Monthly Archives: April 2016

Beetle or true bug?

Posted on by

Several people have been asking me about “beetle” problems they are having on their plants.  When I finally see the insect it’s not a beetle, but a true bug. So, how do you tell the difference between the two groups? Beetles: Beetles have hardened forewings (the front wings), so they may look as if they have a straight line down their back. Beetles also have chewing mouthparts with mandibles. True bugs: True bugs have their forewings hardened at the base and membranous at the end. This creates a… Read More →

East Austin Garden Fair- tomorrow, Saturday, April 16th

Posted on by

Come to a great garden fair – Rain or Shine!Saturday – April 16, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center – Gymnasium 2608 Gonzales Street, Austin, TX 78702 Free: Admission, Plants (vegetables & herbs), Garden buckets, Garden books/magazines and soil screening for food gardeners. Easy instructions for soil sampling at http://austintexas.gov/soilkitchen   Visit with friendly gardeners regarding: Bee Keeping, Backyard Chickens, Bugs & Butterfly Gardening Growing Fruit, Citrus, Vegetables & Herbs Preserving Your Harvest & Food Safety Lawns, Turfgrass & Tree Care Drip Irrigation Methods & Rainwater Harvesting… Read More →

Webinar on pollinators

Posted on by

2016 All Bugs Good and Bad Webinar Series: Help pollinators cope with pesticides Webinar TODAY! Friday, April 1, 2016 for the All Bugs Good and Bad Webinar Series: Help pollinators cope with pesticides   Friday, April 1 at 1:00 pm Central Location: http://connect.extension.iastate.edu/fireant Pollinating insects are at risk when pesticides are used carelessly. Learn practical tips for preventing pollinator deaths from pesticides by Jack Rowe, Dr. James Tew, Sallie Lee, and Dani Carroll from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Moderated by Mallory Kelley, Denise Heubach, and Ellen Huckabay,… Read More →