Search Results

Juniper Problem #864037

Asked April 10, 2024, 10:33 PM EDT

We have had a Juniper (Probably blue star) growing inside for about 5-6 years- ever since we dug it up from our yard as a ~4in sapling. It was doing very well in our old house, it has started to be very unhappy. It is ~4ft tall potted in a 10in pot in regular potting soil and has been in there for a few years. In our old house, it was in a greenhousy window bay that extended 2 feet out of the south side house and had windows in all directions. We live in an urban area so there was a house pretty close to the window, but it was getting quite a bit of light. I'm not sure how much humidity was there but I assume slightly on the dry side. We watered on a pretty good schedule. In the process of moving, it stayed where it was but the watering was sporadic. Now that it was been transferred to the new house, it has been on a south facing window again, but this window does not get as much light. We then moved it to a different spot in a SW double window space (Away from a heat vent). However we do keep the blinds down most of the time, but not closed. The problem is that the tips of the leaves and needles are turning brown and gray. We thought that this might be because of low humidity, but the humidity is not noticeably drier than our old house. Our plan it to move it outside into the ground this summer after the threat of the frost has passed. Our plan is to check for root rot when we plant it outside, but that might be a month! We are also starting today going to set it outside on nicer days. Can you identify what might be the issue? There are no pests on the foliage. What should we do combat this, and what should we do to keep it in optimal health for the meantime? Also is it okay to go all in this summer and to plant it in the ground?



Hennepin County Minnesota

seeking resources for plant watering needs #864005

Asked April 10, 2024, 4:43 PM EDT

Hello, I am looking for some resources to determine landscape plant watering needs in our state such as the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS) from California. Does OSU have something similar? I’d like to use it to determine the landscape irrigation needs. If you can point me in the right direction, it would be much appreciated.

Multnomah County Oregon

Possible worm in strawberry #863950

Asked April 10, 2024, 11:40 AM EDT

I bought these strawberries from a store in my area which is the southeast cities. This morning while cutting some up I noticed one had a weird little stem like thing coming out of it. So I just set it to the side. But then I noticed it was moving. I looked online but can’t identify if it’s a work or some kind of other insect. Please help. I have a couple videos but I’m not able to figure out how to include them.



Washington County Minnesota

What can I spray to control Mullein #863933

Asked April 10, 2024, 10:05 AM EDT

I am being inundated with a spring growth of Mullein which includes around my house plus throughout pasture areas. It seems I need to spray to control. What can I spray with to provide that control , and where can I purchase it?

Pueblo County Colorado

What permits and licenses do I need to sell live plants from home #863785

Asked April 09, 2024, 9:17 AM EDT

What permits and licenses do I need to sell live plants from home? 

Ogle County Illinois

How to sanitize seedling trays? #863778

Asked April 09, 2024, 12:21 AM EDT

Hi! Can you please share your preferred method for sanitizing last year’s seedling trays? I’ve read about bleach mixtures, hydrogen peroxide mixtures, and just dish soap plus hot water. So many options! What are your thoughts?

Deschutes County Oregon

Asparagus #863739

Asked April 08, 2024, 3:43 PM EDT

What’s the best way to plant asparagus

Scott County Iowa

What grass grows best in sandy soil? #863706

Asked April 08, 2024, 12:06 PM EDT

What grass seed would grow best in very sandy soil, but also be same for horses to graze on? Do to it being a pasture, watering is a tough task.

Sherburne County Minnesota

Lawn conversion to eco lawn #863696

Asked April 08, 2024, 11:29 AM EDT

I live in SE Bend and would like to convert my lawn to an eco lawn this year. I am interested in finding out the basics. Should I aerate, fertilize and add soil as I may for regular grass lawns? What is a recommended seed product and where can I purchase it in central Oregon? I already have some yarrow and clover in my lawn, and would like to consider other recommended eco friendly seed to apply, like ryegrass or fescue.... I am happy with a mix of plant life as my lawn. I would like to continue to mow and use a running field for my dogs. I also would like any recommendations for bushes, trees that can provide some privacy along my fence lines. I live along the soon to be piped Arnold canal line. Thus, I expect it will be a more busy walking area. I would like to plant something that would grow well here, and not be eaten by deer. I have lots of Oregon grape growing, so I can transplant some of those, but wondered what else is recommended. thank you very much,

Deschutes County Oregon

Peach Tree - Gummosis at the base of my tree #863630

Asked April 07, 2024, 3:58 PM EDT

Hello, My peach tree has a "gelatinous" substance coming out from all around the base of the trunk, where it meets the dirt (gummosis?). Can you recommend a course of action? The tree was severely stressed by the freeze in late Dec '22 (it had no blossoms last year, and did not sprout leaves until mid-summer, as we were considering removing it because we presumed it had been killed by the freeze). I've attached two pictures in case that helps. Thanks, mark williams



Boulder County Colorado

Question on Mulberry Trees for Central OR #863603

Asked April 07, 2024, 11:35 AM EDT

Hi There, I live a few miles outside of Redmond, OR. Interested in Mulberry trees that are suited to this area. My understanding is that some the early Oregon homesteaders/pioneers planted Mulberry trees (including the John Day country), some of which are still alive today. Granted, Kimberly where the famous fruit orchards are located is 1000' lower in elevation than Redmond... --Really would like a dwarf/semi-dwarf variety....(The bigger they get the more water they require! Also, trimming and training become more of a pain as the tree gets bigger over time. Less quality time spent up on ladders is better for me). --Preferably fruit-bearing (although I know how spotty actual fruit production can be out here!) I do see the Home Depot website lists a dwarf ever-bearing mulberry tree (Morus nigra), but IDK if it would survive here. If there is a dwarf/semi-dwarf variety of white mulberry tree (Morus alba) that could survive here, that would be high on my list. That particular variety of mulberry seems to be best-suited as a food source for silkworms. Some people consider them a garden pest, but if I can promote big, gorgeous moths flying around out at my place, that would be really cool. I do see one variety listed on the OSU Xeriscape list (Weeping Mulberry). Is it possible to trim that one to look more a "classic" tree rather than a big green Teletubby? It apparently doesn't bear fruit but checks the boxes for not being too big and not requiring too much water. IDK if the silk moths native to central OR would feed on that variety, or not. Will continue to research it. Thank you!

