FS040,Few insects can compare with the alarm caused by Cicada Killer Wasps— Sphecius speciosus. These large solitary wasps are also known as Giant Cicada Killers or Sand Hornets. This last common name ...

Silicon is a mineral present on earth in abundance. The element makes up about 28% of mineral soil by weight. Until recently, this ubiquitous element was not given much attention as a possible ...

Hornets, yellow jackets, Polistes, mud daubers, and the cicada killer are all wasps, a group of beneficial insects that attack and destroy other insects found around homes and in gardens. Wasps, ...

FS1121,Recluse spiders (Loxosceles spp.) Recluse spiders (genus Loxosceles) are notorious for their potent venom. Thirteen species are known to occur in the Unites States. Most Loxosceles are ...

E376,Causal Agent Beech leaf disease (BLD) is caused by an invasive nematode Litylenchus crenatae subsp. mccannii (Lcm; Figure 1). Nematodes are microscopic roundworms. Most nematodes are free-living, ...

FS938,Jimsonweed: Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) is a worldwide nuisance. Other common names include Jamestown weed, thorn apple, downy thornapple, devil's trumpet, angel's trumpet, mad apple, stink ...

Many gardeners successfully grow figs (Ficus carica) in New Jersey for many years. However, since fig trees are evergreen plants in warmer climates, some type of low temperature protection is needed.

Composting is a natural process where organic materials decompose and are recycled into a dark, crumbly, earthy smelling soil conditioner known as "compost". Compost improves soil structure and ...

Tomatoes need at least 8 hours of direct sun each day. The area should be well-drained, and free from the competition of tree and shrub roots. If possible, plant tomatoes in an area where tomatoes, ...

Soil-borne fungal diseases can be a major problem for tomatoes. There are three steps to understanding and managing tomato diseases in the home garden. The first step is to understand the disease ...

Spring flowering bulbs can provide a good investment for money spent by supplying years of seasonal color in your landscape. They offer a tremendous range of flower colors, shapes, sizes, and plant ...

Aquatic vegetation is an essential element of a healthy lake, pond, and reservoir ecosystem. At moderate densities, aquatic plants produce oxygen, serve as a food source for a variety of aquatic, semi ...