The Strader's Blog

Control water garden algae naturally by adding the right plants! Floating plants like water hyacinths provide shade, submerged plants compete for nutrients that feed algae, and oxygenating plants create conditions toxic to algae growth.

Save water and money with smart gardening! Learn essential techniques like mulching to retain moisture, improving soil for better water absorption, choosing drought-tolerant native plants, and using efficient irrigation systems like drip watering.

Discover why Big Green Egg® ceramic grills are the gold standard for outdoor cooking. From smoking brisket to grilling steaks, explore versatile cooking methods and essential accessories for your backyard culinary adventures.

Daylilies are versatile, durable perennials perfect for novice and experienced gardeners alike. With 35,000+ cultivars available, they're trouble-free to grow and adaptable to many conditions. Each flower lasts one day, but continuous buds provide weeks of summer color.

Tent caterpillars may look "ugly" and "disgusting," but they're manageable! These Eastern tent caterpillars can defoliate plants quickly, but attacks are rarely fatal. Learn four proven methods to eliminate them: Bt spray, natural predators, manual removal, and fall egg mass cleanup.

Beat summer heat and insects with Jonathan Green Summer Survival fertilizer. This dual-action formula feeds your lawn with controlled-release nitrogen while eliminating 15+ harmful insects including chinch bugs, ants, and ticks.

Kniphofia (Red Hot Poker) is a striking perennial with torch-like flowers in vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. Hardy in zones 5-9, it's drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and attracts pollinators. Perfect for sunny gardens.

Lyme disease is transmitted through deer tick bites and can be debilitating if untreated. Protect yourself with light clothing, DEET repellent, immediate showering, and yard maintenance. Early detection and treatment with antibiotics usually cures it.

Neptune’s Harvest® fertilizers provide natural, organic nutrition for gardens using fish, seaweed, and kelp. From flowers to vegetables, these products promote healthy growth, improve soil, and boost yields.

Ladybugs, or lady beetles, are not just cute - they're pest-eating powerhouses. With over 350 species in North America, they help control aphids and protect your garden. Learn their lifecycle, behaviors, and why they’re more than just a pretty insect.