[Ellendra]

I have to admit, I hadn’t heard of that virus before.

A quick search showed several countries that are restricting seed importation because of it, including the US. But, that’s not the same as saying seeds can’t be found. Just that they shouldn’t be ordered from growers outside your own country. Look for local companies, or ask around to see if any gardeners in your area have extra seeds they might sell.

The symptoms seem pretty mild. Plants might be stunted, fruits might look splotchy or be slower to mature. But as plant diseases go, this looks pretty tame. Try to keep your plants healthy, and wash your hands if you visit somebody else’s garden, or if you handle plants or fruits from the nightshade family.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

What Weeds Tell You About Your Soil

By Robin Sweetser - May 13, 2020

Read your weeds! They are an indicator of your soil’s health. If you have large patches of one kind of weed, your garden is trying to tell you something. Here are common weeds and that they say about your soil—plus photos. Let us know what you learn!

When we say “weed,” we are referring to a plant that tends to overgrow or choke out other plants or crops that you are trying to grow. However, weeds can be very useful. Some are edible. Some are ornamental. Of course, there are also those weeds which are simply noxious and invasive. But almost all weeds can be helpful to give us clues about our soil quality and condition. Before you pull a weed, consider what it’s telling you. Is your soil lacking nutrients? Do you have an excess of fertilizer? Is your soil not draining well? Is it too compacted? Let’s find out!

^Mustard^

Link to article, below...