Garden Pests

Squash Bugs

Avoid using mulches and clean up any debris around plants to eliminate shelter for squash bugs. Practicing crop rotation can greatly reduce their numbers as well. However, rotations will not completely keep squash bugs from showing up because of their ability to fly in from other sites. If you have infestations every year, consider using an early trap crop such as blue hubbard squash. Squash bugs tend to colonize the first suitable host in the environment, and a trap crop can serve as a lure that can then be treated and destroyed to greatly reduce squash bug populations. Simple fertilizing and watering of cucurbits is also advantageous, as it will make the plants more tolerant to feeding injury.

Early detection is the key to managing a potential squash bug infestation is early detection. When plants are young, check the stems and leaves for egg clusters and crush any that are observed. It is impossible to eliminate all of the eggs this way, but it is a good preliminary strike that helps reduce populations later in the year. As the season progresses, continue to watch for nymphs and check cucurbits for wilting or discolored leaves, as these are signs of a possible infestation.

Physical removal of squash bugs may be effective if only a few plants are infested. For heavier infestations or if more plants are affected, insecticide treatments are recommended. Insecticides should be applied early in the season to manage nymphs because the adults are more resilient and difficult to kill. Several products can be used for squash bug management including carbaryl (Sevin), permethrin, and spinosad. For best results, make sure to get good coverage on the undersides of the leaves where squash bugs typically like to hide. If plants are flowering, be aware of pollinators and try to apply insecticides in a manner that does not directly harm them.

Landscaping

Arbors Add Function to the Yard or Garden

Arbors date back to early Egyptian and Roman gardens and were used throughout Europe by the late 16th century. The term arbor, or arbour, is an English word, believed to be derived from the Old French herbere or Anglo-French herbe, meaning herb or grass.

Residential applications of an arbor, or arbour, is considered a freestanding structure that serves as an entrance to a part of a yard or garden. It can also act as a small shelter for a bench or seating area, often with plants climbing or vining up and overhead.

Arbors include two or four posts with a simple slatted roof (often arched, but not always). The sides of an arbor can be open over covered with lattice or trellis work for a more enclosed effect and to help vines better attach.

An arbor can be bought, made from a kit, a do-it-yourself project, or can be custom-built by a carpenter or contractor.

Trumpet Vine (Campsis) perennial

 

Anyone from beginners to longtime gardners can grow this easy vine, which produces bold red and orange flowers during the summer. You’ll love this vine for its punchy blooms, which attract hummingbirds, and it’s versatility (it can grow in sun, shade, and survive hot, cold, and even drought conditions).

Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) perennial

 

Throughout this perennial’s long bloom time, from mid-June through September, its trumpet-shaped blossoms can perfume your entire garden. Coral honeysuckle will twine around anything in its path, scaling a 10- to 15-foot trellis in a single season, and attract hummingbirds as well.

Moonflower (Ipomoea alba) annual

A night-blooming species of morning glory, this plant features fragrant white flowers that open from sundown to sunup, midsummer to early autumn—you can literally watch them unfurl at dusk. While the vine reaches heights of more than 15 feet, you’ll want to sow several to achieve the lush effect above. Same way with morning glories which are in the same family.

Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) perennial

If you need a quick cover, call on Virginia Creeper, a fast-growing vine that clings to walls and other surfaces. Its leaves turn brilliant colors in the fall. Keep this in check so it does not get away from you.

Clematis (Clematis viticella) perennial

Large-flowered clematis grow in many colors, this lovely vine produces brilliantly colored blooms.

Sweet autumn clematis (Clematis terniflora) perennial

The next two are my favorites, A very vigorous clematis, this vine doesn’t just grow tall (up to 20 feet in a few months); it also grows wide, ensuring full coverage. Consider its tiny white flowers, which bloom in late summer and early fall, a bonus. Oh, and did we mention that the plant tolerates most soil and sun conditions?

Hops (Humulus lupulus) perennial

Best known as a key beer ingredient, the hop vine brings good taste to a garden, too. In mid to late summer, its large leaves are joined by chartreuse cones (borne only on female plants) that deliver as much drama as any flower. Plus, this baby can climb 12 inches per day, topping out at around 30 feet.

DIY Projects

Exterior Window Treatments

Window Boxes

Putting up exterior window treatments such as shutters and window boxes can beautify your home while adding some practical benefits. On top of curb appeal (both through flowers and paint colors), awnings and closable shutters can help keep the house cool and shield windows from the elements.

Shutters

Shutters can be functional, especially if you live in a high storm area. But decorative shutters are a quick and inexpensive way to dress up your exterior windows. You can buy premade shutters in a variety of materials at your local home improvement store, or you can easily DIY them as well!

Awnings

Awnings typically manage to work double-duty, adding curb appeal while also filtering the sunlight that comes into your home and protecting your windows from the elements. Traditional cloth awnings come in a variety of sizes and styles, but a wood awning is striking!

Molding and Trim

If you’re still using wood exterior trim boards on your houses, then you know the deal. They’re lightweight and inexpensive, but, like a tuna sandwich, wood does not last long when exposed to the blazing sun and water. A smart alternative is composite molding and trim. While they may look like wood, these products will last until the cows come home. Composite trim may be wood/plastic, cellular PVC, vinyl, or polyurethane. They differ in weight and appearance, but they all boast better weather-resistant qualities than most wood exterior trim products.