Recent Q&As
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Q&A – Can I use 2 or 3 fungicides at the same time?
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What happens if I use two or three different fungicides at the same time? Answer: The short answer is no. There are several reasons why. First, the chemicals in the fungicides may interact which would reduce their effectiveness or harm the plants. Also, if the fungicides have the same mode of action you are wasting your money and product because they are both trying to do the same thing. Related Videos: Fungicides Mixing and Applying Fungicide Related Resources: Fungicide rotations for Nursery, Greenhouse, and Landscape Professionals Using Fungicide Spray Effectively Fungicides don't always do well in 'mixed' company |
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Q&A – What can I do to grow tomatoes and other veggies on a north facing balcony?
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I recently moved into a high rise with a 24'x 5' balcony. What can I do to grow tomatoes and other veggies on a north facing balcony? Answer: Rick Pudwell, Director of Horticulture at Memphis Botanic Garden says the balcony will see some sun in the morning and late afternoon, but not as much as the plants would like. He says you probably can get some production out of cherry tomatoes. Rick recommends growing the plants in large containers and watering daily because the soil will dry out quickly. Related Videos: Planting an Herb and Flower Container Garden What are the best shade loving vegetables? Related Resources: Gardening in Containers Container Vegetable Gardening Vegetable Gardening in Containers |
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Q&A – What is this grass growing in my vegetable garden? -Nutsedge
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I have grass growing in my vegetable garden. What kind is it? Answer: This is Nutsedge or nutgrass. It is not a grass but a sedge. Nutsedge is hard to get rid of. Rick Pudwell, Director of Horticulture at Memphis Botanic Garden recommends smothering it with cardboard during the vegetable growing season and then, once you are past harvest attack it with a herbicide like Image that is labeled to kill nutsedge. That way you keep the chemicals off the garden while the vegetables are growing. Related Videos: Controlling Yellow Nutsedge Nutsedge Related Resources: Nutsedge Nutsedge Nutgrass / Nutsedge Control around Ornamentals |
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Q&A – Should I cut pampas grass back every fall?
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I have four pampas grass plants and they have done well blooming. I did not cut them back during the fall and now they look like they are dying. Should I cut pampas grass back every fall? What do I do to save them? Answer: Pampas grass is an evergreen grass and normally does not die back in the Memphis, Tennessee area unless there is a severe winter. Rick Pudwell, Director of Horticulture at Memphis Botanic Garden says in March before the grass starts growing again cut out the dead blades with scissors. Now that it is June there is too much growth to be able to do that. Rick says that at this point in the year the best thing to do if it looks like it is dying is to give it some fertilizer and hope it pulls through. Pampas grass has a sawtooth edeged grass so it can cut you easily. Wear gloves when working with it. Related Videos: When should I cut back my pampas grass? Ornamental Grasses Related Resources: Ornamental Grasses Pampas Grass Care and Maintenance of Ornamental Grasses |
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Q&A – Why does my Crape Myrtle have curling leaves?
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We have a crepe myrtle with curly leaves, even the soft new ones. The tree is approximately 6 years old. We planted several at the same time but this is the only one that has curly leaves. It has been this way for several years but it seems to be getting worse. Do you have any suggestions? I don't see any pests in and unlike the others, it did not get the scale last year. Answer: The curling leaves are probably caused by lawn chemicals, probably a phenoxy herbicide. Phenoxy herbicides are frequently sprayed on lawns to control broadleaf weeds. When a small amount of this herbicide from careless spraying or drift gets on a plant like crape myrtle it causes this sort of leaf curling. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper says that when herbicide damaged leaves curl up it is Dicamba, when the leaves curl down it is 2,4-D. Remember that most ornamental plants are broad-leafed and can be affected by phenoxy herbicides. Related Videos: Phenoxy Herbicides Herbicide Basics Related Resources: Diagnosing Herbicide Injury on Garden and Landscape Plants Plant Injury Due to Turfgrass Broadleaf Weed Herbicides |
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Q&A – How do I get rid of a hump in my yard?
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Please help me get rid of this hump in my yard! I pulled up an azalea and now I have a hump. I want grass to grow back over it smoothly with the rest of the yard! What should I do? Answer: Garden Expert Tonya Ashworth says that you will probably need to get out a shovel and try to level the area as best you can. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper says you might be able to just rake the hump out, but you could also use a rototiller. Related Videos: What's making little mounds all over my yard Can I fill holes in my yard with a sand/topsoil mix? Related Resources: Bumpy, Rough Lawns Establishing a New Lawn |
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Q&A – Are grass and weed seeds able to germinate immediately or do they need sunlight?
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Are grass and weed seeds able to germinate immediately or do they have to be exposed to sunlight for a while? Answer: Garden Expert Tonya Ashworth says different seeds have different germination requirements. Weed seeds need moisture, nutrients and air. If they have those things they will germinate well. Grass seeds can take several weeks to germinate. They need good soil contact so they can get the moisture they need. Related Videos: Seed Germination Test Cultural Lawn Weed Control Related Resources: Weed seeds Fate of weed seeds in the soil Manage the Weed Seed Bank—Minimize "Deposits" and Maximize "Withdrawals" |
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Q&A – What is in bagged soil?
