Garden Troubleshooting

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Ripe red tomatoes with rough uneven discolored surfaces next to a green tomato surrounded by browning green leaves near the ground. Copyright information is at the bottom

Common Vegetable Garden Diseases and Disorders

June 17, 2026
By MacKenzie F Patton
When you have a vegetable garden, sometimes you might discover your plants aren’t growing as well as expected and look sick. Vegetable plants can get diseases just like animals. A plant disease is an abnormal condition caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, water molds, or viruses. These are known…
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Four sections showcasing tools for pest management and identification with corresponding images. Transcribed Text reads: Plant Problem Diagnostic Tool: Identify 650+ plant pests, diseases, and abiotic problems across 300+ species by narrowing down issues by plant and affected part. Seasonal Landscape IPM Checklist: A monthly IPM checklist helping landscape professionals and gardeners manage common ornamental and fruit tree plant pests with a list of actions. Wildlife Pest Identification Tool: Identify Calif

UC IPM Tools are Back Online!

June 15, 2026
By Yulie Velez
Last month, we shared on our blog that UC IPM's website was undergoing changes to redesign and update the content to improve not only the overall look, but accessibility for those with disabilities to be in compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).   We also…
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Closeup image of New World screwworm

A flesh-eating fly has returned to the U.S. What now?

June 5, 2026
By Jules Bernstein
New World screwworm poses an existential threat to cattle farming and dairy production. While the U.S. Department of Agriculture officially declared the parasite eradicated from the country in 1966, several notable outbreaks have occurred since then. One of those is happening now.
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Adult japanese beetles, one with two macrotype parasite eggs of Hyperecteina aldrichi (Tachinidae) on its thorax

Protect California from Invasive Species

June 2, 2026
By Yulie Velez
Help raise awareness of invasive species by participating in the California Invasive Species Action Week (CISAW) held June 6-14, 2026! Invasive species are non-native pests that can negatively impact our waters, native ecosystems, agriculture, health, and economy. Each day during the week, UC IPM will…
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Hand and arm covered with glove and long sleeve spraying clear mist from a bottle onto a green shrub.

Understanding Pesticides

June 2, 2026
By Belinda Messenger-Sikes
Many tools are available to help gardeners, pest management professionals, and growers practice sustainable pest management without the use of pesticides. Sometimes, however, a pest infestation is too high or nonchemical methods haven’t worked, so the next solution might be to use a pesticide. Pesticides are…
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a pH meter with a white background.
UC Master Gardeners of Tuolumne County: Article

Why Check Soil pH First

May 30, 2026
Will your garden soil produce well? One of the best items to check is your soil pH or acidity. pH stands for the “potential of hydrogen” and is a scale that indicates whether your soil is acid or alkaline (basic). The pH scale runs from 0 to 14 with 7.0 being neutral. If your pH is below…
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Glassy-winged sharpshooter adult and (out-of-focus) nymph on green lemon twig.

Purchased a Grapevine at Costco in N. CA Recently? Read This!

May 28, 2026
By Karey Windbiel-Rojas
Updated May 29, 2026 at 4:30pmAn invasive insect called the glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) has been found on grapevine shipments sold at select Costco locations in Northern California between April 21 and May 21, 2026. Note that the timeframe for grapevine plants sold at Costco has been extended to April…
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