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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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Question: Is the hosta disease, HVX, a problem in Maine? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Project Assistant As you may know, Hosta Virus X is a contagious pathogen among hostas that causes disfiguring/unsightly leaf mottling, texturing, and, in extreme cases, tissue death. Not all cultivars are equally susceptible, and symptoms can be subtle in some hostas, […]
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Question: What is happening to my clematis vine? It has yellowing leaves. This is the second year in a row with the same problem. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Project Assistant There are several potential causes for yellowing in clematis foliage. The only pathological cause we would typically worry about is tomato ringspot virus, but it […]
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Question: We have a Liberty apple tree. We planted this variety because it was supposed to be pest resistant. Each year we have the worst case of apple worms I have ever seen. I believe these worms are from the coddling moth. We use only organic methods in our yard. Can you give us some […]
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