Faith McGee

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Garden Guides uses a knowledgeable team of editors, writers, and experts to create all our content. We dive deep into the ever-evolving conversations surrounding gardening and landscaping, striving to deliver the most current and helpful tips, strengthened by expert insight and tutorials from our talented team.

As we cover many fields of expertise, we make it a priority to ensure every beat remains fresh and comprehensive. Additional information on our editorial process available here.

Stories By Faith McGee

  • Trees
    Trees By Faith McGee November 4th, 2022

    How To Get Rid Of Black Mold On A Magnolia Tree

    How to Get Rid of Black Mold on a Magnolia Tree. Black mold, or sooty mold, causes aesthetic problems for magnolia trees but does not hurt their growth. This fungal growth is caused by a sucking insect infestation, which leaves a sugary substance called honeydew on the leaves and bark of trees. Honeydew provides a hospitable environment for mold growth, especially if humidity levels are high. By removing the insect infestation, you can control the fungus and get rid of the black mold that is ruining the look of your magnolia tree.

    By Faith McGee November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Faith McGee November 4th, 2022

    What Is Wrong If My Bell Peppers Are Rotting Before They Ripen?

    What Is Wrong If My Bell Peppers Are Rotting Before They Ripen?. Gardeners with low calcium levels in their garden often report their bell peppers rot before ripening. This condition is known as blossom-end rot. Blossom-end rot is a good indicator that your soil's pH is off or lacks nutrients. Understanding the cause and signs of blossom-end rot help prevent future bell pepper problems.

    By Faith McGee November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Faith McGee November 3rd, 2022

    Type Of Fertilizer For Growing Zucchini

    Type of Fertilizer for Growing Zucchini. Zucchini is technically considered a fruit, according to the University of Illinois Extension. Gardeners have been growing this summer squash since the 1920s. While zucchini can be grown in the home garden, it must have proper care to produce healthy growth and produce. Fertilizer contributes the nutrients that zucchini needs to give you an abundant harvest and provide the plant enough strength to ward off pests.

    By Faith McGee November 3rd, 2022 Read More
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    Trees
    Trees By Faith McGee November 3rd, 2022

    Maple Tree Diseases And Peeling Bark

    Maple Tree Diseases and Peeling Bark. Maple trees experiencing peeling bark may have contracted a fungal disease called verticillium wilt, according to the University of Minnesota. It is important for gardeners to identify the signs of verticillium wilt, because the disease mimics some of the same symptoms of herbicide or mechanical injuries. Because fungicides cannot cure your maple tree, you must provide proper cultural control methods.

    By Faith McGee November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Faith McGee November 3rd, 2022

    How To Keep Zoysia Grass From Spreading To Adjoining Lawns

    How to Keep Zoysia Grass From Spreading to Adjoining Lawns. Zoysia grass is a popular warm season grass that provides a thick turf. According to Texas A&M University, zoysia grass is an effective choice of grass for gardeners who live in dry areas of the country. However, zoysia grass can quickly spread in moist conditions to adjoining lawns. Its vigorous growth can invade other areas of your yard or your neighbor's and create an untidy appearance. By keeping zoysia grass in its designated location, you can have both a neat yard and happy neighbors.

    By Faith McGee November 3rd, 2022 Read More
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    Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Faith McGee November 3rd, 2022

    My Grass Has White Spots

    My Grass Has White Spots. Grass blades exhibiting white spots indicate a fungal disease called powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is the most widespread disease that infects plants, according to Colorado State University. However, gardeners can have peace of mind knowing that the fungal spores that cause lawn powdery mildew will not infect your other plants.

    By Faith McGee November 3rd, 2022 Read More
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    Produce
    Produce By Faith McGee November 3rd, 2022

    Time Of Day To Spread Fertilizer

    Time of Day to Spread Fertilizer. Fertilizers have the capacity to burn plants when applied incorrectly. Air temperature and weather greatly determine when gardeners should apply fertilizer to their lawns and plants. If gardeners apply fertilizer at a time during the day when the weather is rainy or air temperatures are too hot, both plant damage and environmental problems can occur.

