Pests, Pest, Pest...

 This is what I found so far!
I can only hope that my tomatoes will do fine!   

But the one that I found was like green/yellow tone.. Is this the same type?

• Stalk Borer
  The stalk borer is an insect pest that attacks a wide variety of plants including tomatoes. The larva (caterpillar) bores into the stem and tunnels inside the stalk. (The entrance hole is small and often difficult to locate). Affected plants wilt and often die. However, stalk borer damaged plants that are given good care may survive. The stalk borer is a purple and cream striped caterpillar with a solid purple band around its body 1/3 of the way back from its head. It is an early season pest that moves from tall grassy weeds and occasionally attacks tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers in the vegetable garden. An individual stalk borer may damage more than 1 tomato plant. The adult is an inconspicuous grayish brown moth. Tomato plants that die should be pulled and destroyed. The destruction of the plants may also kill the stalk borer. Cutting or mowing tall weedy areas around vegetable gardens may also help control the pest. Stalk borers cannot be effectively controlled with insecticides.

This article originally appeared in the July 22, 1992 issue, pp. 1992 issue, pp. 127-129.

Year of Publication: 1992

Issue: IC-463(19) -- July 22, 1992

by Richard Jauron, Department of Horticulture

So now I am in melancholic despair for my tomatoes (sigh!!!!)  

Okay! OVER IT!

   I will be cleaning out my garden soon enough!  When I do, the soil will get a organic overhaul... what that is... I don't know. But I am determine to make that soil yummy for the plants and beneficial for all beings in that little world..

So I have been doing research on these backyard weeds. These weeds have started to take over and it is extremely irritating.

Spotted spurge, prostrate knot weed, and caper weeds are almost impossible to get rid of... 

spotted spurge

prostrate weed

      

caper weed

These are the main culprits so off I go to do the research....

Enough of downers....

 How about one of my favorite flowers...  Now I know some people think they are weird or scary but I think these flowers are quite happy and giving...  Are you ready?

Sunflowers - Helianthus
 

    Native to the Americas-
These happy face flowers are annuals. They like late spring to be planted. 
   Warm weather and soil are their vice for success..
 
    I usually see them popping up from the bird seeds that is given to the menagerie of birds that visit every morning...
    So I am usual quite happy to see the volunteers all around my yard...
It just means that my backyard is full of life and that makes me as happy as the flowers that visit... (and also make the birds happy as well.)

   Heliotropism- to follow the sun. This flower has a misconception, these flowers do not follow the sun. They typically face East then turn towards the west . Sometimes the littler flowers or young buds and leaves orient themselves towards the sun.
  I pretty much think that every one knows what to do with these flowers, from vases, to eating the seeds or using the oil... These flowers are always welcome in my yard at any point in time...