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What is the definition of the different kinds of soils purchased by the bag? Specifically: Garden soil, Potting soil, Top soil, Raised bed soil. All of these have the same components, so how do they differ? Also, none of these have "clay" as a component. Why not? You would think true soil would contain clay. Answer: Garden Expert Tonya Ashworth goes through what is in common kinds of bagged soil. Many of these products are not very nutrient rich so you may want to mix in some compost to feed the plants better. These products do not contain clay because clay retains water and slows drainage. Related Videos: Soil Preparation How do I amend my hard soil Related Resources: Bagged Potting Mixes and Garden Soils for Home Gardeners Using Soil and Soil Mixes What's in that Bag?—Soil Amendments |
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Q&A – My trees have hollow centers and are dying, and they have ants. Why?
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My trees are dying from the top down. The centers are hollow and filled with ants. Why is this? Is there anything to kill the ants on healthy trees? Answer: UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper says that whenever he sees ants in trees there are usually aphids or scales in the tree and the ants are collecting honeydew. If the trees are already hollow the ants are probably looking to nest in the decaying center of the tree. But, the ants are not causing the tree to die, they are only a symptom of another problem. Get a certified arborist to look at your tree as it might be a danger to you. Related Videos: Cutting Out a Tree Canker Maple Bark Split Related Resources Tree Decay How Do You Decide When to Remove a Tree? Carpenter ants nesting in trees and homes |
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Q&A – Why did half my mum plant die over the winter?
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We had two big beautiful burgundy mums last fall. I trimmed them back this past winter when they were dormant. One has come back beautifully but the other appears to only have the front of the plant. Literally it’s like the whole back half is gone. Why did half my mum plant die over the winter? Answer: Garden Expert Tonya Ashworth says that the area where it was planted was probably too wet which caused root rot. Tonya also gives some advice on cutting back mums for the winter. Related Videos: Why do gardenia bushes die back each winter? Ornamentals and Trees in the Winter Related Resources: Garden chrysanthemums Chrysanthemums |
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Q&A – Can you spray copper fungicide on blooming peach and pear trees?
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Can you spray copper fungicide on peach and pear trees if they are blooming? Answer: Copper is only recommended as a delayed dormant spray. During bloom use Captan. Related Videos: Spraying Peach Trees Can organic apples and peaches be grown in Tennessee? Related Resources: Disease and Insect Control in Home Fruit Plantings Managing Pests in Home Fruit Plantings |
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Q&A – What is this plant and is it a weed or wildflower? -Butterweed
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Is this a weed or a wildflower? Several came up in my backyard. Answer: This is butterweed. Gardening Expert Tonya Ashworth says it can be a weed or a wildflower depending on if you like it. It is also known as Cressleaf Groundsel. It is in the aster family and is a winter annual. It forms leaves through the winter months then a flower stock with small yellow flowers in the spring. Butterweed likes moist soils. Related Videos: Wildflowers Sowing Wildflowers Related Resources Butterweed Butterweed (Packera glabella) |
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Q&A – What plants can I grow on my apartment patio? It only gets afternoon sun.
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Hi guys. I moved from a home into an apartment. I am a garden lover and having withdrawal. My apartment patio gets only afternoon sun in the summer What would you suggest for plants and flowers? Answer: You will probably need to grow in containers. Gardening Expert Tonya Ashworth lists off some annual flowers that would do well. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper also gives some perennial options. Related Videos: How do I get my flowerbox to grow anything? What are the best shade loving vegetables? Related Resources: Successful Container Gardens The Art of Container Gardening Container gardening with vegetables & herbs |
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Q&A – How do you make bare root strawberries survive?
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I moved last year to our new home. I would like to start a strawberry bed again. Since plants would be more expensive I would like to get the bareroot strawberries. Every time I have planted them they do not do well. How do you grow bare root strawberries and make them survive? Answer: Gardening Expert Tonya Ashworth says the key is to make sure bare root plants don’t dry out. Soak them in water before planting and then water in well. Keep the soil moist until the plants are growing. Also, they should be planted at the soil surface. Don’t cover the crown with soil or it will rot. Related Videos: Planting Bare Root Strawberries Planting Strawberries Moving and Renovating Strawberries Related Resources: Handling and Planting "Bare Root" Plants in the Home Landscape Growing Strawberries |
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Q&A – What are the black spots on my potato leaves?
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What are the black spots on my potato leaves and how do I control this issue? Answer: Gardening Expert Tonya Ashworth points out that potatoes are in the same family as tomatoes, so they get many of the same diseases. While she can not be sure because she has not seen pictures, she thinks the problem is fungal, possibly early blight. She recommends rotating your vegetables so that place in your garden has tomatoes or potatoes only every few years. This will reduce the occurrence of the disease. You can also apply fungicides to prevent the spread of the disease. They can’t cure what is already there. Also, you can plant resistant varieties that are less susceptible. Related Videos: Growing Potatoes Potatoes Why did safer soap cause black spots on my pepper leaves? Related Resources: Potato Diseases: Early Blight Detection of Potato Tuber Diseases & Defects |
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Q&A – Can you use a knife to thin iris without digging them up?
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Can you cut off part of an iris tuber with a knife to thin out your plants without digging up the whole plant? Answer: Yes, you can. Gardening Expert Tonya Ashworth says when irises get too crowded they will stop blooming and need to be thinned. If you don’t mind losing what you cut off you can thin them by using a long sharp knife without the effort of digging them up. Related Videos: Iris When should I dig up my iris? Related Resources: Dividing Iris Bearded Iris For The Home Landscape |
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Q&A – The tips of my rose buds are brown? Do they have thrips?
