Here’s how to protect your tomato plants from tomato hornworm and other pests for tomatoes. Tomatoes are a beloved crop for many home gardeners, prized for their juicy fruits and culinary versatility. In fact, tomatoes are the number one most popular plant in backyard vegetable gardens. Growing tomatoes can be extremely rewarding. That’s because a homegrown, vine-ripened tomato is delicious and nutritious. Unfortunately, growing tomato plants can be challenging due to a variety of pests that threaten the health of the plants and the quality of the fruits. Enemy number one for tomato plant damage is the dreaded tomato hornworm. A tomato hornworm is actually the caterpillar stage of a hawk moth (Manduca quinquemaculata), which is also known as a sphinx moth or a hummingbird moth. Tomato hornworms are voracious eaters of tomato plant foliage. A hungry tomato hornworm can strip the leaves from a small tomato plant overnight. (They are most active from dusk until dawn.) So, … [Read more...] about Tomato Hornworm and Other Pests for Tomatoes
Best Pellet Grills for Backyard BBQ
The Best Pellet Grills for Backyard BBQ Offer a Mouth-watering Way to Cook Outdoors Backyard BBQs and cooking on a grill are popular outdoor activities. But the best wood-burning pellet grills take outdoor barbecues to the extreme. (And we mean that in the best possible way.) Gas grills and charcoal grills have dominated the art of barbecuing for decades. That’s because both kinds of grills have their own advantages. Cooking on a gas grill is convenient. Propane gas provides a clean, mess-free burn, and a gas grill starts instantly. Meanwhile, cooking on charcoal grill is a time-honored tradition. Charcoal gives you better control over the shape and size of the grilling fire. But the best pellet grills create the perfect environment for cooking meats—and just about anything else. We love cooking outdoors, and we love cooking on a wood pellet grill. So, we decided to spread our love by reviewing the best pellet grills for backyard BBQ cooking. What’s So Great About the … [Read more...] about Best Pellet Grills for Backyard BBQ
Best New Gardening Books for Summer Reading
Summer is the season for gardening, and it’s also the time to read the best new gardening books. There’s something delightful about finding a comfortable spot outdoors and reading a great book. It’s one of the joys that makes summer special. This year we have a bountiful crop of great new gardening books for summer reading. So, pour a cold glass of lemonade, pull up a chair and get lost in the best new gardening books for summer reading. Editor's Note: Home Garden and Homestead is a proud member of the Amazon Associates Program. We earn a small commission (at no cost to you) when you click on a link and make a purchase. Thanks for supporting our website! The Urban Garden In cities and towns across America (and the world), urban gardeners grow plants of all kinds in whatever space they have available. The Urban Garden is a book for anyone who gardens in limited space. Authors Kathy Jentz and Teri Speight both have roots in the Washington, DC area, and their new book … [Read more...] about Best New Gardening Books for Summer Reading
What to Wear in the Yard and Garden
Garden shoes, garden gloves, gardening boots, and garden hats are what to wear in the yard and garden. The Great Outdoors—even if it’s in your own yard or garden—can require a little protection from the elements. Outdoor activities in the yard and garden are simply safer and more fun when you’re wearing the right attire. Thankfully, there are lots of stylish and sturdy boots, shoes, hats and gloves that were created to protect you from water, thorns, sun and whatever else Mother Earth can throw at you. The next time you venture out into your garden, consider wearing these cool items of outdoor apparel. Home Garden and Homestead is a member of the Amazon Affiliates program. We receive a small commission (at no cost to you) when you click on the product links below. Thanks for supporting this website! Colorful waterproof shoes and boots for wet weather Wet shoes and cold feet aren’t any fun, which is why waterproof Sloggers® shoes and boots have become America’s … [Read more...] about What to Wear in the Yard and Garden
Grow Edible Houseplants and Potted Fruit Trees
When Martha Stewart needs advice about how to grow edible houseplants and potted fruit trees, she visits Logee’s Greenhouses in Danielson, Connecticut. The owners of Logee’s, Byron Martin and Laurelynn Martin, are experts on how to grow all kinds of fruiting, tropical, and rare plants. Their latest book, Edible Houseplants, is a guide to growing 46 edible and fruit-bearing plants inside a home, a greenhouse, or on a sunny patio. The plants featured in the book include citrus trees such as lemon, lime, and grapefruit. They also include advice on growing mangos, bananas, figs, guavas, vanilla vine, black pepper plant, and much more. The book contains colorful photos of each type of plant, along with complete guidelines for growing the plants. “Because of the Martins, I now grow my own oranges, lemons, grapefruits, limes, carambolas, coffee beans, calamondins, papayas, vanilla, passion fruit, figs, and guavas,” said home maven Martha Stewart. “I rely on them for advice about the … [Read more...] about Grow Edible Houseplants and Potted Fruit Trees
