Worried About Weeds?

For every weed, there's a weed control technique 

(maybe even several). 

A lot of people have the problem of not knowing what the weed is and how to prevent it from coming back. 

Some weeds, like the Florida Betony or Rattlesnake Weed, need special care, or they'll keep coming back.

Not everyone is a botanist, or even someone who knows how to navigate a field-guide, so the helpful folks over at Garden.org have compiled a Weed Library of some of the most common weeds (with pictures) in North America. You can identify the weed by the images provided, then follow their extremely helpful guidelines to get the bugger out of your yard!

Check out the website by clicking the link above, or simply by scrolling down! You can also use these quick-links:

• Grassy Weeds
• Broadleaf Weeds
• Woody and Vining Weeds

(Don't forget to check out the last section on the page for various weed control measures)

Taking Care of 'Pillars

Butterflies are a delight to see in our gardens. They help pollinate plants and they're quite beautiful. Caterpillars, however, can become quite a nuisance. Here are some pet and environment safe ways to send those 'pillars packing.

• Get a bird house and a bird bath - These natural predators will help keep the population down
• Certain caterpillars and other bugs are repelled by certain plants. Look in a companion planting guide to find out which plants are the best companions for what you want to grow (try chives).
• Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt) is a safe, natural pesticide. It is a bacteria that infects caterpillar stomachs. It is safe for bees and other insects, so you don't have to worry about harming other wildlife. You can find it in most gardening stores under the names Dipel, Biotrol, or Thuricide.
• Take them out/off by hand. You can also kill them by hand, or collect them in a container (with lid) and move them to a place where they can live without your tomatoes, cucumbers, or other foods in their mouths. Maybe there is a public butterfly garden in your area!

Controlling Deer

If you're more on the outskirts of town (or flat out in the country) you might have a little trouble with that very agile animal: Deer. There are several ways to keep deer out of or away from your garden.

Here's a great video from the National Gardening Association to help you out.