If you find that some of your plants or trees have powdery mildew, don’t worry. This fungus is host specific, meaning just because you find it on one plant species, does not make it a threat to other type plants in your landscape. Although there are many different species of powdery mildew, the symptoms all look about the same from one to another.

Advanced Stages of Powdery Mildew

Advanced stages can cause plant foliage to yellow, curl or turn brown and eventually cause the plant to defoliate prematurely. On flowering plants and trees, the fungus can lead to early bud drop or reduce the flower quality.

What Conditions Cause Powdery Mildew?

Conditions that favor mildew formation include dry foliage, high humidity, low light and moderate temperatures.

How to Prevent Powdery Mildew?

To help prevent powdery mildew, avoid over-fertilization. New growth is more susceptible. Instead, apply a slow-release fertilizer that provides more controlled growth.

How to Get Rid of Powdery Mildew

If you already have powdery mildew, early detection provides the best way to contain and potentially eliminate the problem. There are many commercial products that are effective at containing the spread.

DACONIL is a readily available fungicide that will help with the problem – be sure to follow label instructions exactly.

You may prefer the non-chemical route, and will want to try:

Neem Oil:

This is a readily available organic option to disease and pest control. Neem oil is extracted from the neem tree, native to India. This is an effective disease control and a broad spectrum, natural insecticide that is kinder to beneficial insects and mammals.

Water:

Ironically, dry conditions and high humidity are the most favorable conditions for powdery mildew to form. But straight water is its enemy because it washes off the spores before they have time to embed. However, water isn’t something that I promote for control because wet foliage is friend to many other plant diseases.

Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate):

This is possibly the best known of the home-made, organic solutions for powdery mildew. Although studies indicate that baking soda alone is not all that effective, when combined with horticultural grade or dormant oil and liquid soap, efficacy is very good if applied in the early stages or before an outbreak occurs. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with a teaspoon of dormant oil and one teaspoon of insecticidal or liquid soap (not detergent) to a gallon of water. Spray on plants every one to two weeks.

Potassium Bicarbonate:

Similar to baking soda, this has the unique advantage of actually eliminating powdery mildew once it’s there. Potassium bicarbonate is a contact fungicide which kills the powdery mildew spores quickly. In addition, it’s approved for use in organic growing.

Mouthwash:

Generic, ethanol based mouthwash can be very effective at control. Tests using one part mouthwash to three parts water worked well for Jeff Gillman, Ph.D and Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota, Department of Horticulture. Just be careful when mixing and applying mouthwash as new foliage can be damaged.

Vinegar:

Similar to mouthwash, the acetic acid of vinegar can control powdery mildew. A mixture of 2-3 tablespoons of common apple cider vinegar, containing 5% acetic acid mixed with a gallon of water does job. However, too much vinegar can burn plants but at the same time, higher concentrations (above 5%) are more effective.

Milk:

The latest player in the fight against powdery mildew is milk. It’s not clear yet why it works so well, but it is believed that naturally occurring compounds in the milk are at work to combat the disease while also boosting the plant’s immune system. One experiment showed good results by applying a weekly dose of one part milk to two parts water. This is yet another case when more is not better. Concentrations above three parts water had adverse side effects.

[From Joe Lamp’l http://www.growingagreenerworld.com/controlling-or-eliminating-powdery-mildew/]

Get Plant Help From Our Experts

Meadows Farms has a team of plant and landscaping experts available to help at 17 locations around Metro DC. Get answers to your questions.

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Recognizing Drought Stress in Trees

Not all dry conditions indicate drought stress in trees. Many trees have deep roots that help them withstand short dry spells. However, prolonged lack of moisture can cause visible signs of stress. Deciduous trees may display wilting and curling leaves, browning edges, and premature leaf drop. Evergreens show browning at needle tips, which can spread to entire needles if drought persists.

Which Trees Need the Most Attention?

