Recent Q&As
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Q&A – I have aphids on my milkweed. Any suggestions?
Question:
Help! I have yellow aphids on two swan milkweed plants. Each day for the past three days I have hosed them off, but they come back. How many days will I have to hose off the aphids before they give up? It takes ten minutes and I get covered with water too. Maybe I should give up and cut off most of the stems and just leave one or two? Any suggestions? Answer: Dixon Gallery and Gardens Greenhouse Manager Kim Rucker gives several options for controlling the aphids. First, she recommends using other bugs like ladybugs or wasps to control the aphids. If you would prefer you could use insecticidal soap or Pyrethrins Don’t fertilize too heavily as that will encourage new growth which the aphids will love. Related Videos: Aphids on Milkweed Ladybugs Rescuing Us from Aphids Related Resources: The Oleander Aphid – Arch Enemy of Milkweed Aphids Common Milkweed Fact Sheet November 28, 2020 |
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Q&A – During the winter my gardenia was frozen. What do I do?
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I covered my gardenia for the winter but when I uncovered it the leaves were all brown, some green, but mostly brown. I do not know what to do - can you help? I love gardenia and this would be the 2nd year that it is in the ground. Do I wait to see if it blooms in the spring before I prune? Answer: Kim Rucker the Dixon Gallery and Gardens Greenhouse Manager says that she would trim out what looks dead on the plant then wait until the plant starts growing again in the spring to see if anything else is dead. Don’t give up on your plant, wait to see what happens. It will probably survive. Kim also gives some advice on helping gardenias survive the winter with less damage. Related Videos: Why do gardenia bushes die back each winter? My gardenia’s leaves are turning yellow. Should I wait till spring to fertilize? Should I prune my gardenia before I cover it for the winter? Related Resources: Gardenia Protecting Landscape and Garden Plants During Cold Snaps November 28, 2020 |
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Q&A – Can I air layer a hardwood tree?
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Can I air layer a branch of a hard wood tree like a paperbark maple? Answer: Dixon Gallery and Gardens Greenhouse Manager Kim Rucker says she has never heard of air layering hardwood trees. It might work, she is not sure. Obviously other plants like azaleas and hydrangeas can be air layered. Kim also describes the process of air layering. Related Videos: What is the best way to maintain the area around a maple because of the roots? Should I use pine straw or shredded hardwood for mulch? Related Resources: Air Layering for Difficult -to-Root Plants Plant Propagation by Layering November 28, 2020 |
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Q&A – What can I do to save my new dogwood from soggy soil?
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Two weeks ago I planted a dogwood in prepared clay soil. We had lots of rain since I put it in. What can I do to save my new dogwood from soggy soil? Answer: Dogwoods like to have well drained soil. If it is planted in clay you need to improve the drainage. Make sure the tree is not planted too deep and it would be best if it is planted on a slight mound as the soil will settle. Also seeing as it has only been in the ground for a few weeks you can dig it up and move it to a better place is if is planted in a low spot. Slopes tend to have better drainage. Related Videos: What is the best time to prune dogwoods My 8 foot dogwood trees don't have a trunk, Why? Related Resources: Growing Dogwood Solutions to Soil Problems Dogwood Diseases November 28, 2020 |
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Q&A – Can I prune my azaleas back in the fall?
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Can I prune my azaleas back now in the fall? Answer: Azaleas are best pruned a couple weeks after they bloom. Master Gardener Ginny Fletcher says if you prune them in the fall, you will be be cutting off the buds that are forming for next year’s blooms. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper gives a rule of thumb that if the plant blooms before July 1 then prune it after it blooms. If it blooms after July 1, prune it in late winter or early spring. Related Videos: Is early spring the best time to prune my azaleas? When is the correct time to prune my encore azaleas? Related Resources: Azalea Care Azaleas for the Landscape November 21, 2020 |
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Q&A – Should I remove the pups from my bromeliad that has root rot?