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When my roses bud the tips of the buds get brown and/or look like they are eaten. Do you think this is thrips? What do you suggest for treatment? They are more brown so I know it isn't a grasshopper. Thank you so much. Answer: Most likely yes. When thrips feed on roses they make the blooms look discolored and distorted. They will not develop properly so cut those blooms off. For future blooms you can spray while the flower is still in the bud stage. Use an insecticidal soap, neem oil, or spinosad. You could also use a systemic soil drench. Related Videos: Basic Rose Care Why do my rose buds have shriveled petals? Related Resources: Thrips Management Guidelines Thrips on Ornamental Plants |
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Q&A – How do I plant veggies to get more out of my garden?
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How do I plant veggies to get more out of my garden? Answer: There are several things you can do. Gardener Peter Richards says the easiest is to lean any climbing plants away from the bed, so they take up space in the air that is not over the bed. You can also practice square foot gardening. In this method you divide the garden into one foot squares and plant densely in each square. With the square foot gardening method and good planning, you can get lots of produce out of a small garden. Related Videos: Square Foot Gardening Basics Planting Vegetable Seeds Related Resources: Create a Square-Foot, High-Yield Vegetable Garden Trellises and cages to support garden vegetables |
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Q&A – Will black walnut juglone dissipate after a year of composting?
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Will black walnut juglone dissipate after a year of composting? Answer: Yes it will. Gardener Peter Richards explains that juglone is most concentrated in the roots, there is only a little in the leaves. After about 6 months of composting, the juglone is broken down and the compost can be used with other plants. Related Videos: Starting a Compost Pile Can I compost my treated lawn? Related Resources: Landscaping and Gardening Around Walnuts and Other Juglone Producing Plants Black Walnut Toxicity |
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Q&A – My lilies [orchids] are dying. What can I do to save them?
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My lilies [orchids] are dying. What can I do to save them? Answer: The questioner mis-identified her plants. This is an orchid. It is planted in a glass cup which does not allow for drainage. Orchids require good drainage, in fact they like drainage that is so good that all the water drains away. Gardener Peter Richards explains that in the wild orchids grow on the sides of trees where they only get water when it is raining. To save this orchid repot it in a pot that drains or better yet remove all the peat moss and repot it into orchid bark which mimics the side of a tree. Related Videos: Keeping Your Orchid Alive When repotting an orchid should I put the air roots in the potting medium? Related Resources: Growing Orchids in the Home Growing orchids for beginners Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilum species; easy orchids to grow as houseplants |
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Q&A – How do I get rid of knots on my crape myrtles?
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How do I get rid of knots on my crape myrtles? Answer: These knots are the result of harsh pruning often called crape murder. Because of the size of the trees, Gardener Peter Richards says the knots will always be visible. If you want to get rid of them he recommends a way you can cut a branch to the ground and let a sucker take its place which you can then let grow and be knot free. Related Videos: Pruning (Not Murdering) Crape Myrtles Is It Necessary To Prune Crape Myrtles? Related Resources: Crape Myrtle Pruning Pruning Crapemyrtles Crapemyrtle Pruning |
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Q&A – How do I get my flowerbox to grow anything?
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How do I get my flowerbox to grow anything? Answer: There are several things you can do to get the flowerbox to grow. First, make sure it is watered. It is possible the soil does not have any nutritional value left. Replace at least the top 6 inches of soil with new soil. Also, you need to make sure you are planting the right kind of plants. If the box is in full shade all day you need to plant shade plants. Related Videos: Container Flower Garden What plants can I grow on my apartment patio? It only gets afternoon sun. Are there shade tolerant roses Related Resources: Annual and Perennial Flower Shade Gardening in Tennessee Flowering Bulbs for Tennessee Gardens |
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Q&A – Can I apply fungicide as soon as I plant tomatoes? Does is hurt pollinators?
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Can I apply fungicide as soon as I plant tomatoes? Does is hurt pollinators? Answer: You should spray fungicide soon after you plant the tomatoes. Gardener Peter Richards explains that the fungal spores splash up from the soil when it rains, or the plants are watered. He says mulch can help with the splashing effect. Also, fungicide does not hurt the pollinators. If you want to be sure, spray in the early morning or late afternoon when pollinators are not actively foraging. Related Videos: Notes - Tomato Early Blight Mixing and Applying Fungicide Related Resources: Zoysiagrass Yearly Maintenance Program Zoysiagrass Lawn Maintenance Calendar Lawn Maintenance Calendars |
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Q&A – What is this weed taking over our zoysia lawn? We have never seen it before.
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What is this weed taking over our zoysia lawn? We have never seen it before. Answer: This is Bermuda grass. It is very hard to get out of zoysia. UT Extension Chris Cooper says if zoysia is healthy and thick it will crowd out the Bermuda. He also recommends herbicides containing Fluaziflop. Make sure you read and follow the label instructions. Related Videos: Lawn Weed Killer Application Herbicide Basics Related Resources: Zoysiagrass Yearly Maintenance Program Zoysiagrass Lawn Maintenance Calendar Lawn Maintenance Calendars |
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Q&A – What is the best kind of sod to put under a tree and when should I lay it?
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What is the best kind of sod to put under a tree and when should I lay it? Answer: Some warm season grasses do not do well in the shade under a tree. UT Extension Agent Booker T. Leigh recommends palisade or royal zoysia if the area gets 4 or more hours of sun. Lay zoysia sod in the spring or summer. He recommends a fescue if the area gets less than 4 hours of sun a day. Seed or lay fescue sod in the fall. Booker also says the soil under the tree looks compact. Before laying sod lightly till the soil to allow good root contact. Related Videos: Fescue Or Zoysia In Low-Sun Soil Testing Inexpensive Zoysia Lawn Related Resources: Growing Turf Under Shaded Conditions Selecting and Managing Turfgrass for Shade |
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Q&A – How do we get rid of nimblewill growing in our fescue lawn?