Newly planted or transplanted trees are most vulnerable due to underdeveloped or damaged root systems. Trees in confined spaces, such as containers, narrow grass strips between streets and sidewalks, or near buildings and driveways, also require extra care due to limited root expansion and additional heat stress. Drought-sensitive species like birches, beeches, dogwoods, Japanese maples, and magnolias should be prioritized.

Effective Watering Practices During Drought

Prevent drought stress by establishing proper watering routines early. Trees need about one inch of water weekly, provided naturally or through supplemental watering.

For optimal results, water deeply and slowly in one session. Use irrigation bags for young or newly planted trees. Trees in confined spaces benefit from a slow-dripping hose at the base, repositioned periodically for even coverage. For larger trees, a soaker hose arranged in a spiral from the trunk to the drip line is effective.

Always adhere to local watering restrictions during drought periods to avoid fines while keeping your trees healthy.

Additional Tips for Drought-Stressed Trees

• Water soil directly, not the leaves or needles.
• Apply 2-4 inches of mulch under the tree, from the trunk to beyond the drip line, to retain soil moisture. Keep mulch away from the trunk.
• Water early in the morning, late afternoon, or on overcast days to reduce evaporation.
• Avoid fertilizing during drought; opt for compost or gentle soil amendments instead.

Bonus Tip: Hire a Professional to Protect Your Landscape

Drought conditions can quickly damage your trees, shrubs, and plants without proper care. Hiring a professional ensures your landscape receives expert attention, from customized tree and shrub care to efficient drought management solutions. Get a free estimate today for top-notch landscaping services that keep your outdoor spaces healthy and thriving all year long!

The post How to Identify and Prevent Drought Stress in Trees Across Virginia appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Why Calcium Matters for Your Vegetables

Calcium is essential for healthy plant development. When vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, melons, and eggplant don’t receive enough calcium, the tissue at the blossom end of the fruit deteriorates. Testing your soil’s pH and calcium levels, maintaining consistent watering, and avoiding excessive fertilization are key to preventing BER in your garden.

Start Prevention Before Planting

Soil pH directly affects how much calcium is available to plants. Vegetables generally thrive in soil with a pH of 6.2–6.8, but those prone to BER need a pH of 6.5–6.8. At lower pH levels, calcium becomes chemically bound in the soil, making it inaccessible to plants during critical growth periods. Even with the right pH, insufficient calcium in the soil can still lead to BER.

The Role of Watering and Fertilization

Inconsistent watering disrupts nutrient absorption. Without adequate moisture, plants can’t absorb nutrients, leading to small, weak plants that are vulnerable to diseases, pests, and deficiencies—including BER.

Excessive fertilization can also trigger BER by accelerating plant growth beyond its nutrient absorption capacity. When plants grow too quickly, they can’t take in enough calcium, resulting in nutrient imbalances and susceptibility to BER.

Can BER Be Fixed This Season?

Adding calcium to your soil won’t immediately reverse BER in this year’s crop, but it can improve soil health for the next season. Fortunately, we carry easy-to-use calcium sprays that can help save much of your current harvest.

Need Help? Visit Us for Expert Advice and Supplies!

Visit your local Meadows Farms for expert advice and a selection of products to combat blossom end rot. Our knowledgeable staff can help you choose the best solutions for your current crops and provide tips ensure BER is never an issue in your garden again!

The post How To Prevent Blossom End Rot in Your Vegetable Garden appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

This year, Japanese Beetles have truly become a “June bug” — although the term “June bug” isn’t scientifically defined, it’s commonly used regionally to refer to various beetle species. The Japanese Beetle (Cotinis nitida), easily identifiable by its shiny green body and size (about an inch long), is one of the most common offenders in our gardens. While not aggressive and harmless to humans, these beetles love to feast on plants such as roses and tomatoes, and can do significant damage if left unchecked.

How to Manage Japanese Beetles in Your Garden

If you’ve noticed Japanese Beetles in your garden, you’re likely also seeing their larvae—white grub worms—just below the soil’s surface. In fact, one of our customers recently discovered these grubs in her raised garden bed soil.

