Plant Problems

Learn how to avoid the many plant problems you'll run into when gardening - pests, diseases, and more. We provide treatment and prevention tips!

Close-up of a ladybug feeding on yellow aphids on a plant stem as part of fall integrated pest management.

Garden Pests

Integrated Pest Management in the Fall Garden

When the leaves begin to turn and the air takes on a chill, most pests go to sleep. But that doesn’t mean it’s time for you to do the same! Master naturalist and experienced gardener Sarah Jay provides tips for your fall integrated pest management regimen.

A close-up and macro shot of a large colony of small pests, showcasing an infestation of fall spider mites

Garden Pests

How to Combat Fall Spider Mite Explosions

Spider mites are unruly pests that quickly explode in population size! They’ll overwhelm tired and thirsty plants in summer and fall. Learn which types of mites are common in home gardens, and discover how to combat them for the safety of your plants.

A small dog with white and brown fur sits in front of a colorful mix of pink, orange, and yellow ruffled flowers with bright petals showing a garden with plants that are resistant to dog pee.

Plant Problems

11 Dog Pee-Proof Plants for Your Yard

It’s not pretty, but planning for our dogs’ outside time gives the best chance of healthy plants for our gardens. After all, the pups may be the most important users of our landscapes. Sturdy, dog-urine-resistant selections offer a foundation for growth despite regular stops along the canine walking route.

Close-up of broad, lobed green grape leaves with serrated edges, covered in scattered white, powdery mildew spots.

Plant Diseases

White Spots on Grape Leaves: How to Fix Powdery Mildew

As grapes turn purple, light green, and merlot in color, you may notice white spots growing on the vine’s foliage! The late summer garden is especially susceptible to powdery mildew. Prevention is the best solution, and these straightforward treatments address the issue before it spreads further.

Tall foxtail plants with slender green leaves, upright stems, and cylindrical bristly flower spikes, showing how some weeds look like grass.

Weeds

11 Weeds That Look Like Grass and How to Get Rid of Them

Dozens of weeds look like grass! Some of them are true grasses, while the others are look-alikes that behave similarly. You may let them grow and take over, or act with diligence to remove them. Learn how to identify and control these 11 most common garden invaders with native plant gardener Jerad Bryant.

Spiny, creeping stems with deeply lobed green leaves and purple summer blooms, among the most difficult weeds to control.

Weeds

The 12 Most Difficult Weeds to Eradicate

Dealing with weeds is a frustrating, time-consuming, and inevitable part of gardening. While some are easy to get rid of, others can be a serious problem. Join gardening expert Melissa Strauss to identify some of the more difficult weeds to eradicate.

A close-up shot of a feline in the process of chewing tall grass blades, showcasing how to clean cat poop garden beds

Garden Pests

Cat Poop in the Garden Beds: What to Do

Cat poop is the last thing you want to see next to your plants! It’s yucky near your crops, and it’s best not to grow vegetables where there’s lots of it. Cat lover and backyard gardener Jerad Bryant shares how to both handle and prevent cat poop in the garden beds.