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Q&A – I tilled a new garden. The next day there were lots of ant hills. How can I kill them?
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I just opened an area in my backyard for a vegetable garden. The day after I finished roto tilling, the area was filled with ant hills, big and small. How can I kill many ant hills over a large area? Answer: These ants did not move in, they were already there. You just couldn’t see them because of the grass or weeds growing there before you tilled. Ants are considered beneficial in the garden, you don’t need to kill them. If they are fire ants that is a different story, they need to go. Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison says he is not aware of any insecticide that targets only ants. Related Videos: Fire Ant Control How can I get rid of the ants in my flower bed? Related Resources: Ants Ants in Vegetable Garden Controlling Fire Ants in the Vegetable Garden March 6, 2021 |
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Q&A – Just how safe is Sevin insecticide?
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Growing up my family relied on Sevin dust. Just how safe is Sevin? Answer: Sevin (carbaryl) is very safe to humans. Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison says toxicity is judged based on LD50, the amount of the chemical per kilogram of body weight required to kill half the test population. Carbaryl has an LD50 of 350-500 mg/kg of body weight. He compares carbaryl’s toxicity to other common chemicals. Carbaryl is very toxic to insects including beneficials and it toxic to fish. Make sure you read and follow the label directions on any pesticide. Related Videos: Carbaryl Pesticide Modes of Action Pesticide Lifespan and Storage Related Resources: Pesticide Information Profile Carbaryl National Pesticide Information Center: Carbaryl March 6, 2021 |
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Q&A – When is the best time to prune a plum tree?
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When is the best time to prune a plum tree? Answer: The best time to prune a plum tree is in the late winter or early spring. Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison says you should prune peaches, plums, and nectarines to an open center to simplify spraying. Related Videos: Pruning Peaches, Plums, and Nectarines Tools for Pruning Trees What causes a plum tree to flower but not give fruit? Related Resources: Training and Pruning Stone Fruit Pruning and Training Home Fruit Trees to an Open Center March 6, 2021 |
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Q&A – Why are there no blooms on my okra?
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Why are there no blooms on my okra? I save seeds from year to year and this is the first year I have had this problem. This year I used seeds from two years ago. Answer: There are several possible reasons for this. On okra it takes 50-65 days from planting for blooms to develop. No blooms could be from lack of water or a nutrient imbalance. Okra does not like a lot of nitrogen, and if there is too much nitrogen fertilizer applied it could stimulate new growth of green leaves and not flowers and fruit. Related Videos: When to Pick Okra Fertilizer Basics Garden Fertilizer Math Related Resources: Home Garden Okra Okra March 6, 2021 |
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Q&A – Are these brown spots on my oak leaves okay?
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I have brown spots on my oak leaves. Are they okay or is there a problem? Answer: Certified Arborist Wes Hopper identifies these spots as anthracnose on a southern red oak. Anthracnose is a fungal disease that is common this year because of how wet the spring and summer were. It is not something to worry about, but there are some things you can do to help reduce the problem next year. Rake up and dispose of the leaves under the tree as thy fall. Leaves from the tree have anthracnose spores on them which when it rains, will splash up into the air and land on other leaves in your tree. Related Videos: Does this coloring on my oak leaves indicate a disease? Do I need to be concerned that my oak tree started dropping leaves early? Related Resources: Oak Anthracnose Anthracnose of shade trees March 6, 2021 |
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Q&A – Why are my green figs not getting ripe?
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Why are my green figs not getting ripe? The tree is an old one and has never done this before. Answer: This is probably because of lack of water. If you water your tree the figs will ripen. Related Videos: Figs How do you know when to pick figs? Related Resources: Fig Figs in the Home Planting March 6, 2021 |
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Q&A – What is eating my laurel bushes and hostas?
