether the tree or garden form, for abundant flowers for cutting and a show in the landscape. Care for peonies is not difficult if you’re planting within the right growing zones, USDA Zones 2-8. Peony flowers bloom for about a week, somewhere between late spring and early summer. Select early, mid-season, and late bloomers for a long-lasting display of exquisite, growing peonies....

If you’re lucky enough to be able to grow your own tomatoes, the question is when are tomatoes ready to harvest? Tomatoes are sneaky. We’re used to purchasing vibrant red tomatoes from the grocers, but the fact is that color is not a good indicator of when to pick tomatoes. Waiting for a time when the fruit is uniformly red may be a little late for picking the tomatoes....

Wildflower Growing in Zone 8 Consisting of both annual and perennial plants, wildflowers are plants that grow naturally without human assistance or intervention. To grow wildflowers for zone 8, it’s important to replicate their natural growing environment – sunlight, moisture, and soil type – as much as possible. All zone 8 wildflowers are not created equal. Some may need dry, sunny growing conditions while others are acclimated to shade or damp, boggy soil....

Environmental Causes of Pine Tree Browning In years of heavy rain or extreme drought, pine trees may brown in response. Browning is often caused by an inability of the pine tree to uptake enough water to keep its needles alive. When moisture is overly abundant and drainage is poor, root rot is often the culprit. As roots die, you may notice your pine tree dying from the inside out. This is a way for the tree to protect itself from total collapse....

As with any plant, diseases of pitcher plant may occur and should be dealt with immediately. There are also some common pests of pitcher plants that can chew away the modified pitcher shaped leaf, preventing the plant from harvesting its food. Pitcher Plant Problems The most common pitcher plant problems lie in cultivation and environmental issues. That said, there are a few pitcher plant diseases and pests that may affect them as well....

Why are Pitcher Plants Turning Black? When pitcher plant (Nepenthes) leaves are turning black, it is usually the result of shock or a sign that the plant is going into dormancy. Something as simple as a change in conditions the plant experiences when you bring it home from the nursery can cause shock. A pitcher plant can also go into shock when any of its needs aren’t being met. Here are some things to check:...