When to Harvest Butternut Squash in Zone 5: A Complete Guide

  Growing big, beautiful butternut squash is so rewarding but knowing exactly when to pick them can be tricky. Waiting too long risks exposure to frost or rotting on the vine. Picking too early means less flavorful poorly-storing squash. So when is the optimal time for harvesting butternut squash in cooler growing zones like zone … Read more

Striped Cucumber Beetle vs Potato Beetle: How to Identify and Control These Garden Pests

As a gardener, few things are more frustrating than finding your lovingly tended plants ravaged by voracious insects. Two common garden pests that can wreak havoc are the striped cucumber beetle and the Colorado potato beetle. While they may look similar at first glance, they are different species with distinct behaviors and control methods. This … Read more

What Do Potato Leaves Look Like? A Guide to Identifying Potato Foliage

As a home gardener who grows potatoes being able to recognize the leaves and stems is an important skill. Properly identifying potato foliage helps with monitoring plant health troubleshooting issues, and distinguishing potato plants from weeds or other crops. In this guide, we’ll explore the key characteristics of potato leaves to help you become more … Read more