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How do we get rid of nimblewill growing in our fescue lawn? Answer: Nimblewill looks and acts similarly to Bermuda grass. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper starts by recommending growing a healthy, dense stand of fescue. He also says you can rake or pull the nimblewill out of the fescue. If you want to use chemicals, Chris recommends using a pre-emergent herbicide which will control the nimblewill before it grows. Once it is established there is only one chemical the homeowner can use to kill the nimblewill while not harming the fescue. That chemical is Tenacity herbicide. Related Videos: Soil Testing Herbicide Basics Related Resources: Nimblewill (Muhlenbergia schreberi) Nimblewill |
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Q&A – How do we keep mosaic virus out of our garden this year?
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How do we keep mosaic virus out of our garden this year? Answer: Mosaic virus is spread by insects. Get virus resistant and virus free seeds. Also, remove the weeds in and around your garden. The insects that transmit the virus can live in the weeds. Crop rotation will also help. Related Videos: Planting and Fertilizing an Organic Garden Seeds or Transplants Related Resources: Viruses of cucurbits Tomato mosaic virus and tobacco mosaic virus |
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Q&A – What is this weed and how do you kill it?
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What is this weed and how do you kill it? Answer: This is lawn burweed. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper says it is a winter weed that goes away when it gets hot. Its seeds are sharp and can poke you. He recommends using a pre-emergent herbicide in the fall to keep the weed from growing. Any that does grow can be spot sprayed. Related Videos: What is this weed? - Pokeweed What is this weed? - Annual Fleabane Related Resources: Lawn Burweed Lawn Burweed Control |
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Q&A - What's making little mounds all over my yard?
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This is all over my yard. What is doing this? Answer: Several different animals can make small dirt mounds like this. Ground bees are solitary and burrow into the ground for a place to lay their eggs. These bees do not sting and can be seen hovering just above the ground. Small mounds may also be made by small crayfish. Related Videos: What is making dirt mounds in my yard? Fire Ant Mounds Related Resources: Digger bees Bees in Turf Mining Bees & Ground Nesting Wasps Louisiana Crawfish Production Manual |
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Q&A - Gold Beetle On My Morning Glory
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About 30 years ago, I discovered that my blue-and-white morning glory vines had some gold bugs on them. The bugs ate holes in the leaves, since, you can’t kill those vines, I let them feast away till frost when they disappeared. I showed them to some of my neighbors and described them to friends, but nobody had ever seen one besides me. Do you know what these bugs were? They were shiny, metallic yellow gold bugs, just the same size and shape as a lady bug, and they also had wings and flew. Answer: Golden tortoise beetles feed on only three plants: morning glory, sweet potato, and bindweed. In the home garden they are mostly found on morning glory. As morning glory is such a vigorous plant it is not necessary to control the golden tortoise beetle with insecticides. Related Videos: How do I kill flea beetles on my beans How do I get rid of Japanese beetles How do you control cucumber beetles? Related Resources: Golden Tortoise Beetle Golden Tortoise Beetle |
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Q&A - How to attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees to a shady yard.
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I would like to attract hummingbirds, Butterflies, and Bees to my backyard. The area is shaded until the late evening. What plants could I use? Answer: To attract those species you need to provide a source of food and a place to raise young. Unfortunately, most flowering plants that would attract those animals are not shade tolerant. There are several plants that flower before trees leaf that can attract these animals. Another option is to plant host plants for butterfly larvae. Most butterfly caterpillars feed on only one or two types of plants so planting those would attract adults looking to lay eggs. To attract humming birds you can hang feeders or provide a misty area for them. A water feature also may attract butterflies and bees. Related Videos: Planting a Butterfly Garden Hummingbirds Hanging a Hummingbird Feeder Related Resources: How to Create a Bee-Friendly Landscape Attracting Butterflies to Your Yard Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Property |
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Q&A - What do I do with all these acorns?
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What is a good use of acorns beside growing baby oak trees and feeding the wildlife in my yard? I collected 4 large buckets full of acorns from my backyard. Answer: Acorns can be used for several things. They can be use as loose object for free play for children. They can also be used for crafts like wreaths, arrangements, or decorative items. In Asia there is an acorn jelly that people eat. Related Video: Wildlife Friendly Gardens Why do I have a lot of saplings? Related Resources: Acorns 16 Wonderful Things to Make with Acorns |
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Q&A - What are the red spots on my dogwood leaves?
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I have small red spots on my dogwood leaves. What is it and how do I control it? Answer: Red spots on dogwood leaves are caused by dogwood spot anthracnose. The problem may be unsightly but it will not kill the tree. In a small tree it can be treated by fungicide but that is only effective when the fungicide is on the leaves. Every time it rains the fungicide is washed off. When the leaves fall off the tree in the fall they should be collected and put in the trash to limit the infection the next year. Related Videos: What is the best time to prune dogwoods? My 8 foot dogwood trees don't have a trunk Why? Related Resources: Spot Anthracnose on Flowering Dogwood How to Identify and Control Dogwood Anthracnose Dogwood Anthracnose |
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Q&A – What is this plant? -A: Ragweed
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What is this plant? -A: Ragweed Answer: This is Ragweed. It is the plant that causes hay fever in the fall. It grows wild in most of the United States. Related Videos: Late Fall Flowers Volunteer Plants Related Resources: Ragweed – A Quick Guide Biology and Management of Common Ragweed |
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Q&A – How do I get root knot nematodes out of my garden?
