November 10, 1995
Scale Insects on Houseplants
Scale insects are a common pest of houseplants and can be found stunting and deforming plants throughout the year. Any of several different species of scale insects may be found on plants in the home or greenhouse. They all have in common a waxy or shell-like covering over the body of the sessile insect.
Most scales are tan or brown and vary from 1/16 to 1/4 inch in diameter. Scales may be found on the stems and/or leaves. Some scales are hemispherical in shape, while others are oval and flat.
Winterizing Garden Equipment
Another Halloween has come and gone and with it Iowa's first snow of the season. Fall bulbs are in the ground, lawns have been fertilized, weeds have been sprayed and the vegetable garden and flower beds have been cleaned up. We can safely say that the 1995 gardening season is history. But, it isn't time to relax just yet. Now is an excellent time to winterize garden tools and yard equipment. A little preventative maintenance now can prevent frustration and expensive repair in the future.