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Please tell me what's eating my laurel bushes and hostas. And more importantly, how to get rid of them. Answer: The laurels are not being eaten by an insect. The holes in the leaves are the result of shothole disease. This is caused by a fungus and bacteria which thrive in wet conditions. The best way to reduce it is to prune the plant, opening up the plant to allow air flow which will dry any water on the leaves. In summer as the amount of rain decreases you will see less of the disease. The damage on the hostas is caused by slugs and snails. There are baits available to control them or you can lay down a board in your garden. The slugs and snails will hide under the board during the day. Lift the board up and collect and dispose of them. Related Videos: Q&A - Why are my Otto Luyken laurels dying? Hostas Dividing Hostas Related Resources: Laurel Disease Slugs and Snails - Flowers February 27, 2021 |
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Q&A – How do you keep ants out of your compost pile?
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How do you keep ants out of your compost pile? Answer: Ants are one of the creatures that help break down compost and you don’t need to worry about them. If you turn your compost pile regularly, the ants may visit but they won’t stay or build a nest because they don’t like being disturbed. Related Videos: Composting Starting a Compost Pile Worm Composting Related Resources: The Science of Composting Controlling Fire Ants in the Vegetable Garden February 27, 2021 |
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Q&A – When repotting an orchid should I put the air roots in the potting medium?
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I just bought a Phal orchid and need to repot it from the tiny 2" container it came in. It has 2 nice healthy silvery white air roots about 5" long hanging over the side, and several submerged in the potting media. When repotting orchids should I put the air roots in the new potting medium or keep them in the air? Answer: TSU Extension Agent Joellen Dimond recommends putting the air roots in the potting medium. The orchid will continue to grow and develop new air roots. Related Video: Repotting an Orchid Related Resources: Orchid Care Growing Orchids in the Home February 27, 2021 |
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Q&A – What is this tree with smooth bark and huge leaves?
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I would like to identify this tree found on our acreage in the Hardy, Arkansas area. This is the only one of these trees we found on our 40 acres of land. It has huge leaves and smooth bark. What is it? Answer: This is a mulberry. From the picture you can’t tell what kind of mulberry it is. This is a younger tree. As they tree matured the leaf shape will change and develop lobes and sinuses. Mulberry do have a fruit which is a great food source for wildlife. Related Videos: How can we I.D. male and female mulberry trees when they are young? Mulberry tree fruit Related Resources: Red and White Mulberry in Indiana February 27, 2021 |
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Q&A – Is 1-1-1 organic fertilizer too weak to make a difference?
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You talk a lot about 10-10-10 fertilizer. What about 1-1-1 organic fertilizer? Compared with 10-10-10 is it too weak to make a difference? Under what condition would one use the organic 1-1-1? Answer: 1-1-1 organic fertilizer is weaker than 10-10-10 but it is a fertilizer so it will benefit your plants. A soil test can tell you which nutrients your soil is lacking, and you can fertilize accordingly. It will work, you just might need more of it. Related Videos: Organic Gardening Planting and Fertilizing an Organic Garden Related Resources: How to Convert an Inorganic Fertilizer Recommendation to an Organic One Here's the scoop on chemical and organic fertilizers February 27, 2021 |
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Q&A – My Indian hawthorns are losing their leaves. Is my dirt the culprit?
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I have some Indian hawthorns that are losing their leaves. They are growing in red clay. Is the dirt the culprit? What would you suggest I do? I can dig them up and add compost to the soil if you think that will help. What kind of compost would you suggest? Answer: Indian Hawthorns are very susceptible to Entomosporium leaf spot which is probably the problem here. This disease thrives in moist or wet conditions. If the plant is growing next to a wall or has dense leaves there is less airflow through the plant which means it dries out slower and is more susceptible. Prune the plant to open it up and allow more air flow. Check to make sure the plant is not planted low and where it sits in water after a rain. If so, dig it up and replant it in the same place, but on a mound made of same soil it is growing in. Adding compost will create a bowl in the soil that will hold water and cause more problems. Related Videos: Q&A - I have purple spots on my Indian Hawthorne leaves Planting Shrubs in Wet Heavy Soils Related Resources: Entomosporium leaf spot—Entomosporium mespili =Diplocarpon mespili Entomosporium Leafspot of Photinia and Indian Hawthorn Indian Hawthorn February 27, 2021 |
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Q&A - Why didn't my daffodils bloom?
