It’s only natural to have a variety of bugs fluttering about in your flower or vegetable garden. The American Gardener explains that some species are friendly, while others are foes that can destroy your plants and crops. Harmful, invasive species have grown in number in recent years due to imbalances in the ecosystem, as well … Read more
If the world is a big home, humans are only one among the millions of species living under the same roof. We live in harmony with nature and other living creatures, including animals and plants. We are also codependent with them, helping us survive in this humanity-centered world. Bees are among those living creatures that … Read more
Insects chew or suck their way onto vegetables and diminish their aesthetic value. This is a no-no for growers who rely on unblemished produce and market to food companies. For now, though, let’s focus on pests that pose a threat to broccoli and cabbage. Sucking aphids Common pests that feed on young, green vegetables are … Read more
Each year, insects continue to challenge apple growers in western North Carolina. Marvin Owings, Extension director of the Henderson County Center, North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, said county growers deal most with Lepidoptera type insects such as codling moths and oriental fruit moths as well as a different pest called plum curculio. Codling moth Jim … Read more
Help native bees pollinate your crops As honeybee colonies continue to sicken and collapse, what can growers do to ensure crops are pollinated? Can other bee species take the place of honeybees? Who is this workers-in-waiting, and what can they do for crops? Other species of bees are not really “in waiting.” They have been … Read more