Gardening With Sal

Just A Few Things I wish I had Known  💬 Opinion | by Guy Saldiveri | July 29, 2026 First off, welcome! I'm not sure you know what you actually just signed up for, but welcome to the world of gardening. I know, a little cynical, right? It wasn't meant to be — just speaking from experience. Gardening can be one of the most rewarding and the most frustrating hobbies you could have picked.  Between the rain, the heat, the bugs, the frosts, the finicky plants, the bugs, the lousy soil, and—if I didn't mention them—THE BUGS, lol, there is a lot to learn and a lot to deal with. And with all of that, I can honestly say, I wouldn't give it up for nuthin! And that's the truth. The rewards really do outweigh the frustrations.  There are years where nothing seems to go right, everything you plant just wilts or runs away from you. Then there are years when you just can't seem to do anything wrong. Those are the best ones! I wanted to write this one up just to toss out a few...

 The Good, the Bad, the Ugly and What in the World is That! 🌿 Garden Talk | by Guy Saldiveri | July 23, 2026 Hickory Horned Devil On the surface, this one might seem a little odd on a gardening blog. But I have to tell ya, I've seen some really weird stuff on the way to just pulling up some weeds… Take this first guy here. Can you imagine going out to prune a branch, only to find this staring back at you?

 The Ins, Outs, and Upside Downs of the What's, Where's, and Why's 🌿 Garden Talk | by Guy Saldiveri | July 20, 2026 WOW, that title block was a mouthful all by itself. 😊 But I have to say, it really brings the point home — especially when the topic is where and how you have your roots roaming.

 Organic is Natural, But So Are Belladonna and Arsenic 💬 Opinion | by Guy Saldiveri | July 18, 2026 For some reason there's a perpetual belief that because something is labeled "Organic" it's completely safe. Because this is such an entrenched and widespread belief, I think it's time to set the record straight.

Clearing the Brush and Getting to the Root of the Matter 🌿 Garden Talk | 🐜 Garden Pests | by Guy Saldiveri | July 12, 2026 Hold on to your leaves—we're getting ready to tackle the Holy Grail—the Trifecta of products that take care of just about every pest your garden can experience—or so we're told... If you've been gardening for more than ten minutes, I'd lay odds that you've already heard about these three. Search almost any garden problem online and you'll find one—or all three—recommended as the answer.

 The Part No One Tells the Beginner 🌿 Garden Talk | by Guy Saldiveri | July 09, 2026 One thing that hits home when I look back at the design, setup, and implementation of my garden is the cost. A couple of other things hit me as well:  - Someone showing me a small basket of their $100 tomatoes.  - The Master Gardener course question that asked if having a backyard garden was cost-effective—and any answer but 'no' was wrong.

How to Tell Them Apart 🌱 Plant Talk | by Guy Saldiveri | June 30, 2026 Male Squash Flower "Is this a male or female flower?" That's a question that pops up in the community all the time — and not just from new gardeners.  High school biology was a long time ago for many of us, and if your memory is like mine — well, let's just say I'm glad I remember where the kitchen is. 😉

 An Over-the-Fence Look at How Plants Actually Work 🌱 Plant Talk | by Guy Saldiveri | June 28, 2026 The Reasoning Behind the Read It's been a VERY long time since the biology classes I took in high school. To be completely honest, I've probably forgotten at least 95% of what was taught.  I enjoy writing these types of articles for various reasons, but the main one is that they serve as an amazing refresher course for me. 

If Plants Really Repelled Insects, Orkin Would Be Out of Business 🌿 Garden Talk | By Guy Saldiveri | June 18, 2026 You've seen the memes. You've seen the marketing in the garden departments. You have friends who swear that planting this with that keeps that from this. Believe the hype? Nope, not me — never have and never will. 

 The Pest That Makes Me Want To Break Out the Blowtorch 🐜 Garden Pests | by Guy Saldiveri | June 12, 2026   Spider mite infestation From June thru September, a Deep South garden is nothing short of a full-blown bug fest.  It seems like every pest imaginable shows up during that stretch — spider mites are no exception.

 Quiet, Destructive & Cattle For Ants 🐜 Garden Pests | by Guy Saldiveri | June 11, 2026 Aphids On Long-Beans Aphids are easily one of nature's greatest nuisances.  If you grow a backyard garden, then you know they're a headache — there's simply no way around them.

 Well Not in the Deep South Anyway 🌱 Plant Talk | by Guy Saldiveri | June 8, 2026 Healthy Leyland Cypress You can't drive around the South without seeing this tree prominently displayed everywhere. The question is — should it be?

It Happens Whether You Want It or Not 🌿 Garden Talk | by Guy Saldiveri | June 6, 2026 Cross-Pollination Myth There's a lot of myth, folklore, confusion, and a little bit of truth all tied together with this one.

 The Non-Emergency That Has Everyone Dialing 911 💬 Opinion | by Guy Saldiveri | June 2, 2026 Hammerhead Worm Everyone — right on up to the university extension offices — is calling this guy out for crimes against humanity it never committed.