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Why didn't my daffodils bloom this year? Answer: Daffodils may not bloom for several reasons. It is important that they get enough sunlight by being planted in a sunny place and that they are allowed to continue to grow after they flower so they can gather energy for the next year. If daffodils have been growing in one place for many years, the bulbs may be getting crowded in the ground and need to be dug up, separated, and replanted. Related Videos: Daffodils Planting Daffodils, Dianthus, and Pansies Related Resources: Spring Flowering Bulbs: Daffodils Yard and Garden: Caring for Daffodil Plants Daffodils Didn’t Bloom This Year? February 20, 2021 |
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Q&A - Why do my azaleas look sick?
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What is wrong with my azaleas? They didn't grow. The leaves look weak. I fertilize them but they just look anemic. Answer: Azaleas do not tolerate direct sun in the hot afternoons in the Mid-South. They prefer a shady spot. When they are in full sun they become stressed and are easily infested by the azalea lace bug. There are some other reasons they may not be doing well. They may be planted too deep, or in too wet soil, or in poor soil. Related Videos: Azalea Lace Bugs When is the correct time to prune my encore azaleas? Why have my azalea leaves lost their green color? What is happening to my azaleas? Some leaves are yellow and spongy. Related Resources: Azaleas Azalea Care Selecting and Growing Azaleas February 20, 2021 |
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Q&A - How to control clover in a lawn
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How do I kill a small amount of clover in my fescue lawn without harming the grass itself? Answer: A selective herbicide like 2,4-D will kill broadleaf weeds - like clover - in the lawn. Clover is growing in places where there is poor soil fertility. Get a soil test to see if there are missing nutrients or incorrect pH for growing your grass. Fertilize and lime according to the soil test instructions. Related Videos: Shamrock and clover Cultural Lawn Weed Control Related Resources: White Clover (Trifolium repens) White clover exploding in lawns White Clover February 20, 2021 |
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Q&A - What is the best way to control tomato blight?
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What is the best way to control tomato blight? I had a big problem with it last year. Answer: Tomato blight is nearly impossible to prevent in the Mid-South because of the heat and humidity. Blight is a fungus that splashes up on the bottom leaves of plant when it rains or is watered. The blight then works its way up the plant. Mulching is effective at reducing splashing on the leaves. Fungicide will also be required. Staking the tomatoes will keep the leaves off the ground. Crop rotation will help. Also, collect and dispose of infected plants at the end of the growing season. Leaving them in the garden will leave the fungus they carry in the garden. Related Videos: Mixing and Applying Fungicide Stopping Tomato Blight Related Resources: Tomato Diseases & Disorders Foliar Diseases of Tomato Tomato Disease & Insect Control Manual With Variety Selection February 20, 2021 |
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Q&A – Why does my leyland cypress keep dying?
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I am having an issue with some of my Leland Cypresses dying. A branch will start turning a rusty brown color which travels to the whole limb eventually the whole plant. I replaced them with no issues, they were growing beautifully, then spring came around, these same 3 are dying again. But, there are no issues with plants on either side. I notice a good size root ball and haven't noticed any grubs or other pests when I dig them up. Am I having a soil issue? I also thought of canker but its only affecting certain plants and only during the spring time and only in the same plant areas. Answer: This is seiridium canker. The plants that keep dying are in a certain area, and TSU Extension Agent Joellen Diamond thinks this is because something about that area is stressing the plant. Plant stress leads to it being more susceptible to the canker. It may be in a low spot where the roots are waterlogged. Related Videos: How do I root a Leyland Cypress? When can I plant my Leyland Cypress? Related Resources Diseases of Leyland Cypress In the Landscape Seiridium canker of Junipers and Cypress Seiridium Canker February 13, 2021 |
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Q&A - What causes the spots on my iris leaves?
