Bladdernut Slug Sawfly – Buggy Joe Boggs

From colleague Joe Boggs, OSU Extension. Sep 10, 2021 I’ve been posting BYGL Alerts about the Scarlet Oak Sawfly (Caliroa quercuscoccineae(Dyar)) for years. Despite this sawfly’s common name, the larvae may be found feeding on a wide range of oaks belonging to both the white and red oak groups. This native sawfly has a reputation for producing occasional outbreaks causing heavy defoliation of trees in Ohio … Continue reading Bladdernut Slug Sawfly – Buggy Joe Boggs

Wasps On Your Property?

Ron Wilson From colleague Joe Boggs, OSU Extension, Aug 24, 2021 Entomologists consider any insect that belongs to the hymenopteran family Vespidae to be a wasp. This includes yellowjackets (Vespula spp. and Dolichovespula spp.), baldfaced hornets (D. maculata), and paper wasps (Polistes spp.). “Bees” belong to the hymenopteran family Apidae. Note that baldfaced hornets are lumped in with yellowjackets. That’s because “true hornets” belong to the genus Vespa. The only true hornet found in Ohio is the non-native … Continue reading Wasps On Your Property?

Troubling Tick Season Expected 

Ron Wilson Jun 16, 2021 From friend and colleague, Ron Wilson: Ohio State College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Writer(s): Alayna DeMartini Source(s): Risa Pesapane Cicadas may be getting a lot of hype these days for their cameo appearance, but one of the state’s year-round regulars can cause a whole lot more problems.  Less exotic looking than cicadas and far smaller, ticks are easy to … Continue reading Troubling Tick Season Expected 

Summer Watering Tips

Home > Plant Care > In the Garden Blog > Gardening Tips > Summer Watering Tips From colleague and garden expert, Ron Wilson of Natorp’s nursery, another timely tip for summer. SUMMER WATERING PLANT TIP During the heat, you need to make sure to check your plants often. Always check your plants each time before you water. Physically and visually check to make sure water is needed by pulling the mulch aside to … Continue reading Summer Watering Tips

Why are my tomatoes turning black?

From friend and garden expert, Ron Wilson/Natorp’s Nursery. Home > Plant Care > Why are my tomatoes turning black? The common gardening question, “Why are my tomatoes turning black?” The answer is Blossom End Rot. Blossom End Rot usually occurs earlier in the season, due to up and down temperatures, poor plant establishment, wet spring, and tapers off as the season progresses and plants become better rooted and weather adjusts.  It … Continue reading Why are my tomatoes turning black?

Raised Beds vs Container Gardening: What’s the difference and which one is best for you?

Today on the Son Rise Morning Show, Matt Swaim and I talked about gardening. Raised beds rest directly on the ground and raise the soil level up by as much as two feet, while container gardening uses enclosed pots that you can move. Both container gardens and raised beds warm up quicker than an in ground garden.Raised beds are often larger than containers, although some pots … Continue reading Raised Beds vs Container Gardening: What’s the difference and which one is best for you?

10 Tips on Bringing Plants Inside for Winter

Friend and garden expert Ron Wilson shares his timely tips for which plants to bring in for the winter and how to do it successfully.  THIS WEEK, WE SHARE “10 TIPS ON BRINGING PLANTS INSIDE FOR WINTER.” If you’ve been growing your tropical and non-hardy plants outdoors,  it is time to prepare them to bring indoors. By beginning the process in the fall, your plants … Continue reading 10 Tips on Bringing Plants Inside for Winter

Yellowneck Caterpillars: Have you seen these?

Friend and colleague Joe Boggs, from the Ohio State University Extension shares photos and timely information about these creepy caterpillars. Yuck!Jul 23, 2020 Jim Chatfield sent a picture on Tuesday of a group of middle-instar yellownecked caterpillars (Datana ministra) devouring leaves on a witch-hazel (Hamamelissp.) in Secrest Arboretum. Yellownecks feed in groups, sometimes called “colonies,” numbering 10 – 30 individuals throughout their development. The colonies tend to … Continue reading Yellowneck Caterpillars: Have you seen these?

Have you heard of Mexican Sunflowers?

Mexican Sunflower Friend and garden expert, Ron Wilson, showcased one of my newest favorite flowers, Mexican sunflower. I saved seeds from last year and now have a nice row almost ready to bloom. Here’s what Ron has to say about these beautiful and easy to care for flowers: “One of my favorite, newly discovered for me, good for the pollinators, colorful annual is starting to … Continue reading Have you heard of Mexican Sunflowers?

Keep Container Garden Watered While Away

How can I keep my container garden watered while away on vacation? Always such timely information from friend and garden expert, Ron Wilson. Jul 2, 2020 6 TIPS TO WATERING YOUR CONTAINER GARDEN 1.) If possible, group your plants indoors or out in a semi-shadier location. By grouping your plants, they will provide shade for each other. The shaded spot will help them not dry … Continue reading Keep Container Garden Watered While Away