Spring is in the air but don't let the warm days trick you into planting annual flowers and vegetables to early.

A weekly summary of horticultural happenings and reports from across Ohio for the week of March 31, 2026.

The Spring 2026 Buckeye Turf Newsletter is now available online. This edition includes seasonal guidance, applied turfgrass research updates, and timely management recommendations from the Ohio State Turfgrass Team.

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As the diagnostic season begins to ramp up, we are seeing a steady increase in sample submissions and a growing diversity of plant health issues. The following is a brief summary of diagnostic activity from January through March, highlighting key trends in crops, disorders, and pathogens observed during this early part of the year.

This Week's Observations

Pest Identification

Several insect specimens found in homes were presented for identification, including:

• A small (1–2 mm) strawberry root weevil. These are "accidental invaders" that do not burrow into wood or reproduce inside homes, but do feed on a wide range of weeds outdoors. Read more at this MSU link for Strawberry root wevil.
• A mysterious larva that could not be...

This Week's Observations

Diagnostic Issues

• Canaan Fir Tip Blight.  The diagnostic lab received Canaan fir samples showing tip dieback with Phomopsis/Diaporthe spores identified. The fungus is likely opportunistic, triggered by environmental stress (rain → drought cycles, cold, transplant stress). Stress likely predisposed seedlings, but is not considered ...

The Diagnostic Walkabouts for Green Industry professionals are a comprehensive, hands-on training. Participants examine and discuss plants, plant pests, plant diseases, landscape designs, and other points of interest.

A state-wide quarantine was announced on Spotted Lanternfly a week ago. What can a homeowner do now, this spring, this summer and in the fall to help control infestations on their property?

With the cold, long winter and heavy snow that stayed on the ground for a while, animals were looking for something to eat. As the snow goes away and temperatures moderate, there is evidence of animal dagame. The question is “Which animal?”

Gardening Planning and seed starting can be a fun activity to help break the winter blues, now is the time to start thinking about doing it.