Articles
Gardening Articles
Research-based horticulture information to help keep your plants and gardens thriving.
Thyronectria Canker
Thyronectria canker is a common fungal disease of honeylocust, occurring wherever this tree is grown. Thyronectria canker is non-lethal and typically causes relatively minor damage to affected trees.
Iris Severe Mosaic
Iris severe mosaic (also called yellow latent disease or gray disease) is a potentially severe viral disease that can adversely affect both bulb and rhizome-forming irises, as well as crocuses.
Landscaping Alternatives for Common Invasive Wetland and Aquatic Plants
Aquatic and wetland plants are great additions to your water gardens, ponds, and rain gardens to oxygenate the water, shelter and feed wildlife, provide beauty, and support pollinators. The plants we choose for rain gardens are also key to how it will function to reduce runoff. Over time, we have learned that many invasive plants introduced to our gardens impact native species by spreading into natural areas.
Landscaping Alternatives for Terrestrial Invasive Flowers and Grasses
Flowers, grasses, and sedges are great additions to your gardens and home landscape to intercept and control dirty water, store and cycle carbon, promote healthy soil, shelter and feed wildlife, and provide pollinator support. Over time, we have learned that many plants introduced into our gardens can negatively impact native species by spreading into natural areas.
What’s the deal with “No Mow May?”
Have you heard about “No Mow May?” Many people have committed to not mowing their yards in May, allowing flowering plants to grow to help provide food for pollinators. Before you stow away your mower for May, let’s look at what options you can take to help pollinators this Spring.
▶ Watch: How do Pesticides Affect Pollinators and Songbirds in Your Yard
In this video, you will learn what research studies have found about how pesticides affect pollinators and songbirds. You will also learn about what people have done to help in their yards and communities to aid pollinator health and habitats.
▶ Watch: Pollinator Gardens: Plant Selection and Garden Care
In this video, learn how to select and care for plants to attract and support diverse pollinators in your garden all season long. This presentation emphasizes native plants and pollinators and includes sustainable gardening practices.
Protecting Young Trees from Animal and Other Damage Over Winter
In winter, young trees are prone to a variety of hazards. In this video, learn how you can mitigate that damage by protecting young trees from potential wildlife damage and how to effectively protect trunks from winter sunscald damage.
▶ WATCH: Maintaining Your Festive Houseplants
Festive houseplants are common gifts in winter. In this video, learn how to keep a poinsettia, Christmas cactus, Norfolk Island Pine and other favorite gift plants thriving.
Strategies for Identifying and Managing Plant Diseases
By: Amanda Gevens, Professor and Integrated Extension Specialist Plants can be affected by fungus, bacteria, viruses and other factors. In this video, you will learn how to look for symptoms of plant disease, cultural methods to reduce disease pressure, and other management practices. Plant disease is an abnormal response in plant health to a pathogen, […]
Strategies for Identifying and Managing Insect Pests
By: PJ Liesch, Extension Entomology Specialist Even though insects can cause damage to our plants, not all of them are harmful. In this video, you will learn how to look for signs of insects, why identification is required, and different control options and methods. The first step in the management process of insects in yards […]
Identification, Management and Control of Major Apple Pests
By: Diana Alfuth, Horticulture Outreach Specialist Major insect and fungal pests can cause damage to your apples. In this video, you will learn about the major insect and fungal pests, how their life cycle influences management techniques, and several practices that you can use to help you be successful growing apples. There are four major […]
