Pests & Diseases
Groupegarden / Pests & Diseases
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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