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!

Black aphids heavily infest a nasturtium trap plant, clustering along the stems and near a bright orange flower.

Garden Pests

How to Use Nasturtiums as Trap Plants for Pest Control

Most gardeners spend years battling aphids, beetles, and other destructive pests with sprays and treatments that offer temporary relief. Thankfully, there's a smarter approach that works with nature instead of against it. Gardening expert Madison Moulton explains how to use nasturtiums as trap plants for pest control.

Dying rose bush with drooping green jagged foliage covered with black spots, and large withering rotting flowers of a dark burgundy hue.

Plant Problems

9 Reasons Your Rose Bush is Dying

Roses have a reputation for being finicky, but with the right selection in the appropriate spot, they’re mostly carefree and long-lived. If your beauty is in decline, cultural adjustments may be in order. Gardening expert Katherine Rowe explores reasons your rose is ailing and potential remedies for restoring vigor.

A close-up and overhead shot of several developing allium crops, showcasing why onions are not forming bulbs

Plant Problems

7 Reasons Your Onions Aren’t Forming Bulbs

Putting time and energy into a patch of onions can reap great rewards, but it’s a bummer to pull one at harvest only to find a tiny bulb. Experienced gardener Sarah Jay covers 7 reasons your onions haven’t formed those luscious, layered bulbs.

Close up of diseased corn cob with dry open husk showing bright yellow plump kernels rotting with black spots.

Plant Problems

7 Corn Diseases to Watch for in the Garden

Corn, in its tasty, sugary goodness, brings us the taste of summer after awaiting peak readiness. Gardening expert Katherine Rowe outlines corn diseases to keep an eye out for, as well as prevention, for the sweetest, plumpest kernels.

A man's hand holds both an underdeveloped and a healthy corn cob close up, showing a clear contrast in size and kernel development.

Plant Problems

5 Causes of Underdeveloped Corn Cobs in the Garden

Sweet corn brings the juicy, hallmark taste of summer. If you’ve waited patiently for your ears to reach peak ripeness, only to find them underdeveloped and lacking the sweet kernels, explore common causes with gardening expert Katherine Rowe. You may be able to remedy them for another round of sowing.

A gardener in grey gloves holds a cracked, split carrot with jagged edges, black soil clinging to its surface, and a tuft of green leaves on top, in the garden.

Plant Problems

Cracked, Split Carrots: Why It Happens & What to Do

Pulling up a cracked, split carrot is always a disappointment. These unsightly cracks often indicate underlying growing issues that you’ll want to avoid during the growing season. Gardening expert Madison Moulton explains what causes carrot splitting and how to prevent it from happening.

Freshly harvested irregular and deformed tomatoes sit on a wooden table in the garden among lush tomato plants.

Plant Problems

8 Causes of Irregular and Deformed Tomatoes

Picture-perfect tomatoes don't always develop naturally. Understanding why fruits become misshapen can help you prevent these issues in future harvests. Gardening expert Madison Moulton breaks down the most common causes of deformed tomatoes and what you can do about them.

A close-up shot of several fruits and foliage lacking in essential microelements, showcasing tomato nutrient deficiency

Plant Problems

7 Signs Your Tomato Plants Have a Nutrient Deficiency

Tomato plants are notorious for their heavy feeding requirements, and when they don't get what they need, they'll definitely tell you. Learning to read these warning signs early can save your entire tomato harvest. Gardening expert Madison Moulton explains how to identify and address common nutrient deficiencies before they become a problem.

A young cherry tree with bright red fruits and green foliage is covered with protective plastic netting to protect the garden from birds.

Garden Pests

7 Ways to Protect Your Garden From Hungry Birds

Hungry birds peck at berries, fruits, and vegetables. They run off with nutritious harvests! Instead of letting them wreak havoc in your garden, try these easy strategies for protecting the site. Native plant gardener Jerad Bryant shares seven organic-friendly ways to discourage hungry birds.

Bright yellow goldenrod flowers with slender petals attract wasps like the Asian paper wasp collecting pollen and nectar.

Garden Pests

15 Common Plants That Attract Wasps

It's unusual to talk about wanting to attract wasps. But these insects are valuable members of the garden ecosystem. Whether you want to attract them or avoid them, it's good to know which plants they like. Here are some of their favorites to add or take away from your garden!

A close-up shot of a composition of cattails and its foliage alongside other plants, showcasing invasive pond weeds

Weeds

7 Invasive Weeds to Remove From Your Pond Now

Prevent your backyard pond from getting overgrown with invasive aquatic weeds through early detection and quick removal. These aggressive pond weeds can easily take over, harming water quality, fish, and aesthetics. Here are the 7 most common species to look out for.