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How do I get root knot nematodes out of my garden? Answer: Root knot nematodes can be difficult to control. UT Extension Agent Booker T. Leigh gives several control options. He says you can use a nematicide to kill them, dig out the top few inches of soil and replace it, or put down plastic in the heat of summer. The greenhouse formed under the plastic will cook them. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond suggests leaving half the garden unplanted for a year. If the nematodes have nothing to eat, they will die. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper suggests adding more organic matter to the garden. This will introduce beneficial nematodes that will control the bad nematodes. He also suggests planting nematode resistant plants. Related Video: Worm Composting Related Resources: Root-Knot Nematodes in the Vegetable Garden Control of Root-Knot Nematodes in the Home Vegetable Garden |
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Q&A – Will seeds sold as food grow and be true?
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Will seeds sold as food grow and be true? Answer: They will grow. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond says many of the beans and fruits and vegetables you buy in the grocery store are hybrids and will not come true. She also talks about how potatoes and some other vegetables are treated to keep them from sprouting. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper says gardening is an experiment and if you want to try it out, see if it works. Related Videos: Can hybrid tomatoes be saved and come true next year? Saving Bean Seeds Hybrid Related Resources: No Seeds, No Problem: Growing Vegetables From Scraps Let's Talk About Hybrids and Standards |
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Q&A - How do I control the hibiscus scentless plant bug on my rose of Sharron?
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How do I control the hibiscus scentless plant bug on my rose of Sharron? Answer: The hibiscus scentless plant bug only feeds on the seeds in old seed pods. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper says it does not do any damage to the living parts of the plant. Because it does not harm the plant you should not spray. In fact, pesticides are not labeled for use on the bugs because they have never been tested on them because they don’t need controlled. To control the bugs, clean up all the littler around the tree and change out any mulch under the tree. Related Videos: Beneficial Garden Bugs Organic Control of Squash Bugs Related Resources: Hibiscus Plant Bug Hibiscus Scentless Plant Bug |
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Q&A – Should I fertilize my shrubs in the spring?
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Should I fertilize my shrubs in the spring? Answer: Jim Crowder from Memphis Botanic Garden says that generally speaking, you do fertilize in the spring. There are some exceptions like azaleas. Jim fertilizes most perennials every 60 days or so. He also talks about the different fertilizers that are available. Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison talks about the importance of a soil test, so you will know what kind of fertilizer you need to use. They also talk about the importance of having the correct pH for your plants. Related Videos: Kinds of Fertilizer Should I fertilize shrubs in November? Fertilizer Basics Related Resources: Fertilizing Trees and Shrubs Fertilizing Landscape Trees and Shrubs |
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Q&A – How do you remove black sooty mold from crape myrtle bark?
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How do you remove black sooty mold from crepe myrtle bark? Answer: The best way to remove sooty mold is with a soft brush and some dish detergent, just scrub it off. You can use a pressure washer, but you need to turn the pressure all the way down and make sure you don’t damage the bark. Sooty mold is the symptom of a problem, if you just wash it off it will come back. The sooty mold is growing on honeydew which is created by scales or aphids that are feeding on the crape myrtle. Treat this problem and the sooty mole will go away on its own. Related Videos: Holly Scale and Sooty Mold How do I get rid of sooty mold? Related Resources: The Plant Doctor - Sooty Mold Crape Myrtle Bark Scale Identification and Control Crape Myrtle Diseases & Insect Pests |
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Q&A – What herbs will come back every spring?
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What herbs can I plant that would come back every spring? Answer: A lot depends on soils and drainage. In the Mid-South the warm summer nights and slow drainage in summer and winter will kill the plants after one season. Jim Crowder from Memphis Botanic Garden gives some suggestions that may help the herbs last. He mixes pine bark into the soil to try to improve drainage and air flow. Even with this you may need to replant many herbs every year. They grow rapidly and are no too expensive. Related Videos: Planting an Herb and Flower Container Garden Easy to Grow Herbs Related Resources: List of Common Herbs Herbs Growing Herbs |
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Q&A – How do daffodils get scattered naturally?
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I have some daffodils growing all over a hill by an old house. How do daffodils get scattered naturally? Are the bulbs dug up and moved by animals? Answer: Daffodils will grow in clumps through bulb division, but they also make seed which can wash to a different area. Also, some bulbs may be unintentionally moved by cultivation. Related Videos: Daffodils Planting Daffodils, Dianthus, and Pansies Related Resources: Spring-Flowering Bulbs Discovering Reproduction (Daffodils) Propagation of Daffodils (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) |
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Q&A – What is this plant? – Quince
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Can you tell me what this bush is? Answer: Jim Crowder from Memphis Botanic Garden identifies it as Quince. It is an early spring bloomer with many colorful flowers. There are several flower colors available and even one cultivar that has three flower colors at the same time. Some quince plants produce the quince apple, but most newer varieties do not. Quince has many thorns. It needs selective pruning to maximize growth and flowers. Related Videos: What is this plant? - Italian Arum What is this plant? - Allium Related Resources: Flowering Quince Flowering Quince, Japonica |
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Q&A – I cut down my crape myrtle. It keeps growing. How do I kill it?
