Question: Why are so many apples on my Cortland tree dropping before they fully ripen? They are sour and the seeds are not brown yet. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant There are numerous reasons why your Cortlands might be dropping underripe fruit. Dry conditions can exacerbate early fruit drop, so you may just be […]
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Question: I have been finding large holes eaten in my apples that are still on the tree. I have found yellowjackets and ants in the holes. I’m wondering if the yellowjackets are eating the holes and the ants move in for the sweetness. I know it’s too late to do anything this year, so I […]
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Question: What should I plant in the bed where my bush green beans – now tired out! – were growing? I would like to have another crop from that space. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant This is an excellent time to be thinking about squeezing in some fall, cool season crops in the open […]
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Question: The Japanese beetle population my large perennial beds has been increasing greatly every year despite hand-picking and using Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew Spray (sparingly and in the evening, as I’m concerned about harming bees). Are there other methods that would be more effective and/or also reduce the population? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant […]
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Question: I’m looking for a non-invasive perennial grass that grows to 6 ft (or more) in an area with morning sun and partial sun/shade in the afternoon. It is to serve as a natural privacy fence. Recommendations appreciated. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant Your sun conditions sound reasonable for planting ornamental grass in the […]
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Question: I have several huge fields of pasture type land (10-20 acres) that are covered in poison ivy. I would like to get rid of the poison ivy and grow wild flowers. I am concerned about using large amounts of chemicals on the land. I would love some advice. Answer: Donna R. Coffin, Extension Professor […]
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Question: I have a yearly problem of powdery mildew on squash and zucchini plants. Use a fungicide from local store but isn’t very effective. Is there a natural remedy that I could mix up to spray on leaves? Should I treat soil this fall with anti fungal? Answer: Frank S. Wertheim, Extension Educator – Agriculture/Horticulture […]
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Question: I have a happy, healthy bed of annual flowers- cosmos, Mexican sunflowers, zinnias, verbena. I moved a wooden plank into the garden to create a border for the bed. I noticed there were small ants in the board. Since then, my annuals have been wilting and dying and the base of the stem of […]
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Question: I noted that you posted a very interesting bulletin from New Hampshire on how to control knotweed in one of your question and answer sessions. In it, it notes that mowing alone will not kill it. What are your thoughts about this? I know that it has to be cut or mowed at least […]
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Question: I have a 15 ft Stewartia tree that is suffering from the drought. I haven’t been watering it. The leaves are dying, dry, and brown. Will it survive? Should I start watering it? Answer: Liz Stanley, Horticulture Community Education Assistant Thank you for your question about your stewartia. It’s a beautiful tree – even […]
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