Do Marigolds Repel or Stop Spider Mites?

Do Marigolds Repel or Stop Spider Mites?

Marigolds have long been prized by gardeners for their ability to attract pollinators and repel certain garden pests (such as nematodes), which makes them a particularly effective companion to plant alongside tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, and other garden favorites. But have you ever wondered what kind of effect they have on spider mites? Do spider mites…

27 Plants that Resist, Repel, and Trap Spider Mites

27 Plants that Resist, Repel, and Trap Spider Mites

If you’ve gardened for any period of time, you’ve likely dealt with spider mites. These tiny little creatures appear unexpectedly and reproduce exponentially, and if you’re not careful, they’ll take over your garden in a few short weeks. However, if you plan your garden properly, you can intersperse plants that spider mites attack with those…

What Plants Do Spider Mites Like, and What Do They Hate?

What Plants Do Spider Mites Like, and What Do They Hate?

During the past few months, I’ve been writing extensively about spider mites, trying to share what I’ve learned over the years with other gardeners who are battling these tiny pests. One of the reasons I’m so interested in them is that they seem both inevitable and unavoidable: Every gardener I know–from novices to experts–has had…

Can Plants Recover from Spider Mites? What You Need to Know

Can Plants Recover from Spider Mites? What You Need to Know

Have you ever had plants in your garden that looked great…until they didn’t. Maybe you noticed clusters of small white dots expanding across your plant’s leaves or even patches of dried or decayed foliage. Maybe, like me when I was a novice gardener, you saw entire plants wiped out in just a few weeks, only…

Where Do Spider Mites Come From? What Science Has to Say

Where Do Spider Mites Come From? What Science Has to Say

One of the most disappointing gardening experiences I’ve ever had involved spider mites. Many years ago, I had a beautiful spring garden and was particularly proud of my many tomato plants. But I was a novice gardener and didn’t recognize the early signs of spider mite infestation. By the time I realized I had a…

Buying Heirloom Tomato Seeds: Where to Buy + Helpful Tips

Buying Heirloom Tomato Seeds: Where to Buy + Helpful Tips

Like me, you’ve probably seen tomato seeds in your local home improvement store and noticed that the selection is pretty limited. They might only have a few different varieties, including cherry, roma, beefsteak, and possibly a few you haven’t heard of or tried. Years ago, I remember holding four of five packets in my hand…