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I cut down my crape myrtle. It keeps growing. How do I kill it? Answer: Cutting down a crape myrtle does not kill it. It will sprout from the stump and roots. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond says to try to pull out the stump. Then cut off all the suckers that come up from the roots as soon as you see them. The roots will eventually run out of carbohydrates to support new growth and die. Related Videos: I cut down my crape myrtle. How do I stop the suckers? How do I remove crape myrtle without using toxic chemicals? Related Resources: Killing Crepe Myrtle Suckers Controlling Sucker Sprouts From Roots and Stumps Removing trees and shrubs |
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Q&A – My encore azalea has split bark. Is this okay?
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My encore azalea has split bark. Is this okay? Answer: Split bark can often be caused by environmental factors like sun and cold in the winter. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond says the split bark limits the amount of nutrients that can reach the leaves. There may be other problems with this plant that should be explored further. Related Videos: Is early spring the best time to prune my azaleas? What can I do to keep lichen from growing on my azaleas? Related Resources: Azalea Care Growing Azaleas and Rhododendrons |
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Q&A – What are some trees like dogwood that can take full sun?
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What are some trees like dogwood that can take full sun? Answer: Dogwoods do not do well in full sun. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond talks about some other ornamental tree options that can take full sun. She specifically talks about redbud, kousa dogwood, fringetree, ornamental cherry, and smoketree. Related Videos: Seven Great Landscape Trees What can I do to save my new dogwood from soggy soil? Related Resources: Small Flowering Trees for Tennessee Landscapes Plant the Right Tree in the Right Place |
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Q&A – Why do the roots from my vegetables grow above the soil?
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Why do the roots from my vegetables grow above the soil? Answer: There is no real reason why this is happening. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond says you can help the plants stand up by mounding additional soil up around the plants and over the roots. Related Videos: Correct planting Depth Planting Myths Related Resource: Vegetable Gardening: A Beginner's Guide |
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Q&A – Why do parts of my 20-year-old Rhododendron die every year?
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Why do parts of my 20-year-old Rhododendron die every year? Answer: Rhododendrons do not do well in the Memphis area because of the soils and summer heat. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond says if the plants are growing in this area the annual dieback is not unexpected and you should just prune it out. Rhododendrons do better in mountainous areas. Related Videos: Why have my azalea leaves lost their green color? What do you use to spray Azalea lace bugs? Related Resources: Azalea and Rhododendron Diseases Azalea & Rhododendron Diseases |
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Q&A – I don’t want to mow my lawn. Are there any prairie-type grasses that grow in the Mid-South?
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I don’t want to mow my lawn. Are there any prairie-type grasses that grow in the Mid-South? Answer: There are many prairie-type grasses available in this area but they tend to be tall. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond says the shortest ones grow several feet high, and the tallest ones are about 10 feet. This may be larger than you want for a yard. Joellen identifies several shorter kinds of grass. To read the Extension publication Joellen references click here. Related Videos: Grass Lawn Alternatives Correct Way to Cut Your Lawn Related Resources: Native Warm-Season Grasses Native Warm-Season Grass Restoration in Mississippi |
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Q&A – What is the best way to get rid of black rot in my grapes?
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What is the best way to get rid of black rot in my grapes? Answer: Black rot is a serious fungal disease in grapes. It starts with reddish-brown splotches on the leaves and will destroy the fruit. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper tells how to stop black rot. You need to prune the vine in the spring to promote good air circulation which helps the leaves dry. You need to remove all infected parts of the plant and throw them away (don’t compost). You also need to use a fungicide on a spray schedule. Your local Cooperative Extension office will have information on when and what to spray in your area, or you can google “{state name} grape spray schedule.” Related Videos: Grapes and Muscadines How do you prune grape vines? Related Resources: Grape Growing in Tennessee Black Rot of Grape |
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Q&A – There are ants and something else on my lemon tree. How do I get rid of them?
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There are ants and something else on my lemon tree. How do I get rid of them? Answer: Your lemon tree has scale which is an insect that is sucking the juices out of the tree. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond says scale is hard to control especially on an indoor plant or a tree with fruit you want to eat. She recommends trying to rub off the scale with a cloth and alcohol. She also says you can apply neem oil to suffocate the scale. She says to continue to do this until you don’t see any more scales. Also, if you notice them again, immediately rub them off. The ants are only there because of the scales. They are collecting the honeydew the scales secrete as they feed on the tree. Related Videos: Scale Horticultural Oils Related Resources: Horticultural Oils – What a Gardener Needs to Know What should neem be used for on plants? |
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Q&A – How do I get phlox seed to grow?
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How do I get phlox seed to grow? Answer: Phlox seeds require darkness to germinate. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond says phlox is picky with germinating conditions, but the main key is that it must be dark. She recommends planting the seeds according to the seed packet directions and covering them with a piece of black plastic. Every few days lift the plastic and see if you have sprouting. Once you see the germinating seeds remove the plastic. Related Videos: How do I know I have killed the mildew on my phlox? TWIG–Seed Germination Test Related Resources: Phlox Handling and Caring for Garden Phlox |
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Q&A – The trunk of our curly willow is staying small. How do we make the trunk bigger?
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The trunk of our curly willow is staying small. How do we make the trunk bigger? Answer: If trees are staked tightly for a long time the trunk does not develop properly. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond says when trees sway in the wind the stress on the trunk causes it to develop reaction wood which makes it wider and structurally strengthens the tree. If you do stake a tree keep the ropes loose to allow the tree to sway a little. Joellen also recommends pruning the tree to allow one branch to become the central leader or main trunk. Prune - but do not remove - the other branches. Related Videos: TWIG - Cutting a Tree Branch TWIG–Tree Staking Options Related Resources: Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa' Corkscrew Willow Tree Support Systems |
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Q&A – My peonies have botrytis. Is it worth transplanting them?