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Whilst I was away my bromilliad was overwatered. It has flowered & has 3 ‘pups’. I think my bromeliad’s roots are rotting. Should I remove the pups now for replanting or wait? Answer: Bromeliads often get overwatered and that causes root rot. Master Gardener Mary Heim says if the pups are at least a third the height of the plant they can be removed and planted. She gives some tips on planting them. Master Gardener Ginny Fletcher recommends trying to save the mother plant by immediately repotting it in new soil that is not so wet. Related Videos: Q&A – My bromeliad got sunburn. What can I do? Q&A – My bromeliad is turning brown in the center. What do I do? Related Resources: Bromeliads Bromeliads at a Glance November 21, 2020 |
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Q&A – Do I need to be concerned that my oak tree started dropping leaves early?
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My oak tree started dropping leaves early. Do I need to be concerned? Answer: You don’t need to be worried now. The last half of this summer was very dry, and the oak trees are dropping their leaves early as a way to preserve energy and water. Trees may also throw their leaves early to defend against an insect infestation. In both cases it is not something to be concerned about. It will probably be okay. If the tree does not get buds and leaves next year then something happened. Related Videos: Does this coloring on my oak leaves indicate a disease? Removing Suckers from the Trunk of an Oak Tree Related Resources: Leaf Yellowing and Early Leaf Drop on Shade Trees Have Your Trees Started Dropping Their Leaves Already? November 21, 2020 |
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Q&A – Will my apricot tree ever bear fruit?
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Will my apricot tree ever bear fruit? Answer: This is likely a pollination problem. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond says apricots are self-pollinating, but they need bees to knock the pollen around in the flower. She says it could also be a problem with the weather. She recommends reading the Extension publication on New England tree fruit management available here: https://netreefruit.org/stone-fruit/apricots. Related Videos: Fruit and Nut Pollination Fruit Tree Pruning Fall and Winter Fruit Tree Care Related Resources: Tree Fruit Management Guide Home Tree Fruit Production and Pest Management November 14, 2020 |
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Q&A – Is this a beneficial bug?
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Is this a beneficial bug? Answer: This is not a beneficial bug. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper says this is the nymph of the leaf-footed bug. Leaf-footed bugs have piercing sucking mouth parts and feed on many different garden plants. They overwinter in crop debris, so clean up weeds and plants in your garden in the fall to get rid of hiding places for them. Related Videos: Beneficial Garden Bugs Are the wasps on my corn beneficial Related Resources: Beneficial Insects, Spiders, and Other Mini Creatures in Your Garden Beneficial Insects in the Yard and Garden Beneficial Insects and other Arthropods November 14, 2020 |
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Q&A – Is it true that peppers like dry soil?
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Is it true that peppers like dry soil? Answer: Peppers like hot weather, but they do not like dry soil. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond says peppers like even moisture. Peppers do not like wet soil. On the other hand, if they don’t get enough water, they will not set fruit or immature fruits may drop off the plant. Related Videos: Peppers Planting Peppers When to Pick Bell Peppers Related Resources: Pepper Peppers Home Gardening Series: Peppers November 14, 2020 |
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Q&A – What is this plant growing in my flower garden?
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What is this plant growing in my flower garden? Answer: This is milo or grain sorghum. It is used frequently in bird feeders and probably was dropped by a bird. Milo is used for animal feed and is high in fat and protein. It grows like corn but has a distinctive seed head. You can harvest it and put it out for the birds to eat over the winter. Related Videos: What is this plant - Italian Arum What is this plant? - Garlic Related Resource: Grain Sorghum (Milo) November 14, 2020 |
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Q&A – Can hybrid tomatoes be saved and come true next year?
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Can hybrid tomatoes be saved and come true next year? Answer: If you collect seed from hybrid tomatoes they will not come true next year. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond explains how commercial seed companies get the same hybrid seeds every year. She also briefly explains why what you get next year will vary. The seeds will still grow, but you will get some combination of the two parent plants, but you don’t know what that will be. Related Videos: Growing Tomatoes Planting Tomatoes Related Resources: Hybrid Varieties and Saving Seed Saving Seed November 14, 2020 |
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Q&A – What are these black stripes on my green beans? Can I still eat them?
