Question: I planted cucumber seeds in a raised bed 1 in early May and they did not come up. I was given some well established cucumber plants that I placed in the same raised bed and they nearly died within a week. I transplanted them to another raised bed and they are looking better… they […]
Read more
Question: My tomato plants are showing a variegated discoloration especially on lower leaves. Several varieties are affected. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Project Assistant I was concerned about the concentric circle lesions on a couple of leaves (typically a symptom of early blight), so I reached out to our plant pathologist, Dr Alicyn Smart, for her […]
Read more
Question: I need help with fruit tree caterpillar damage. In very short order, my pear tree is completely defoliated, and my plums and apple are seriously set back. The culprits are 3/4″ light green worms. Any idea what they are and what I should do now? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Project Assistant I’m very sorry […]
Read more
Question: The bean seedling leaves are being eaten, sometimes just when true leaves emerge and sometimes after true leaves are established. What is eating them? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Projects Assistant I’m awfully sorry to see the state of your bean seedlings! There are several possible culprits for the damage you’re seeing, among them the bean […]
Read more
Question: For two years, I planted ground Cherries (Goldie Variety) next to my tomato plants. I didn’t have much trouble with pests except for tortoise beetles, but they didn’t hurt the plants too much. Last year, I planted a different variety (Aunt Molly) in pots and they were completely destroyed by these disgusting grubs that […]
Read more
Question: I have a huge burning bush. The last few years I have been battling aphids. Last year I didn’t do anything and realized the problem wasn’t that bad after not spraying it with soapy water as usual. This year, however, they are incredibly bad. They seem to have taken over the entire bush, including […]
Read more
Question: I have a pear tree that produces gnarled fruit that is impossible to eat. Is this something that can be treated or must I remove the tree? My research leans toward tree removal. Answer: Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional Gnarled pears that are hard (never ripen) can be the symptom of several […]
Read more
Question: I have three spruces (weeping, dwarf Alberta, and dwarf blue) all within a few feet from each other in a dwarf conifer section of my garden. I’ve been told by a local tree service that the damage I see on them is due to Cooley Spruce Gall Adelgid and Eastern Spruce Gall Adelgid. I’ve […]
Read more
Question: A few autumns ago, I planted two allium bulbs in my garden–a gladiator and schubertii. They’ve come up each year and seemed healthy. This year, both started to grow and then stopped, and all of the foliage shriveled up and died, including a flower bud that had already started on one. I know this […]
Read more
Question: I have a white grub infestation in one of my perennial gardens. Am I safe to use nematodes without damaging my plants or harming bees? Everything I read supports the use of these beneficial organisms and that they are safe to both plants and animals and as long as I do not spray on […]
Read more