fresnobee.com - Home & Garden

Elinor Teague: Harness the sun to aid soil

Soil solarization uses the heat of the sun to kill disease pathogens, harmful bacteria and fungal spores, nematodes, insects, weed seedlings and weed seeds in garden soil. It is an effective nonchemical method, and it only takes four weeks during our hot

Elinor Teague: Check pesticides for toxicity

I'd like to offer a few cautionary words about several common chemicals and products that are commonly used in our gardens, including a least-toxic pesticide, that can make our pets very ill.

Elinor Teague: Use nontoxic ways to kill pests beneficial bugs eat

The arrival of the first pest insects in spring coincides directly with the arrival of the first hot spell. Temperatures that quickly jump from the cool and moderate 60s and 70s into the 85 to 90 degree range stress plants and stressed plants send out sig