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What causes the spots all over my bearded iris leaves? Answer: The spots are caused by Iris leaf spot. It is a fungal infection. TSU Extension Agent Joellen Diamond says when you see it on your plant you need to cut it out. Also, you need to collect and dispose of any dead leaves – and not in the compost pile. The spots take away the ability of the leaf to make energy for the plant and, if left alone, it will kill the plant. You can also use a preventative fungicide like Daconil or a copper-based fungicide. You should also see if the soil is too moist, as this creates an environment the fungus can thrive in. Related Videos: Iris Controlling Iris Rust Related Resources Iris Leaf Spot Iris Diseases February 13, 2021 |
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Q&A – What is this weed? - Annual Fleabane
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This weed is growing in my flower bed. What is it? Answer: This is annual fleabane. It is a wildflower in the aster family with beautiful white, purple, or pink flowers. It can grow 3-4 feet tall. If you want to remove it, you should do so when it is small as it will be harder to pull as the plant gets larger. Or you can remove the flowerheads to keep it from producing seed. The young leaves can be cooked and eaten. If you would rather use chemicals, any herbicide that kills broadleaf weeds should work – like 2,4-D. Related Videos: Notes - Daisy Fleabane What is this weed? - Chameleon Plant What is this weed? - Pokeweed Related Resources: Annual Fleabane Weed of the week: Daisy or annual fleabane February 13, 2021 |
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Q&A – Any advice on growing plants in straw?
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We have four bales of wheat straw. We made holes in them and put ¼ cup of fertilizer and water in them every day. We do this for 10 or 15 days before we put a plant in. Can you give any advice on growing in straw? Answer: TSU Extension Agent Joellen Diamond says conditioning the wheat straw bales is very important. The reason for the conditioning is to get the straw to start decomposing. There are different schools of thought on exactly what to do, but it boils down to adding fertilizer – especially nitrogen – to encourage decomposition. Joellen recommends putting some potting soil or compost on top the bail before planting. This will provide some water holding for the seeds and young plants and will give the plants some more medium to start growing in before they send roots into the bail itself. Related Videos: Straw Bale Gardening Are there different kinds of straw Related Resources Straw Bale Gardening Straw Bale Gardening Fact Sheet February 13, 2021 |
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Q&A – What can I use to control cabbage loopers?
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What can I use to control cabbage loopers? They are wearing out my cabbage! Answer: TSU Extension Agent Joellen Diamond recommends using Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis). UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper gives an overview of the leaf cycle of the cabbage looper and how to find them. Related Videos: Cabbage Planting Cabbage, Broccoli and Cauliflower How to keep worms out of my cabbage Related Resources: Cabbage Looper Caterpillar Pests of Cole Crops in Home Gardens Cabbage Looper February 13, 2021 |
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Q&A – What kind of spider is this?
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Q&A – Does imidacloprid hurt bees?
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Does imidacloprid hurt bees? Answer: The Bartlett Bee Whisperer David Glover says that it does hurt bees but not at bad as you might think. The imidacloprid makes the bees “drunk” and so they can’t find their way back to the hive. If they can’t get back to the hive, they can’t tell the other bees where they found nectar, so other bees don’t go to the same plant. On the other hand, bees that visit untreated plants successfully communicate where they went to the others. Related Videos: Removing Honey Bees from Houses Beehive Tour Related Resources: Neonicotinoid Insecticides and Honey Bees Study Finds Imidacloprid Safe for Honey Bees at Realistic Exposure Levels - Entomology Today Imidacloprid February 6, 2021 |
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Q&A – What is the best herbicide to kill wild violet?
