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Serena Manickam

Serena Manickam is a freelance editor and writer and sustainable market gardener in rural Virginia. She holds a BA in environmental science and runs Fairydiddle Farm, a small market garden in which she grows no-spray produce and herbs to sell at a local farmer’s market.

“Help, my plant is covered in a white, powdery fungus! What do I do?” First, don’t panic. While powdery mildew may not look pretty, it rarely causes significant damage except in cases of severe infection. In fact, you may not need to do anything at all. Read on to learn whether your situation is a …

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What was that stunning flower you saw the other day? The name started with an A … Whether you’re looking for a specific plant or simply browsing for garden inspiration, here is a list of amazing flowers that start with A, organized by annuals and perennials for convenience. Annual Flowers that Start with A 1. …

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Many invasive plants began as garden plants and escaped cultivation to wreak havoc on native ecosystems. Put into numbers, 21 species officially designated as noxious weeds in the state of Oregon cost around $125 million per year in control, fire damage, and production losses, according to a 2009 study — and the amount is probably …

Read More about 9 Invasive Plants in Oregon Gardens (And 18 Natives to Plant Instead)

As gardeners, we may consider ourselves stewards — of plants, of the land, of beauty. One of the biggest threats to the natural Oklahoma landscape is invasive plants. While that might seem like a problem reserved for park rangers and the like, these weeds could be masquerading as specimens in your own garden, and many …

Read More about 9 Invasive Plants in Oklahoma (And 18 Natives to Plant Instead)

Invasive plants pose a significant threat to New Mexico’s human economy and natural environment. These non-native weeds spread rapidly and outcompete native plants, changing local ecosystems and reducing habitat for native wildlife. While the biggest threat is to rangelands and wild spaces, some invasive plants can also be found in home landscapes, sometimes as weeds …

Read More about 11 Invasive Plants in New Mexico (And 22 Natives to Plant Instead)

Nearly a quarter of the plants growing wild in Ohio are not native to the state. While most of these 500-plus species live harmlessly alongside the native plants, the Ohio Department of Agriculture lists 63 invasive plant species. Invasive plants in Ohio threaten native plants and wildlife, especially endangered species, with their unchecked, aggressive growth. …

Read More about 12 Common Invasive Plants in Ohio Gardens (And 24 Natives to Plant Instead)

One of the worst, most common weeds in the country, Johnsongrass is not only an irritating weed in the garden but also causes havoc in agriculture. It chokes crops and serves as a host to disease pathogens, insect pests, and nematodes. And although Johnsongrass can be used as forage for livestock, the plant becomes toxic …

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The state of North Dakota currently recognizes 13 noxious weeds within its borders. Not only are these invasive species illegal to distribute or sell, but they cause significant damage, both financial and otherwise, to agriculture, outdoor recreation, rural and urban landscapes, and wildlife habitat. As a gardener, you can help control the spread of invasive …

Read More about 13 Invasive Plants in North Dakota (And 26 Natives to Plant Instead)

Right in the middle of National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month, on June 16, we celebrate a day specifically dedicated to leafy greens and all their munchable cousins: National Fresh Veggies Day. June is the perfect time to celebrate fresh vegetables as our gardens transition from spring to summer produce and farmers’ markets look increasingly …

Read More about Eat (and Grow!) Your Greens on Fresh Veggies Day, June 16