Symptoms of Rust on Sweet Corn At first, symptoms of corn rust fungus show as tiny, yellow, pin prick spots on leaves. Seven days after these symptoms appear, they develop into reddish brown pustules that are formed on the upper and lower surface of the leaf. The pustules then rupture, and the small, cinnamon-colored spores are revealed. The pustules may be circular or elongated and can be found in bands or patches....

Identifying Scale Plant Insect Scale insects thrive in warm, dry environments. The scale bug is small, oval and flat, with a protective tan to brown shell-like covering (scale). Scale generally targets the undersides of leaves and around leaf joints. The scale plant insect consists of three types: armored scale soft scale mealybug Scales, both armored and soft, are the most destructive. Armored scales are more difficult to control once mature. Soft scale bugs excrete large amounts of honeydew, which encourages the growth of sooty mold, a black-colored fungus that interferes with photosynthesis....

What is a Serviceberry? Serviceberries are trees or bushes, depending on cultivar, with a beautiful natural shape and edible fruit. While all serviceberry fruit is edible, the tastiest fruit is found on the Saskatoon variety. A member of the genus Amelanchier, serviceberries reward homeowners with a spectacular display of showy white flowers that look like lilacs in the spring, attractive fall foliage, and pretty gray bark. Reaching from 6 to 20 feet (2-6 m....

Shepherd’s Purse Plant Information Shepherd’s purse gets its name from the resemblance of its seed pods to purses once carried by shepherds in Europe and Asia Minor. When the heart-shaped pods burst open, they release seeds that are carried by the elements and on the coats and feathers of animals to far-flung areas. The seeds remain viable for a long time, and they germinate easily once they come in contact with soil....

What are Sissoo Trees? Also called rosewood trees, sissoos are grown in their native areas of India, Nepal and Pakistan as an important source of high-quality lumber that is used for making fine furniture and cabinetry. In India, it is second only to teak in economic importance. In the U.S. it is grown as a landscape tree. Sissoo trees are considered invasive in Florida and should be planted there with caution....

About Ornamental Shade Trees If you live in a city, you may have a typically small urban lot that gets shade from nearby structures. These are perfect sites for ornamental trees that grow in shade. Even rural areas have shady spots where small ornamental shade trees might work perfectly. Before you start selecting among ornamental trees that grow in shade, figure out which hardiness zone you live in. The Department of Agriculture has developed a zone system for the nation based on the lowest minimum winter temperatures, running from very cold zone 1 to very hot zone 13....

Soapweed Yucca Information The Native Americans of the Great Plains valued soapweed yucca (Yucca glauca), using it for aches and pains, sprains, inflammations, and also to staunch bleeding. The roots were used as a laxative and the soapy juice was an effective treatment for poison ivy and other minor skin irritations. The stout fibers were incorporated into sandals, baskets, brooms, and whips. Soapweed yucca, with a taproot of up to 20 feet (7 m....

Soda Pop as Fertilizer Sugary soda pops are not the most ideal choices for use as fertilizer. Just like salt, sugar prevents plants from absorbing the water — not what we’re looking for. However, plain carbonated water introduced for a short period of time does encourage plant growth over the use of tap water. Club soda or carbonated water contain the macronutrients carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, phosphorous, potassium sulfur, and sodium that are essential for healthy plant growth....

Causes & Symptoms of Bacterial Wilt Often seen early on in the season, bacterial wilt is a disease that commonly affects these vine crops, including melons and pumpkins. It is caused by a bacterium (Erwinia tracheiphila), which overwinters within the cucumber beetle, a common pest that feeds on vine crops. Once spring arrives, the beetle begins feeding on young plants, like squash, thus infecting the leaves and stems. And, alas, squash wilt is born....

Anyone lucky enough to be growing this plant may be wondering how to harvest starfruit once mature. This article can help with that. Starfruit Harvest Time Carambola trees grow in warm climates. As a warm-weather, fruit-bearing plant, starfruit trees don’t require a chill period to promote spring blooming and fruit production. As such, starfruit trees are a bit unusual in that they don’t necessarily bloom in a particular season. This means starfruit harvest time can vary throughout the year....

