How to Protect Young Trees From Rabbits and Voles in Winter
A single winter of gnawing can kill a young tree that looked fine in fall. A simple wire guard and a few inches of bare ground around the trunk prevent most of it.
Category: Pests & Diseases
Identify what is eating or infecting your plants and treat it, starting with the least toxic option.
Fire Blight: How to Spot It and Prune It Out of Pears and Apples
Scorched shoots and shepherd's crooks are the classic signs. Here's how to cut fire blight out without spreading it, and which varieties resist it.
How to Get Rid of Black Spot on Roses
Spotted leaves won't heal, so the aim is to protect new growth and cut next year's infection. Cleanup and watering habits do most of the work.
Early Blight vs Late Blight vs Septoria Leaf Spot: How to Tell Them Apart
Three tomato leaf diseases, three different responses. Spot shape, position on the plant and speed of spread tell you which one you have.
How to Get Rid of Spider Mites on Houseplants
Spider mites love warm, dry winter rooms and are too small to see easily. A sheet of white paper confirms them, and repeat rinsing keeps them down.
How to Get Rid of Mealybugs on Houseplants: Steps and Repeat Schedule
Mealybugs hide well and hatch in waves, so one round of treatment is never enough. A weekly routine with swabs and soap works if you stick with it.
How to Get Rid of Japanese Beetles, Least Toxic Options First
You won't wipe out Japanese beetles, but you can protect what matters. Here's what works on roses and fruit, why traps backfire, and how grubs fit in.