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What are these black stripes on my green beans? Can I still eat them? Answer: There are many possible reasons for the stripes. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond says it could be due to it being late in the season. It may also be naturally occurring on this type of green bean. Either way they are safe to eat. Related Videos: Notes - When to Harvest Green Beans Canning Green Beans Related Resources: Home Garden Green Beans Beans November 14, 2020 |
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Q&A – What is this plant? A: Triangle Cactus
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What is this plant? A: Triangle Cactus Answer: This is Acanthocereus tetragonus, commonly known as triangle cactus. Joellen Dimond, Director of Landscape at the University of Memphis, says looking at the brown spots in the picture the plant is probably being overwatered. Triangle cactuses prefer drier conditions. Joellen recommends adding sand to the potting mix. The plant also likes being in full sun. When they bloom they are good plants for pollinators. Related Videos: What is this plant - Italian Arum What is this plant? - Garlic What is this plant? - Ajuga Related Resources: Cacti and succulents Cactus November 7, 2020 |
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Q&A - One of my Japanese maples has different shoots coming out of the main stem. Can I cut them off?
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One of my Japanese maples has different shoots coming out of the main stem. Can I cut them off? Answer: You can prune an undesirable branch any time of year. Joellen Dimond, Director of Landscape at the University of Memphis, says the growth takes nutrients from the main plant. You may need to cut back the growth on a regular basis. Related Videos: Japanese Maple Basics How do I keep the limbs of my Japanese maples from dying? Related Resources: Acer palmatum: Japanese Maple Japanese Maple Pruning Japanese Maples November 7, 2020 |
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Q&A – What are these bugs gathered on my maple tree trunk?
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What are these bugs gathered on my maple tree trunk? Answer: These are bark lice. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper says they are harmless to the tree. They feed on lichen and fungus on the bark and provide a food source for birds. They will often be on the tree for a little while and then move on. Related Video: What are these small black and orange worm-like things on my Autumn Blaze maple? Related Resources: Barklice Barklice November 7, 2020 |
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Q&A – My Photinia shrub has leaves rolling and falling off. What is it?
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My Photinia shrub has leaves rolling and falling off. What is it? Answer: This is probably herbicide damage. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper says rolling leaves are the key to the diagnosis. Photinias are susceptible to several leaf diseases that may cause the leaves to fall off, but none of them would cause the leaves to roll. Joellen Dimond, Director of Landscape at the University of Memphis, says you should look into what herbicides you and your neighbors are using on your lawns. Some of these can be harmful to Photinias. Related Videos: My photinia has red spots on the leaves Herbicide Basics Related Resources: Photinia (Red Tip) Redtip Photinia November 7, 2020 |
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Q&A – What decorative plant can I put in a pot in direct sunlight most of the day?
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What decorative plant can I put in a pot in direct sunlight most of the day? Answer: There are many varieties available. Joellen Dimond, Director of Landscape at the University of Memphis says a plant in direct sun for much of the day in the hot summer may need some special considerations. Joellen says the plant needs more water than usual. She recommends using soil moisture crystals that will help retain the water. Also, she recommends planting in soil from the ground because it will hold water better than potting soil. Related Videos: Building a Self-Watering Houseplant Pot Houseplants Related Resources: University of Illinois Extension Houseplant page Common Houseplant Insects & Related Pests Growing Indoor Plants with Success November 7, 2020 |
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Q&A – Can I overwinter Boston ferns in the garage?
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Can I overwinter Boston ferns in the garage? Answer: Yes you can. Joellen Dimond, Director of Landscape at the University of Memphis, recommends putting them in the garage against an inside wall where it will be slightly warmer. If it gets very cold you can take an old shower curtain and tape it to the wall to make a tent over the ferns to help trap the warmer air. Because there is no light in the garage, she takes her ferns out on warmer days so they can get some sun. You also need to make sure the soil in the pot is moist but not wet. By the end of the winter the fern will be looking very bad, but it might come back in the spring. Related Video: How do I take care of Boston Ferns especially in the winter? Related Resources: Boston Fern Boston Fern, Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’ November 7, 2020 |
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Q&A – Can I insulate my caladiums for the winter so I don’t have to dig them up?
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Can I insulate my caladiums for the winter so I don’t have to dig them up? Answer: This probably won’t work. Joellen Dimond, Director of Landscape at the University of Memphis, says the reason you have to dig up caladiums is not the cold, but moisture. In the wet soil of winter they rot easily. She recommends planting the caladiums in a pot and then burying the pot. In fall you can pull the pot out of the ground and put it in the garage for the winter, then replant it in the spring. Related Video: When can I plant elephant ears? Can they grow in pots? Repotting Houseplants Related Resources: Caladiums for the Home Landscape Caladium November 7, 2020 |
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Q&A – Should I do a separate soil test in different areas of my yard?