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Q&A – My peonies have botrytis. Is it worth transplanting them? Answer: Transplanting the peonies will take the botrytis to the new bed. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond says it all depends on if you feel the need to keep these particular peonies. To grow and bloom well Peonies need to be planted with the right amount of spacing and sun, and good drainage. It may be easier to go buy new peonies and plant them in a new bed. Related Videos: Q&A – My peonies have a powdery look with black spots. What do I do? Q&A – What fungicide can I use to prevent phytophthora leaf blight in peonies? Related Resources: Botrytis Blight of Peony Botrytis Blight of Peony |
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Q&A – Can I trim back camellias growing against a wood fence? I don’t want them to touch the fence.
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Can I trim back camellias growing against a wood fence? I don’t want them to touch the fence. Answer: You can cut them back to get them off the fence. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond says you should not shear the plant but prune the offending branches back to a growing node. Also, if you are going to pressure wash the fence make sure you have good drainage because camellias don’t like wet feet. Related Videos: Scales on Camellia Leaves Should I prune my camellia? Related Resources: Pruning camellias Spruce up older camellias with a late spring trim |
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Q&A – Are pine needles a good mulch under a magnolia tree?Question:
I have a Magnolia tree that the roots are running every where on top of the ground. Would pine needles be a good mulch under a Magnolia Tree? Or should I stick with regular mulch. The Tree is probably 50+ years old. Answer: Pine needles are a good mulch to use because they stay loose. Magnolia trees tend to have the bottom branches come close to the ground. If you have not limbed up the tree to expose the ground underneath just let the leaves from the magnolia fall to the ground. They will be a natural mulch and you won’t see them through the foliage. Related Videos: Can I use pine needle mulch on tomatoes? What are these spots on my magnolia leaves? How do you control scales on a magnolia tree? Related Resources: Magnolia Growing Southern Magnolia Southern Magnolia |
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Q&A – Can I spray dormant oil on my shrubs?
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Can I still spray dormant oil on my shrubs? Answer: TSU Extension Agent Joellen Dimond explains that you can only use dormant oil on your plants when they are dormant. The oil kills insects and eggs on the plant but can burn and damage any green tissue like leaves. Because of this you need to spray dormant only when the plant is dormant. If the plant is not dormant or even may be about to break dormancy it is best to use horticultural oils that will not harm a growing plant. Related Videos: Spraying Dormant Oil Dormant Oils Related Resources: Horticultural Oils Horticultural oils General Comments about the Use of Horticultural Oil |
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Q&A – How do I remove Italian Arum successfully?
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Our home's garden beds are being over-run with Italian Arum. The previous owner planted it has found its way into multiple beds and I am losing the war. How do I remove Italian Arum successfully? I've spent days trying to dig out by hand and it only seemed to make problems worse the next season. I am looking into herbicides that might work, although I remain hesitant to spray the worst areas which also have azaleas and mature Oaks in same soil. Please warn others to not plant this bully of an invasive species . . . Never! Answer: Italian Arum is an invasive plant and tough to get rid of. The plant has tubers that will regrow unless you dig-up the entire plant. The best way to get rid of it is to use glyphosate. If you need to avoid getting the chemical on a desirable plant nearby, TSU Extension Agent Joellen Dimond recommends wiping the glyphosate on the arum with a sponge. Italian arum has a very waxy cuticle, it is hard to get the herbicide to the green leaf. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper says he had this problem. He cut the leaves off the plant and then wiped the stem with glyphosate. He said it took multiple applications to finally kill all of the plants. Related Videos: Herbicide Basics What is this plant - Italian Arum Related Resources: Italian Arum Arum italicum |
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Q&A – Is early spring the best time to prune my azaleas?
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Is early spring the best time to prune my azaleas? Answer: TSU Extension Agent Joellen Dimond explains that you should prune azaleas after they bloom. If you prune them in early spring you will be cutting off the flowers. Once the plant is done blooming, you can prune it – even severely – and it will grow through the rest of the year and bloom next spring. Related Videos: Did the spring freeze damage my azaleas? Azalea Lace Bugs Related Resources: Azaleas Azalea Care Growing Azaleas and Rhododendrons |
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Q&A – When is the right time to plant lettuce and other leafy greens?
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What is the right time in the spring to plant lettuce and other leafy greens? Answer: In the Memphis area (Zone 7A), Late February and early March are good times to plant cool season greens. If you wait too long the plants will not be able to develop enough before the weather gets too hot and they bolt. Related Videos: Cool Season Vegetables Planting Cool Season Vegetables Related Resources: Guide to Spring-Planted, Cool-Season Vegetables Lettuce in the Garden Cabbage |
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Q&A – Are there disease resistant stone fruits?
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Over the years I have tried to grow several varieties of stone fruit, and all have been plagued with disease. For example, if I tried to remove all the black knot infected branches from my plum, there would be very little left. I sprayed and sprayed and still the peaches all got rot fungus long before they ripened. Are there disease resistant stone fruit varieties? even at the cost of being less productive or having smaller fruit? Answer: Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison says there are no stone fruits that are resistant to brown rot. Even if you spray religiously there are still times when the fruit is unprotected. Every time it rains the fungicide is washed off and you need to reapply. If it rains everyday for a week the fruit is unprotected for a week. In the south east United States he recommends not growing peaches, plums, and nectarines in the home garden. Buy them from the store. Related Videos: Spraying Peach Trees Mixing and Applying Fungicide Related Resources: Disease and Insect Control in Home Fruit Plantings Diseases of Stone Fruit Stone Fruit Disease - Brown Rot March 27, 2021 |
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Q&A – What is this pupa?