To protect your plants from Japanese Beetle damage, there are several strategies you can use:

• Japanese Beetle Traps: These traps are effective for attracting beetles away from your plants. Place the trap in a remote area of your yard to lure beetles away from your roses, tomatoes, and other vulnerable plants.

• Chemical Products: You can use sprays or dusts to control beetle populations. I highly recommend Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew by Bonide, which is an organic option made with Spinosad. It’s safe for beneficial insects when used correctly and at the right time of day. Sevin, another effective option, comes in both liquid and powder forms and works wonders on beetle control.

Long-Term Control: Understanding the Life Cycle of Japanese Beetles

For long-term control of Japanese Beetles, it’s important to understand their life cycle. Here’s how it works:

• The Cycle Begins: After feeding on your plants, the female beetle lays her eggs in warm, sunny areas of healthy grass (not in the shade). Each female can lay up to 200 eggs, which hatch within just four days into grub worms.

• Grubs in Your Lawn: These grub worms feed on your lawn’s roots and remain in the soil until the fall when they burrow deep below the frost line to survive the winter. To prevent them from causing damage, you need to treat them before they burrow.

Best Products for Long-Term Control

For effective long-term control, it’s important to use a grub control product during the summer or early fall before the grubs burrow down. Here are two top products to consider:

• Bayer Advanced Grub Killer Plus: A chemical product that kills grubs on contact.
• Milky Spore: A biological, non-chemical solution that targets the grubs over time.

The key to success is timing. Apply these products in late summer or fall to kill the grubs before they burrow. Then, reapply in early spring, just as the grubs start emerging with the warmer soil.

Need Help with Your Garden? Visit Us Today!

If you’re dealing with Japanese Beetles or need advice on garden care, don’t hesitate to visit us at Meadows Farms. Our experts are ready to help you choose the best solutions for your garden’s health. Protect your plants and ensure your garden thrives all season long!

The post They’re Here! How to Protect Your Plants from Japanese Beetles appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Common Wildlife Threats to Your Garden

• • White-Tailed Deer: A major challenge in the Mid-Atlantic region, including Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and DC, deer can devastate landscaping as their population continues to grow.
  • Rabbits and Groundhogs: Known for nibbling on tender plants and vegetables.
  • Squirrels: Often dig up bulbs and steal fruits and vegetables.
  • Cats and Dogs: Household pets can unintentionally damage delicate plants.

Effective Strategies to Protect Your Garden

Install Fencing and Netting

Physical barriers like fences and netting are highly effective in keeping animals out. Meadows Farms offers durable fencing solutions tailored to your garden’s needs.

Choose Wildlife-Resistant Plants

Some plants naturally deter wildlife due to their texture or taste. Explore our selection of deer-resistant plants here.

Use Organic Repellents

For those who prefer organic solutions, Meadows Farms provides a variety of safe repellents from Messina Wildlife Management:

• • Long-lasting protection: Works for up to 30 days, even in rain, snow, or during regular watering.
  • Natural ingredients: Pleasant for humans but unpleasant for animals, keeping them away without harm.
  • Easy to apply: Simply spray on areas you want to protect.

Expert Tips to Protect Your Garden

Trust our experts to help you safeguard your garden from wildlife damage. With deep roots in the Mid-Atlantic, we understand your challenges firsthand. Visit any Meadows Farms location for personalized advice, top-quality supplies, and effective solutions. Let’s keep your garden thriving and wildlife-free!

The post How to Keep Animals Out of Gardens in Virginia appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

There are 26 known species of tent caterpillars, many with multiple subcategories. If you haven’t already spotted cocoons in your trees, they’ll likely be arriving soon! Both tent caterpillars and gypsy moth caterpillars can defoliate acres of trees, making outdoor spaces less enjoyable during their active season.

Trees Most Affected by Tent Caterpillars

While most trees will recover and produce new leaves after an infestation, the presence of these pests can be a nuisance, with caterpillars crawling on driveways, decks, and playground equipment.