Question: Should I do a separate soil test in different areas of my yard? Answer: One soil test is probably enough for your yard. Make sure you ask for recommendations for each type of plant you would like to grow: grass, vegetables, shrubs, trees, etc. The results will give recommendations for each of these things. You will only need one soil test except if you have an area where there is fill or imported soil or if you have an area over 10 acres. Related Videos: Soil Testing Taking a Soil Sample Related Resources: Soil Testing Home Lawns, Gardens, and Wildlife Food Plots Soil Testing for Lawns October 31, 2020 |
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Q&A – What is eating our potatoes underground?
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What is eating our potatoes underground? Answer: Voles are eating the potatoes before you dig them. Voles tunnel and eat plants underground. Related Videos: Voles Potatoes Growing Potatoes Related Resources: Controlling Voles in Horticulture Plantings and Orchards in Missouri Managing Voles in Colorado October 31, 2020 |
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Q&A – Why are my fruit trees leafing in the fall?
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Why are my fruit trees leafing in the fall? Answer: The leafing fruit trees are a symptom of a stressed plant that is trying to survive. The fruit tree in question is probably a peach, plum, or nectarine. The sticky jelly is the result of peach tree borers. There are two kinds of peach tree borers: The lesser peach tree borer which bores in the branches at the top of the tree and the peach tree borer which bores in the trunk and larger limbs. Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison is guessing that the tree has both. Unfortunately, the trees might be lost and there is nothing you can do this time of year about this problem. You can spray the branches with an insecticide to stop the adult borers from laying eggs, but that application needs to happen in summer. Commercial growers can get Dursban (Chlorpyrifos) but homeowners cannot get that chemical. They can use Astro which is a permethrin based product. Several applications while the adults are laying eggs will help control the borers. Related Videos: Fall Fruit Tree Care Fall and Winter Fruit Tree Care Planting Fruit Trees Related Resources: Fruit tree Management Timetable Growing Fruit Trees Successfully October 31, 2020 |
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Q&A – What do I use to kill scale in my crape myrtle?Question:
What do I use to kill scale in my crape myrtle? Answer: Treat with a systemic soil drench in the spring. Soil drenches are poured onto the soil around the plant and are taken up by the plant. Insects feeding on the plant eat the insecticide and die. Imidacloprid is a systemic insecticide available in drench form. It takes longer to work but one application will protect for about 12 months. Safari (Dinotefuran) will work faster but the protection does not last as long. Dormant oils can be used as well but are not as effective. Related Videos: Treating Crape Myrtle Bark Scale Scale Related Resources: Crapemyrtle Bark Scale: A New Insect Pest Crape Myrtle Bark Scale Identification and Control October 31, 2020 |
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Q&A – What is causing branches of my
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Q&A – How do you prune grape vines?
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How do you prune grape vines? Answer: Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison explains how to prune grape vines. Grapes grow on current season’s growth that grows off of one-year old wood. They should be pruned in late winter after the last hard frost. Prune back all the long runners leaving 2-5 buds on each runner. These runners will be the one-year old wood. The buds will form the current season’s growth and will be where the plant fruits. If you do a severe pruning and cut the plant back to the larger stems you will not have any fruit this year (there is no one year old wood) but next year there will be one-year old wood and so there is the opportunity for fruiting. Related Videos: Grapes and Muscadines What is causing bumps on my grape leaves Q&A – What are these spots on my grapes? Related Resources: Backyard Grapes Pruning Grapes in Home Gardens: Basic Guidelines October 31, 2020 |
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Q&A – Why do I find perfectly shelled pecans on the ground?
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Why do I find perfectly shelled pecans on the ground? Answer: These are pecans that squirrels shelled but then dropped before they could eat them. The squirrels may have been startled and dropped the nut to run for safety. Related Videos: What is causing branches of my pecan tree to fall off? Last year the pecans had shells but no kernels. Why? Why did my pecans dry up on the inside of the shell? My two pecan trees have not produced any pecans lately. What do I need to do? Related Resources: Pests of Peaches, Plums, and Pecans Pecan Pest Management: Insects and Diseases October 31, 2020 |