Pests & Diseases
Groupegarden / Pests & Diseases
Pests & Diseases
Which organic nematode products actually control vine weevils and how to apply them for potted rhododendrons
I lost more than a few beloved potted rhododendrons to vine weevil a few years ago before I finally turned to biological control. After reading studies, testing products in my own patio pots and talking to other gardeners, I now use nematodes as a...
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Pests & Diseases
How to stop early blight on tomatoes using copper fungicide and practical cultural fixes
I remember the first season I lost half my tomato crop to early blight — those telltale brown target-shaped spots on lower leaves, the rapid defoliation, and the slow dread as the main stems weakened. Since then I’ve learned that stopping early...
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Pests & Diseases
How to stop root rot in containers: diagnose the cause and save plants in five targeted steps
I hate losing a favourite container plant to root rot. Over the years I’ve rescued tomatoes, geraniums and even a beloved potted hydrangea by spotting the problem early and acting decisively. Root rot in containers is one of those silent killers:...
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Pests & Diseases
How to stop squash vine borer fast: identify damage, use collar barriers and a targeted Bt schedule
I remember the first summer I lost an entire squash patch to squash vine borer (SVB). One morning the vines looked strong, and by afternoon one half of the bed had wilted to a brown tangle. After ripping plants apart and finding a fat orange...
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Pests & Diseases
How to build a pet-safe slug barrier with copper tape, beer alternatives and garden-friendly nematodes
I hate finding nibbled seedlings and slimy trails on my patio pots, and I know many of you feel the same. Over the years I’ve tested lots of methods to control slugs that are safe for dogs, cats and wildlife, and that don’t wreck the soil life I...
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Pests & Diseases
Fix blossom end rot on tomatoes in seven practical steps for container growers
I remember the first summer my patio tomato plants started showing small, sunken brown patches on the bottoms of the fruits — maddening when you’re nursing container tomatoes through heat, water and pruning. That problem was blossom end rot...
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Pests & Diseases
Companion planting pairs that reduce pests and boost tomato yields
I’ve always treated companion planting as one of those simple garden strategies that rewards you over and over: a few smart plant pairings can cut pests, improve pollination and even increase tomato yields without reaching for chemical sprays....
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Pests & Diseases
Eco friendly slug control strategies that protect pets and wildlife
I hate finding half-eaten hosta leaves or a row of tiny holes across my lettuces — and I’ve learned that slugs are as persistent as they are sneaky. Over the years I’ve tried every trick in the book, and I’ve also learned to choose methods...
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Pests & Diseases
Natural homemade spray recipes that actually stop aphids on roses
I hate seeing my roses coated in tiny, sap-sucking aphids. Over the years I’ve tried commercial sprays, sticky traps and staggered plantings, but my favourite approach is a set of simple, natural homemade sprays that actually work — when used...
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