Question: I think my Aloes are infected. Are There Pests and Diseases that Affect Them? Answer: Yes, while succulents tend to be relatively pest and disease free, aloes and agaves can be affected. Here are three possibilities: By Richard Reid Succulents are a common and popular landscape addition to Southern California gardens. They can be […]
A revealing look at ants, tiny insects with a big impact By Leah Taylor (this article first appeared in the July 11, 2026 edition of The San Diego Union-Tribune) They march across sidewalks, appear in kitchens, and build sprawling colonies beneath gardens and neighborhoods. Ants are among the most familiar insects in San Diego County, […]
By Michael Harrelson (This article originally appeared in the October 11, 2025 edition of the San Diego Union-Tribune) The narrator of Edgar Allen Poe’s poem, The Raven, struggles to deal with the loss of his love, Lenore, and is haunted by her death. The presence of a raven at his window adds a sinister element […]
By Susan Pransky, UC Master Gardener of San Diego County The spotted lanternfly (SLF) is a new invasive pest that is currently found in 20 states. It is native to China and was first found in Pennsylvania in 2014. Currently it is as far west as Illinois. Establishment of SLF in California could cause […]
By Susan Pransky (This article was originally in the May 10, 2025 issue of the San Diego Union/Tribune) Does it ever seem that you look at one of the plants in your garden and it’s totally fine, and then the next time you look at it, it’s covered with aphids? That could be because […]