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While I was digging in my garden, I found this pupa. I have a feeling it's not a good bug; am I right? Answer: This looks like a pupa of a moth or beetle. There is no way to be sure by just looking at it. You can put the pupa in moist soil in a covered cup and see what comes out. Related Videos: Ladybug Larva Common Garden Pests Related Resources: Recognizing Insect Larval Types March 27, 2021 |
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Q&A – Should I prune an old Osage orange?
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Should I prune an old Osage orange or just leave it alone Answer: Osage oranges are tough plants with very hard wood. Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison recommends not pruning it unless the limbs are in the way. The wood is good to use for walking sticks or fence posts. Related Videos: Tools for Pruning Trees Fruit Tree Pruning Related Resources: Osage Orange Tree Identification (Maclura pomifera) Osage Orange Fact Sheet March 27, 2021 |
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Q&A – My crape myrtle has white patches on the branches. Is this a problem?
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My crepe myrtle has quarter size white patches on the branches, is this anything to worry about? I thought it may be because of all the rain we have had. I have thought about cutting the branches back to the knuckles. Answer: It is not possible to tell what the problem is without a picture, but it could be crape myrtle bark scale. You don’t have to cut it off, but you can just treat the scale. If it is scale you can use a systemic insecticide like imidacloprid. The roots will take it into the tree and the insects will eat it and die. Pruning will not help the problem per-say. Related Videos: Treating Crape Myrtle Bark Scale Pruning a Crape Myrtle Related Resources: Crape Myrtle Culture Crape Myrtle Bark Scale Identification and Control How Do I Prune Crape Myrtle? March 27, 2021 |
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Q&A – There are wild onions in my garden. What can I do?
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About this time every year I see wild onions popping up in my garden. Is this something I should deal with? and if so, what can I do? Answer: This is probably wild garlic. Wild garlic has round hollow stem, wild onion has a flat solid stem. Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison says that in a vegetable garden situation there is no chemical you can use because it will hurt your garden vegetables. In a garden just dig them up. In a lawn you can use 2,4-D but it may take several applications. You can also use Image herbicide. Related Videos: How do I get rid of wild parsnip in my pasture? Herbicide Basics Related Resources: Wild Garlic vs. Wild Onion Wild Garlic March 27, 2021 |
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Q&A - Can I use manure in my garden?
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How do you feel about using horse manure on your garden beds? Answer: Fresh manure should not be used on vegetable gardens in the season they are harvested. Well composted manure is safe to use and provides great nutrition to plants. It is worth noting that the bacteria involved in most vegetable recalls is bacteria found in manure. Do not use dog, cat, or pig manure as those manures contain bacteria that is more long lived. Mike Dennison referenced the University of Maine Extension publication Guidelines for Using Manure on Vegetable Gardens. Related Resources: Using Manure in the Home Garden Turn manure into compost for your garden Fertilizing with Manure |
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Q&A - Should I prune the Y in my tree?
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My maple tree has a Y at the top of the trunk. There's a slightly bigger branch, and a slightly smaller branch. While the tree is smaller, should I prune out the smaller branch, so the tree will not split when it is large? Answer: Tree branches tend to be stronger when they come out of the trunk closer to 90 degrees. Branches that come out at a shallow angle are weak and will eventually break off the tree. Even though the branch in question is a significant part of the tree the tree will heal. Retired UT extension agent Mike Dennison says in his mind when in doubt, prune it. He says that you can prune it or mother nature can prune it, and your prune is cleaner. Related Resources: Pruning Young Landscape Trees Pruning Deciduous Trees Pruning and Care of Shade Trees |
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Q&A - Was it a cold enough winter to kill fire ants?
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Was it cold enough this winter to kill fire ants? Answer: In western Tennessee the winter was mild so the fire ant line was not pushed farther south this year. In order for the winter to kill a fire ant mount the ground needs to freeze to a depth of 12 inches. Even if this happens, the mating queens in the spring can still fly or be blown back in to areas where the fire ant mounds were killed over the winter. The ants will eventually move back to the areas where the ground usually does not freeze to that depth. Related Resources: Imported Fire Ants Fire Ant Management — Treatment Methods Management Imported Fire Ants in Urban Areas |
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Q&A - Can you use a pre-emerge in a vegetable garden?
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Can you use a pre-emerge in a vegetable garden? Answer: A pre-emergent is a herbicide that causes plants to die as they germinate. Corn Gluten is the only kind of pre-emergent herbicide that can be used with any vegetable. Other pre- emergents can be used on certain kinds of vegetables but not others. They are designed to kill a kind of plant. If the pre-emergent does not specifically list the kind of plant you want to use it with it will kill it. Mike Dennison referenced the UT Extension publication Common Herbicides for Fruit and Vegetable Weed Control Related Resources: Grow a Garden Without Weeds Weed Control for the Garden and Landscape |
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Q&A - Should I use a pruning sealer?
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What are your views for using paint to seal pruning wounds? Answer: Using a pruning sealant is not recommended. Trees naturally deal with damage and put a natural barrier between the wound and the rest of the tree. Pruning sealers trap moisture and do not let the tree dry out and do the natural healing. Rot and infection can form under sealers and eat away at good tissue. Related Resources: Best Management Practices for Pruning Landscape Trees, Shrubs and Ground Covers Pruning Basics Pruning and Care of Shade Trees |