Cooperative Extension: Garden and Yard

Question: What is the black “gunk” on the stems of my Poppies that is rotting the stem and causing them to snap off below the blossom? This has never happened before. The plant had 33 pods and just prior to blossoming, this gunk started to appear and several of the stems rotted through prior to […]

Question: We have both common and swamp milkweed in the backyard. This year we have noticed ants and aphids in the plants. We understand about their symbiotic relationship but wondered if they would damage the plant or the monarch caterpillars. If so, what is the best way to get ride of them? Answer: Pamela Hargest, […]

Question: We have a Red Japanese maple tree that looks to be showing signs of disease. The bark is peeling and cracking and the crotch of the tree appears to have some rot. The leaves are not as full this year. There is no outward sign of insects that we can see. Last year, there […]

Question: I’m interested to know about an infestation on our cherry trees. There are colonies of small insects living under the tree leaves which are curling in on themselves. These spots are of interest to ants for some reason. Is this a concern or a normal relationship between the tree, the little black insects and […]

Question: I have noticed that many white pines in my neighborhood are turning brown. They are not near traffic (so not salt) and are very old white pines. What may be causing this? They are turning completely brown, not just dropping seasonal needles.  Answer: Viña Lindley, Food Systems & Home Horticulture Professional Thank you for […]

Question: We have been having a problem with snails for a few years now. In the garden, they are pretty much on everything and in the lawn as well. We also have slugs too. We are looking for a way to get rid of them. Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional Slugs […]

Question: My Arborvitae has some brown branches on one side. What can I do to stop the spread and bring it back to health? It was transplanted last August and wrapped in burlap over the winter.  Answer: Liz Stanley, Horticulture Community Education Assistant It looks like an environmental problem rather than a pest or disease […]

Question: My 4-inch green bean seedling leaves are being eaten. The leaves look like lace! I can’t find the culprit but the crop is being destroyed. Any ideas what this could be? Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional Without a photo it is really just a guess. You have to know what […]

Question: Some of my raspberry canes are breaking off, this is happening to the flourocanes. When I cut into the cane, I find a white segmented worm 1/4 – 1/2 inches long. I’ve had cane borers in the past, but the row around the cane is very obvious. I don’t have that here. What may […]