Another Myth That Never Seems To Die 💬 Opinion | by Guy Saldiveri | May 31, 2026 Well, if you know me, then you know by that title where this post is heading. Here's the off-ramp if you want it — if not, let’s sow some real facts and real truths.

 The Transport Issue That's Treated Like a Supply Issue  🌿 Garden Talk| by Guy Saldiveri | May 30, 2026 Tomato with Blossom End Rot If you’ve ever tossed Tums into your tomato pot, this article is for you.

The Nightshade That Makes You Believe It's Dangerous 🌶 Plant Talk| by Guy Saldiveri | May 29, 2026 Various Peppers I've harvested Peppers are among the most versatile and fun vegetables to grow. The fact that they're one of nature's little tricksters is just an added bonus. 

 Nature's Artistry At Work 🌿 P lant Talk| by Guy Saldiveri | May 26, 2026   Lady's Tresses Orchid (Spiranthes) Extended stormy weather, waterlogged yards, rapid and unchecked growth all around — it's amazing what pops up when you can't get out there and whack it down.

Sometimes It’s Okay to Ignore the Yard 🌿 Garden Talk | by Guy Saldiveri | May 24, 2026 Spiranthes - Lady's Tresses Orchids Now, anyone who really knows me will look at that title and think I've finally gone off the deep end and completely lost my mind.

 Well-Behaved, Easy-To-Grow, Beautiful in the Landscape 🌱 Plant Talk| by Guy Saldiveri | May 19, 2026 Monkey grass, or liriope, is another prominent, perpetual evergreen that is ever-present in my yard.

Good For Winter — Pretty Much Useless In Summer 🌿 Garden Talk | by Guy Saldiveri | May 17, 2026 - Updated July 4, 2026 And here we are again, everyone wondering what bee is in my bonnet today… Well, here's the thing: you get into any gardening group, online, in person, doesn't matter — the talk will always come around to USDA hardiness zones and which one a particular person is in. 

 When We Should and Should Not Use Them 🌿 Garden Talk| by Guy Saldiveri | May 14, 2026 This is another hot-button topic you'll find in any online gardening forum. 

 Is That Mold or Did My Garden Just Throw Up? 🌿 Garden Talk | by Guy Saldiveri | May 11, 2026 If you've ever walked out in your yard to look at the garden and noticed this stuff, you'll immediately understand that title. Slime mold is probably one of the weirdest and ugliest things you’ll ever stumble across in the garden. 

 Culinary or Ornamental, Easy to Grow, Beautiful to Look At 🌱 Plant Talk| by Guy Saldiveri | May 9, 2026 Have you heard ginger is something you shouldn't grow? Something that if planted will take over your yard, your neighbor's yard, or maybe even your whole neighborhood? I say hogwash! 

How to Identify, Control, and Outsmart Them 🪲 Garden Pests | by Guy Saldiveri | May 2, 2026 Leaf-Footed Bugs, Adult & Nymphs If you grow vegetables, you're more than likely familiar with this annoying pest—the leaf-footed bug. They are ever-present during the later part of the year, and they will definitely test your patience. 

How Storm Heat, Humidity, and Rain Supercharge Plant Growth 🌿 Garden Talk| by Guy Saldiveri | Thursday, April 30, 2026 You take care of your plants. You water them when they're dry and fertilize them when they need it, but you can't help but notice how much better they look all on their own after a good thunderstorm. 

Why This Whimsical, Controversial Tree Deserves a Second Look   🌱 Plant Talk| by Guy Saldiveri | April 30, 2026 Mimosa Flower If there were a tree fit for Whoville, it would be the mimosa. Look closely enough and you can almost see Cindy Lou climbing the branches.

A Beloved Southern Garden Staple 🌱 Plant Talk| by Guy Saldiveri | April 27, 2026   Confederate Rose Bloom Despite its name, the confederate rose isn’t a rose at all—it’s a large, fast-growing shrub in the mallow family that includes cotton, okra, hibiscus, and hollyhock. 

A Plant Everyone Should Own  🌱 Plant Talk| by Guy Saldiveri | April 26, 2026 Spider Plant   Spider plants (or Airplane plants) are among the most popular houseplants to grow. They are very attractive, moderately fast-growing, and easy to take care of. 

An Annual That Acts Like a Perennial in Gulf South Gardens 🌱 Plant Talk | by Guy Saldiveri | April 18, 2026 Basil is a member of the mint family and one of the most popular culinary herbs. 

Give This Lady the Right of Way 🐜 Garden Pests| by Guy Saldiveri | Friday, April 10, 2026 I wish I could count how many times I've had run-ins with this little [insert expletive]. 

  Causes & Differences 🦠 Plant Diseases| by Guy Saldiveri | April 9, 2026 You have a thriving tomato or pepper plant. Leaves vibrant green, stems full of flowers and fruit, everything looking nice and healthy—until you notice that spot. 