    By Faith McGee November 3rd, 2022 Read More
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    Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Faith McGee November 3rd, 2022

    Unwanted Types Of Grass

    Unwanted Types of Grass. Unwanted grass types are turf varieties that are unattractive, hard to maintain or produce a high level of thatch. Thatch is the layer of living and non-living organic material between the grass and soil. When too much thatch exists, it produces a hospitable environment for weeds and fungal diseases.

    By Faith McGee November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Faith McGee September 6th, 2022

    The Best Fertilizer For Blackberries

    The Best Fertilizer for Blackberries. Blackberries respond well to fertilizer applied in the spring and after they are producing blackberries, according to Utah State University. The best fertilizer to use is one that contributes nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. These three macro nutrients help blackberries grow, produce fruit and resist diseases or pests. Using the wrong type of fertilizer or excessively fertilizing your blackberries results in unhealthy plants.

    By Faith McGee September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Faith McGee September 6th, 2022

    How To Get Rid Of Brown Spots In Tall Fescue Grass

    How to Get Rid of Brown Spots in Tall Fescue Grass. Brown spots in tall fescue grass is often caused by a fungal disease called brown patch. Unlike other types of lawn problems that result in grass browning, like pet urine, brown patch creates circular or spot-like patterns of discolored grass in the yard. In addition, brown patch typically occurs during hot and humid summer months. Gardeners may see brown spots appear in their lawn overnight. By using both cultural and chemical control methods, gardeners can rid tall fescue grass of brown patch.

    By Faith McGee September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Faith McGee September 6th, 2022

    Palmetto Grass Problems

    Palmetto Grass Problems. Palmetto grass, a cultivar of St. Augustine turf, is prized for its ability to grow in partially shady areas of the lawn. Unfortunately, Palmetto grass experiences problems when subjected to high foot traffic. In addition, chinch bugs, gray leafspot and brown patch may thwart your attempts to maintain a thick Palmetto lawn.

    By Faith McGee September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Faith McGee September 6th, 2022

    My Pumpkin Leaves Are Turning Yellow & Dying

    My Pumpkin Leaves Are Turning Yellow & Dying. Pumpkins with yellow and dying leaves may have contracted a pest problem. Both spider mites and whiteflies cause pumpkin leaves to yellow, according to the University of California. It is important for gardeners to diagnose their pest infestation so they can perform proper chemical and cultural treatment practices.

    By Faith McGee September 6th, 2022 Read More
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    Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Faith McGee September 6th, 2022

    Overseeding Starter Vs. Fall Fertilizer

    Overseeding Starter vs. Fall Fertilizer. Overseeding starter fertilizer and fall fertilizer both have high percentages of phosphorus to promote healthy root growth. However, fall fertilizer contains a higher percentage of nitrogen. Understanding starter fertilizer and fall fertilizer will help you when determining how to fertilize your lawn. Applying a fall fertilizer at the time of planting may harm your newly planted yard, because a high percentage of nitrogen burns grass seedlings.

    By Faith McGee September 6th, 2022 Read More
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    Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Faith McGee September 6th, 2022

    Turf Grasses That Spread

    Turf Grasses That Spread. Turf grasses that spread are referred to as spread-type grasses. Most warm season grass varieties and a couple cool season grass types have spreading growth characteristics. The other type of grasses are referred to as bunch-type grasses. Understanding what grass types spread and bunch can help your pick out the best turf for your yard.

    By Faith McGee September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Marigolds
    Flowers
    Flowers By Faith McGee September 6th, 2022

    What Do Marigold Plants Look Like?

    What Do Marigold Plants Look Like?. Marigolds are annual plants that generally die back after the first frost. You can plant marigolds in the early spring to fill your garden with colorful yellow and orange flowers.

    By Faith McGee September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Gardening tools
    Flowers
    Flowers By Faith McGee September 6th, 2022

    How To Keep Annual Plants Alive For Next Summer

    How to Keep Annual Plants Alive for Next Summer. There are five different types of annuals: hardy annuals, half-hardy annuals, tender annuals, warm season annuals and cool season annuals. Hardy annuals are the only ones that can survive harsh winter conditions without being winterized. The other types will die at the first frost. Make sure to properly winterize your annuals in order to keep them alive until the next growing season.

    By Faith McGee September 6th, 2022 Read More