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Wild violet is taking over our pastures and yard. What is the best herbicide to use to kill wild violet and not kill the grass? It is late October. Can we spray this late in the year? Answer: Wild violets are dormant during the hot summer months and reemerge in the fall. TSU Extension Agent Joellen Dimond recommends using a broadleaf herbicide like 2,4-D. While the violets are actively growing the in the fall is a good time. It will take multiple applications to eradicate them. Related Videos: Notes- Wild Violets Herbicide Basics Herbicide Modes Of Action Related Resources: Turf Tips: Wild Violet Wild violet February 6, 2021 |
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Q&A – How do I control broccoli worms without harsh chemicals?
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There is something eating the leaves of my broccoli. How do I control the pest without using hard chemicals? Answer: Your broccoli is likely being eaten by the imported cabbage worm or cabbage looper. Both can be controlled by Bt or Bacillus Thuringiensis, an organic pesticide that kills caterpillars. Related Videos: BT (Bacillus Thuringiensis) Is copper oxychloride a safe organic pesticide? Growing Organic Cabbage Related Resources: Cabbage Insects Caterpillars on cole crops February 6, 2021 |
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Q&A – What is the problem with my rose bush?
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A growth is sucking the life out my knockout rose. The growth is deep plum in color. There are no thorns the stems are hollow, and it grows small funny shape roses, sometimes a whole different color. If I don't continuously cut off the growth it will kill my bush. Answer: This is rose rosette. It is not curable and the plant should be immediately dug up and disposed of in the trash. It should not be composted. Rose rosette is a virus transmitted by an eriophyid mite. The disease can be identified by elongated shoots and red coloration of the leaves. Sometimes the new growth has many closely-spaced thorns. There is no cure for the disease, but research is ongoing. Related Videos: Basic Rose Care Rose Bush Pruning Planting Potted Roses How to deal with Rose Rosette Related Resources: Rose Rosette Disease Frequently Asked Question About Rose Rosette Virus February 6, 2021 |
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Q&A - How do you get a wisteria to bloom?
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How do you get a wisteria to bloom? Answer: Wisteria, like many other plants requires direct sun to bloom. TSU Extension Agent Joellen Dimond suggests making sure the plant has enough light, at least 4 hours a day of full sun. She also says that wisteria is an aggressive grower and frequent trimming may hinder blooming. She recommends getting a named cultivar from a nursery when it is blooming so you know it will bloom. Related Videos: Is there any advantage to giving Wisteria plant food that encourages flowers? How do I get wisteria seeds to sprout? My Neighbor's Wisteria Is In My Yard Related Resources: Wisteria A Mystery for Most Gardeners Wisteria blooms are early signs of spring February 6, 2021 |
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Q&A - How To Stop Tomato Hornworm
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Last year a worm or something ate the leaves of my tomato plant. How can I make sure that doesn’t happen again this year? Answer: The tomato or tobacco hornworm is the caterpillar of the sphinx moth. It is one of the largest caterpillars in North America and has a voracious appetite. Only a couple of caterpillars can defoliate a tomato plant only a couple of days. They can be controlled by using BT (Bacillus thuringiensis). The BT causes the worm to get a stomach ache and die. Related Videos: Tomato Hornworms Where do tomato hornworms come from? Related Resources: Toamto Hornworms in Home Gardens Pest Management Guidelines: Tomato Hornworms Tobacco/Tomato Hornworm January 30, 2021 |
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Q&A - How do I keep squirrels from eating my tomatoes?
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I would like to know what to do to keep squirrels from eating my tomatoes? Answer: According to “Managing Nuisance Animals and Associated Damage Around the Home” the most effective way to control squirrels is to shoot them. Of course that needs to be legal in the area where you live. Check with your local game warden or animal control officer for details. It is possible to use a deterrent like moth balls but that will only work for a limited time. Related Videos: Ground squirrels are eating my corn Squirrels Eating Pansies Related Resources: Excluding and Repelling Problem Wildlife from the Garden Animal Pests in the Garden Warding Off Destructive Animals from the Garden January 30, 2021 |