Deschutes County Oregon

Scale on magnolia bush #863539

Asked April 06, 2024, 12:19 PM EDT

Hello, and thank you for answering my question. Last year my magnolia developed scale disease. I manually removed all the scales on the plant using a plastic card and the plant recovered well. Do I need to do anything in addition this year?

Hennepin County Minnesota

Zone Area #863523

Asked April 06, 2024, 10:33 AM EDT

What zone am I in?

Deschutes County Oregon

Bee Colonies in Park County #863509

Asked April 06, 2024, 12:19 AM EDT

Hi, I live in Jefferson, CO and am looking at starting a small honeybee apiary. I was looking into winter hardy bees from local breeders but came across some articles suggesting trapping native swarms over buying from breeders. My questions would be if this is a good solution given our area and elevation, and if a trapped swarm of bees native to Park County would produce honey. I am also looking into using a horizontal hive for a more natural experience, especially if the colony is a native trapped swarm. Would love any thoughts or recommendations. Thanks!

Park County Colorado

Jumping Worm Treatment #863340

Asked April 04, 2024, 2:18 PM EDT

Hello. I'm a master gardener and just watched last year's webinar by Dr Gorres. He mentioned there was a company in the midwest that was trying to get approval for a tea tree saponin product to treat jumping worms. He was optimistic that we might see a product within a few months. Do you know if a product is available now? If it isn't, is there one method that is currently preferred for trying to control them? He said tilling 3" down, working the castings into the soil (not for control) and using Botanigard on mycotized millet? He also mentioned he was working on a method that could be used by the home gardener to mycotize millet. Thank you.

Windsor County Vermont

Training for municipal staff (public works, code enforcement) #863304

Asked April 04, 2024, 9:07 AM EDT

Hello - I'm already in touch with the Master Gardener program, but I'm wondering if UMD has considered offering a certificate program for municipal staff to learn about native plants and native trees purpose, types, planting, maintenance, care, climate resilience, and equity concerns. Specifically for public works departments, code enforcement personnel, and town managers/administrators. Thank you, Lauren Rauk (councilmember Town of Brentwood)

Prince George's County Maryland

Native ground cover #863252

Asked April 03, 2024, 2:22 PM EDT

Hello! I was hoping to get some advice on native ground cover that I could use around large sections of pavers. I live near Pilot Butte in Bend. The area is full sun with no irrigation, but I could hand water. I'd really like to fill in the area with low lying, native plants as possible. I have rosy pussytoes which seem to do well, but I would like to vary it up a bit. Any advice would be super helpful. Thanks!!



Deschutes County Oregon

Looking for a mid-size native tree (30’-40’) for the city to plant #863226

Asked April 03, 2024, 11:59 AM EDT

The city had to remove a very large tree when they put in new sidewalks. They want to replace it with a mid-size tree and I’d like to choose one that is native and best for local wildlife that isn’t messy, other than fall leaves. Hornbean? Turkish Hazlenut? Any suggestions? They’d like to know soon!

Ingham County Michigan

Common Mullein #863144

Asked April 02, 2024, 1:42 PM EDT

Please recommend a herbicide to spot spray on mullein weeds in my residential yard.  I mainly have small plants.

Larimer County Colorado

Second request for assistance #863119

Asked April 02, 2024, 11:42 AM EDT

Over two months ago I requested information on what agents to use on a mixed fruit orchard, when, and what to spray for apples, peaches, plums cherries and pears. No one responded and the trees are budding.

Livingston County Michigan

Pollinator house #863115

Asked April 02, 2024, 11:15 AM EDT

Hi, I'm going to build some pollinator houses with my 4-H'ers and I'm wondering if I can use knotweed shafts for the tunnels?

Franklin County Vermont

What kind of animal is eating my Irish Spring Soap? #863032

Asked April 01, 2024, 2:55 PM EDT

I have placed soap bars near my tulips to prevent deer from eating the tulips. Something is carrying the soap bars up to 10 feet away and has eaten chunks out of the soap bars. What kind of animal would eat the soap? Thank you - Cindi Fagan

Wayne County Ohio

Time to rake #863025

Asked April 01, 2024, 2:25 PM EDT

Is it too early to rake up leaves and needles in my Bend yard and garden? It is April first. My perennials are coming up!

Deschutes County Oregon

plants for visual barrier #862947

Asked March 31, 2024, 6:20 PM EDT

what high desert plant will grow quickly and give visual barrier with little water

Deschutes County Oregon

Looking for Gardening Tutor #862880

Asked March 30, 2024, 4:28 PM EDT

This may be a strange request, but I am a 72-year old New Yorker who has been living in a house (rather than apartment as I did for most of my life) for the past 2 years in Ohio and I am truly clueless about gardening, although I would like to grow vegetables and a few flowers. Last year I managed to grow about a dozen grape tomatoes and maybe half a dozen green peppers and lots of herbs in two raised beds. What I really need is for a knowledgeable person to come by (I live about a 10-minute drive from OSU) for about half an hour a week (for which I would of course pay) and tell me what I need to do from one week to the next. I have the motivation, but my lack of knowledge is rather overwhelming. Please let me know if you know anyone who would be prepared to do this and what they would charge. Many thanks.



Franklin County Ohio