Tips for Starting a Gardening Blog So, you want to start your own blog about gardening but aren’t quite sure where to begin? The following tips should help: Start with your passion Does your mouth water at the thought of picking tomatoes still warm from the sun? Does a bright orange pumpkin peeking out from lush rows of squash make you catch your breath? Does your heart beat faster for flowers planted in a certain color scheme, like that of a rainbow pattern?...

How to Keep Squash Some varieties of squash can keep months in good storage conditions. The rind must be kept from injury when storing winter squash and others, as this invites pests and infection into the fruit. Harvest the squash when they are the size you want for eating now, but for storage you need mature fruit. Dead vines may be an indication of ripeness or it may be when the squash twists easily off the vine....

Growing strawberries is rewarding. Read on for specific tips on how to plant strawberries, when to plant strawberries, and strawberry plant care. How and When to Plant Strawberries When planning your strawberry patch, it’s important to know that strawberries thrive in full sun so locate a bright sunny spot where they’ll have six or more hours of full sun exposure. Many varieties produce blossoms in early spring that can be killed by a late frost unless there’s plenty of sun on your plants....

Identifying Weeds with Succulent Leaves Purslane plants are trailing, succulent-type weeds with a mat-forming habit. With fleshy, succulent leaves and reddish stems, it can become a prolific nuisance in your yard. Native to India and Persia, purslane has spread around the world. It is related to the popular bedding plant portulaca (moss rose). Since the plant germinates when soil temperatures are warm, you likely won’t see it until later in summer....

About Sunburst Cherry Trees Cherry ‘Sunburst’ trees were developed at the Summerland Research Station in Canada and introduced in 1965. They mature in mid-season, a day after Van cherries, and 11 days prior to LaPins. They are primarily sold in the United Kingdom and out of Australia. Sunburst is suitable for growing in containers. It is self-fertile, which means it does not need another cherry to set fruit, but it is also an excellent pollinator for other cultivars....

Don’t panic carnivores! Super Bowl vegetable dishes won’t be the only things on the menu. How about pickled jalapenos to go on those grilled burgers? Keep reading to learn more Super Bowl feast ideas. Super Bowl Sunday from the Garden? In our household, every year, there’s one guy who must bring his “famous” chicken wings and another couple that has to bring their BBQ ribs. This starts the menu out with some significant protein, but what about those who want to lighten things up or avoid meat entirely?...

When Sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) won’t bloom, it’s a huge disappointment to those who look forward to its summer-long display. Hardy in USDA zones 5 to 10a, Sweetbay is deciduous in zones 7-8. It prefers an acidic, moist soil like those found in Eastern U.S. swamps. While it is susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Sweetbay is not usually bothered by pests and disease. Learn more about Sweetbay magnolia problems. Sweetbay Magnolia Won’t Flower: Reasons Why Sweetbay Magnolias Don’t Bloom There are many reasons plants may not flower and it is sometimes difficult to pinpoint the exact cause....

Can I Take Plants on an Airplane? Yes, you can bring plants on an airplane, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the U.S. The TSA allows plants in both carry-on and checked bags. You should know, however, that the TSA officers on duty can deny anything and will have the final say on what you can carry when you go through security. Airlines also set their own rules as to what is or isn’t allowed on planes....

As you thumb through seed catalogs in the fall and winter, consider trying some vegetable varieties that have ornamental value, such as Thai Pink Egg tomatoes. What is a Thai Pink Egg tomato? Thai Pink Egg Tomato Info As its name implies, Thai Pink Egg tomatoes originate in Thailand where they are valued for their appearance just as much as their sweet, juicy fruit. This dense, bushy tomato plant can grow 5 to 7 feet (1....

When gardeners give thanks from the garden, they may be grateful for food to put on the table or they may be thankful for the sun shining on their face. What are some other ways you can give thanks from the garden? Gratitude and Thankfulness in the Garden Feeling gratitude and thankfulness in the garden transcends religious affiliation or lack of. It all comes down to appreciating the moment or recognizing the power in the ritual of digging a hole and planting a seed or plant, an almost sacred ritual that has been practiced for thousands of years....