Tent caterpillars are particularly fond of:

• Wild Cherry
• Choke Cherry
• Apple Trees
• Ornamental Crabapple Trees

They can also infest:

• Hawthorn
• Mountain Ash
• Box Elder
• El
• Maple
• Birch
• Willow
• Poplar
• Oak trees

Trees Most Affected by Gypsy Moth Caterpillars

Gypsy moth caterpillars feed on a wide range of trees, including:

• Oak
• Maple
• Apple
• Crabapple
• Aspen
• Willow
• Birch
• Mountain ash
• Pine
• Spruce

Don’t Be Deterred!

You can still enjoy these beautiful trees with proper care and management. In spring, if you see webs in your trees, remove colonies of young larvae by clipping and destroying the tents when caterpillars are at rest—typically in the early morning, late evening, or on cool, rainy days.

For taller trees, use a pole pruner to remove nests. Once caterpillars emerge from their cocoons, applying insecticides like Bonide’s Eight or liquid Sevin can help control their population. Always follow the product label for instructions and application rates to ensure safe and effective use.

Need Help With Pests? Visit Us for Expert Advice and Supplies!

With 15+ locations across 3 states Meadows Farms is close by and happy to help. Our expert team will walk you through options and help figure out the best way to deal with pests. Visit us today.

The post How To Prevent Tent Caterpillar & Gypsy Moths appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Overwatering

Overwatering is one of the most common causes of plant decline. If you notice brown or black spots on leaves, mushy stems, or wilting despite wet soil, excess moisture could be the culprit.

To fix this, allow the soil to dry out between waterings, improve drainage by loosening compacted soil or adding organic matter, and ensure pots have proper drainage holes.

Underwatering

Plants that wilt and have dry soil are likely not receiving enough water. To address this, water deeply and consistently, making sure the soil absorbs moisture instead of running off. Mulching around plants can also help retain moisture and reduce the frequency of watering.

Insect Damage

Pests can wreak havoc on your plants, causing holes in leaves, distorted growth, and even damage to stems. Some insects leave silvery patches with tiny black spots or rust-colored spots on leaves.

To control pests, consider using insecticidal soap or neem oil as a natural solution. Encouraging beneficial insects like ladybugs can also help keep harmful pests in check. If the infestation is severe, remove and dispose of the most damaged leaves or plants to prevent further spread.

Fertilizer Issues

Using too little fertilizer can lead to stunted growth and yellowing leaves, while too much can cause brown or black leaf edges or lush green growth with little flowering. If your plants are struggling, apply a balanced fertilizer according to the recommended guidelines. If you’ve over-fertilized, flushing the soil with water can help remove excess nutrients and prevent further damage. Always follow proper fertilizing schedules to keep plants healthy without overwhelming them.

Microorganisms & Fungal Diseases

Fungal diseases and microorganisms can cause a white powdery coating on leaves, as well as leaf browning or spotting.

To prevent and manage these issues, ensure plants have good air circulation by spacing them properly. Remove and dispose of infected leaves, and if necessary, use a fungicide to stop the spread. Keeping foliage dry by watering at the base instead of overhead can also help reduce fungal problems.

Other Plant Problems

Animals can be a major source of plant damage, especially when the bark is stripped from trees or roots are eaten by grubs or gophers. If you notice sudden plant death or gnawed roots, protective barriers like fencing or netting can help. Treating your lawn for grubs may also be necessary if they are causing widespread damage.

Tree graft issues can also cause plants to decline unexpectedly. Sometimes, a tree appears to thrive for several years before showing signs of distress due to an incompatible graft. Unfortunately, there is no way to fix this problem once it occurs, and the best solution is to remove and replace the tree with a better-matched variety.

Get Expert Help

Struggling with a plant problem? Visit your nearest Meadows Farms location for the best solutions to keep your plants thriving. Our experts are ready to help diagnose issues and recommend the best treatments for a healthy, beautiful garden.