 It Really Works 🌱 How-To Garden Guide | by Guy Saldiveri | April 8, 2026 Back in mid-February, I made a post about rejuvenation pruning and its merits.  Today, I want to double down on that idea and show a real‑world example—when to do it, how it works, and what happens afterward.

Learn to Read Your Plants and Keep Them Healthy 🌿 Garden Talk| by Guy Saldiveri | April 3, 2026, Updated July 21, 2026 Ever get in the middle of a gardening group and ask about watering? Be prepared for fifty different answers.

Invasive Series – Part 4  📝 Opinion| by Guy Saldiveri | March 18, 2026 This installment is a little more rant‑flavored than the others, and it may come across sharper than I usually write. I’m not trying to pick a fight—I’m just out of patience with the dogma that gets tossed around like gospel and repeated as if it were carved in stone.

How to Spot, ID, and Relocate 🦋 Garden Pests | by Guy Saldiveri | March 14, 2026 Tobacco Hornworm Ever seen a hummingbird moth? Gorgeous.  Ever seen what its kids do to your tomatoes? Not so gorgeous. I remember the first time seeing a hummingbird moth. I was stunned. I honestly hadn't known things like that existed. I stared at it for as long as I could, completely mesmerized.

The B‑52’s of the bee world 🐝 Garden Pests | by Guy Saldiveri | March 10, 2026 Carpenter bees are a tough one. They’re very prevalent and VERY destructive, but they’re also some of the best pollinators you have in your garden. 

 Why This Benchmark Belongs in the Compost Pile 📝 Opinion | by Guy Saldiveri |  Updated: March 11, 2026 This is another opinion that will probably ruffle a few leaves. That’s not the goal. My goal—as always—is to give you the most accurate and reliable information I can, even when it bumps up against tradition.  

Love It or Hate It—If You Have It, You Know It 🌱 Plant Talk | by Guy Saldiveri | March 6, 2026 This is one plant I find myself at odds with when it comes to my stance on invasive species and allowing nature full control to do as she sees fit. 

  Two Very Determined & Very Serious Pests 🪲 Garden Pests | by Guy Saldiveri | March 4, 2026 Squash Vine Borer These are without a doubt the most serious foes I deal with in my garden. The squash bug and the squash vine borer deliver more damage pound-for-pound—or is that ounce-per-ounce—than any other pest I have ever dealt with. The vine borer is by far the worst of the two. 

Why These Heat‑Loving Vines Thrive in Gulf South Gardens 🫘 Plant Talk:| by Guy Saldiveri | March 3, 2026 Asparagus beans—my all-time favorite crop. They're also called yard‑long beans and Chinese long beans. They have an edible pod and are technically a type of cowpea in the legume family.

 The Conventional and Not-So-Conventional Way 🥔 Plant Talk | by Guy Saldiveri | March 2, 2026 Who doesn’t love a good sweet potato? I know I do. 

Setups That Adapt to Changing Weather, Simplify Soil Care, and Support Year‑Round Growing 🌿 Garden Talk | by Guy Saldiveri | March 1, 2026 Over the years, I’ve had to modify how and where I grow things. For this reason, I prefer to use containers or grow bags for most of the vegetables, and fixed beds for things that I use for permanent crops like garlic and onions. The fixed beds also serve well for some other plants such as okra, corn, and sometimes squash. 

 A Cheapskate’s Way to Use Things You Normally Throw Away 🌿 Garden Talk | by Guy Saldiveri | February 27, 2026 Being the cheapskate that I am, I try to repurpose as many things as possible instead of throwing them away.

 March Madness Coming Up 🌿 Garden Talk | by Guy Saldiveri | February 25, 2026 Earlier this month I posted about Why I Don’t Start Seeds in February . I spent the month getting everything cleaned up and prepped for spring.

 The Answer Might Surprise You 🌿 Garden Talk | by Guy Saldiveri | February 24, 2026 You just finished watching some DIY video on YouTube. There are 5 pallets rotting away in your backyard, and you're just itching to build a raised bed for your strawberries. 

But It Doesn’t Have to Be a War Drum 📝 Opinion | by Guy Saldiveri | February 23, 2026 Sonny Bono was definitely onto something when he wrote the lyrics to that song. While some of the meaning has shifted, I can still see it applying to the garden forums we have today.

 The Myths, the Facts, and the Legends They Inspire 🐜 Garden Pests | by Guy Saldiveri | Updated: 03/01/2026 Fire ant Mound Fire ants are the bane of every garden south of the Mason‑Dixon—from the Atlantic to the Pacific and everywhere in between. What's worse is they’re adapting to colder climates and creeping steadily northward.

 Delicious, Dangerous, and Completely Misunderstood 🍅 Plant Talk | by Guy Saldiveri | 02/18/2026 Yep, that title probably got your attention. Is it accurate? Actually, it is—well, mostly.

When Your Brain is in Hyper-drive 😄 Humor | by Guy Saldiveri | 02/16/2026 Lying in bed, awake at hours that birds are still huddled together—and me just thinking. Yeah, that's probably not the best thing to be doing at that time. Wide awake, brain in high gear, throttle wide open, thoughts come streaming through.