The post Common Plant Problems in Virginia & How to Fix Them appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

• Aromatic plants with strong scents
• Plants with thorns or sharp foliage
• Toxic plants that may cause illness
• Fuzzy or coarse-leaved plants

Deer Resistant Trees

These trees are rarely or seldom severely damaged by deer:

• Arborvitae, Green Giant
• Arborvitae, Zebrina
• Amelanchier
• Birch, River
• Beech
• Cedar, Blue Atlas & Weeping
• Cherry, Flowering varieties
• Cypress, Hinoki
• Dogwood, varieties
• Gum, Sweet
• Gum, Black
• Holly, American
• Holly, Nellie Stevens
• Honey Locust
• Magnolias, Sweetbay
• Magnolia, Royal Star
• Magnolia, Saucer varieties
• Oaks, varieties
• Pine, Black
• Pine, White
• Redbud varieties
• Spruce, Colorado
• Spruce, Dwarf Alberta
• Sycamore
• Zelkova

Deer-Resistant Shrubs

• Althea (Rose of Sharon)
• Barberry varieties
• Boxwood varieties
• Butterfly Bush
• Caryopteris
• Clethra
• Cotoneaster varieties
• Dogwood, Red Twig
• Forsythia
• Holly, Inkberry
• Lilac varieties
• Nandina varieties
• Pieris Japonica
• Spirea varieties
• Vitex varieties

Deer-Resistant Perennials

• Achillea
• Agastache
• Aquilegia
• Baptisia
• Coreopsis
• Dianthus
• Dicentra
• Digitalis
• Echinacea
• Eupatorium
• Euphorbia
• Ferns
• Gaillardia
• Geum
• Helleborus
• Heuchera
• Iris
• Lavender
• Monarda
• Nepeta
• Peony
• Pulmonaria
• Stachys

Deer-Resistant Annuals

• Ageratum
• Dianthus
• Dusty Miller
• Gomphrena
• Marigold
• Nicotiana
• Salvia
• Snapdragon
• Verbena
• Vinca
• Zinnia

Protect Your Garden from Deer Today!

While this list highlights plants that deer typically avoid, local deer populations can have different feeding habits, and food scarcity may drive them to nibble on almost anything. For expert advice and deer-proofing solutions, visit your local Meadows Farms location today!

The post Deer-Resistant Plants for Virginia Gardens appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Effective Solutions for Dandelions

To get rid of dandelions in your lawn, selective weed killers like Bonide’s Weed Beater or Ortho Weed-B-Gone are your best bet. These products target the weeds directly, killing them down to the root without harming your grass. Apply in early spring or fall for the best results.

Controlling Dandelions in Your Garden Beds and Walkways

If dandelions are spreading into your garden beds, patios, or walkways, non-selective weed killers like Bonide’s Kleen-Up work well. These herbicides also kill to the root, preventing the weeds from coming back. The active ingredient, glyphosate, won’t contaminate the soil, but remember, non-selective herbicides should never be used on desirable plants, as they can harm them too.

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Lawn

The key to preventing future dandelion invasions is a healthy, thriving lawn that competes well with weeds. Here are a few helpful tips for lawn care:

• Mow at a higher setting and mow frequently.
• Fertilize during the growing season (early spring and fall).
• Water deeply and less often to encourage deep root growth.
• Over-seed bare spots to prevent weed growth.

Get Your Lawn in Shape This Season

Don’t let dandelions take over your yard. Visit Meadows Farms today for the best weed control products and expert advice on keeping your lawn lush and healthy. We’ve got everything you need to make your garden a dandelion-free zone!

The post How to Control Dandelions in Your Virginia Lawn and Garden appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Below is a guide to some of the most common weeds found in Virginia, along with recommended control methods to keep them in check.

Need more help? Stop by Meadows Farms today and let us help you keep your lawn and garden weed-free all season long!

The post Common Weeds in Virginia and How to Control Them appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.