Search Results

Winterizing Roses #854759

Asked November 05, 2023, 7:36 PM EST

We bought our first rose bushes this spring and planted them. Now we're wondering what the best suggestions are to prepare them for winter. I Googled it, but got a bunch of conflicting answers from a variety of sources. So, as we're in El Paso County (Colorado Springs, west side, zone 5b), I thought I'd ask local experts. Our two rose bushes are Polyantha/Small Shrub and Zephirine Drouhin, if that helps. Thanks!

El Paso County Colorado

White Growth in Garden #854725

Asked November 05, 2023, 9:27 AM EST

We discovered this hard white substance growing in a garden bed, enveloping some ground cover. We have since found it in the lawn. It’s hard and rubbery, maybe like a pencil eraser. Do we need to try to get rid of it, if so, how?



Wayne County Michigan

Composting black walnut leaves #854701

Asked November 04, 2023, 4:35 PM EDT

Is it "safe" to compost black walnut leaves when the compost will be used for vegetable and blueberry gardens?

Washington County Maryland

Monarch caterpillar wandered into our house #854641

Asked November 03, 2023, 2:01 PM EDT

We had a monarch caterpillar come into our house a few days ago. It was quite cold outside so we put it in a bug habitat with some garden herbs. It now has spun its chrysalis and I am wondering what we can do for it once it emerges. It will certainly just die if we put it outside but I wondered if there are people who raise them year-round here who would like a new friend. Thanks for any information that you might have.

Hennepin County Minnesota

restriction of creeping jenny #854478

Asked October 31, 2023, 6:54 PM EDT

Just wanted to be sure that there are no restrictions in Colorado on growing creeping jenny in our yard since it is an invasive plant.  Thank you.

Teller County Colorado

Late season butterfly #854454

Asked October 31, 2023, 2:00 PM EDT

Hello, My family accidentally brought in a caterpillar with our herb harvest, which has just now exited its chrysalis. We are wondering what, if anything, we can or should do to release the butterfly, given the temperature. Any advice or resources would be appreciated!



Hennepin County Minnesota

tulip bulbs #854436

Asked October 31, 2023, 11:56 AM EDT

I planted new tulip bulbs on a chilly autumn day about 3-4 weeks ago. They are now popping up about two inches. What can I do to have them bloom in the spring?

Grand Traverse County Michigan

Wormy apples - is Conserve (spinosad) the organic solution? #854374

Asked October 30, 2023, 4:08 PM EDT

I have several apple trees on my city lot. My neighber has some too. Heretofore I have not sprayed by apples and just cut around the worm bits in most of the apples. This is getting a bit tiring. A friend suggested conserve. Here are my questions: 1. Is conserve (spinosad) homeowner friendly? 2. If I use conserve, what precautions should I take before picking or consuming apples? 3. I have a hose end sprayer and three apple trees. What is the application rate? How much should I mix up for three apple trees? 4. When should it be applied? More than once? Do I need to talk my neighbor into spraying too as her orchard will continue to be a reservour of insects if I don't or will this control mine sufficiently? Thanks, Jim

Clackamas County Oregon

Bonsai care #854042

Asked October 25, 2023, 3:59 PM EDT

We were gifted a small bonsai. No species or age provided. Can you give us some suggestions regarding care? A photo is attached. THANK YOU.



Multnomah County Oregon

Getting Rid of a Quaking Aspen Tree AND it's Root system #853923

Asked October 24, 2023, 2:38 PM EDT

How do we get rid of a quaking aspen tree in our back yard without killing the grass, shrubs...

Deschutes County Oregon

How to deal with "rust" on Hollyhocks or in general #853891

Asked October 24, 2023, 10:45 AM EDT

My hollyhocks were beautiful but had rust when I bought them and was told the spots were due to overwatering. AGH! I planted them and they have new plants and buds which look good. Do I cut down, separate or what do I do with the old stems? Does it infect the soil? I know it spreads. My Rose of Sharon was gorgeous, too. Until the rust got it. Now the buds do not bloom and seem to dry out while covered in black and rust spots. Can it be saved? It is still in a pot. Thank you.

Oakland County Michigan

Arborvitaes turning brown. (1st of2questions) #853878

Asked October 24, 2023, 9:16 AM EDT

Why are my Emerald greens turning brown from the inside out. 



Ingham County Michigan

creosote levels #853859

Asked October 23, 2023, 8:15 PM EDT

hi- I want to reuse a garden that has creosote-treated railroad ties and plywood that were installed as dividers 35 yrs ago. How can I know if the soil is safe to use for vegetables/edibles at this time? Thanks!

Orange County North Carolina

Cedar Beetle (Sandalus niger) #853855

Asked October 23, 2023, 8:07 PM EDT

Hi- I saw and photoed a Cedar Beetle (Sandalus niger) (as identified online!) and research shows it is a western bug. I see no references to it being in NC in my brief search and thought this may be of interest or concern to you. I live in Orange County. Thanks- Susan Reeves (photo available)



Orange County North Carolina

Honey Locust pod control by INJECTION???? #853803

Asked October 23, 2023, 12:57 PM EDT

I and my neighbor enjoy the shade provided by an old honey locust tree; however, no one enjoys all those pods.  The only solutions for eliminating them are the use of sprays which kill bees, are dangerous to children, or destroy metal.  WHY hasn't anyone developed an injection that would eliminate all the hazards involved with using a spray?

Weld County Colorado

Globe thistle bareroot #853797

Asked October 23, 2023, 12:37 PM EDT

I recd a bareroot globe thistle from Breck’s this week. I was expecting delivery in spring. Should I plant it in the garden now or pot up it & keep indoors for the winter or just store the bareroot until spring? Thanks!

Ramsey County Minnesota

Tree Health Inspection #853771

Asked October 23, 2023, 10:05 AM EDT

I was referred to the extension office as a potential resource for a tree health inspection. I haven’t been able to locate any information on your website to confirm. Is this a service this department provides?

Harris County Texas

cluster fly #853755

Asked October 22, 2023, 10:05 PM EDT

Have a number of old log cabins that are just full of cluster flies. A few years back a local guy ,whom I have lost contact with, sprayed the cabins  with a repellent that worked great. He said that it didn't kill them but made them leave the buildings for some other place. Once he finished we didn't have a cluster fly all season. Any idea what he might have used or what would work? I have used spray that kills the active ones but can't seem to prevent new ones. Thanks

Larimer County Colorado

growth on base of tree #853747

Asked October 22, 2023, 6:55 PM EDT

can you tell me what this is growing on my apple tree



Hennepin County Minnesota

Black patches #853723

Asked October 22, 2023, 1:43 PM EDT

I live in Dallas, OR. My lawn suddenly, overnight, is showing many small blackish patches, 3-6 inches diameter, Close up, I see each grass blade is a gooey concentration of very, very tiny egglike colonies, covering the length of most blades in the patch . I can wipe the goo off the grass blade and see no evidence of damage. Have never seen this in the lawn before. The patches seem random, showing in both sunny and shady areas. Thanks for your assessment. I think I can send a picture if you need it.

Polk County Oregon

Winterizing garden tools #853661

Asked October 21, 2023, 12:02 PM EDT

I would like printable information or brochure material on winterizing gardening tools.

Hardin County Kentucky

Boxwoods #853597

Asked October 20, 2023, 12:51 PM EDT

Subject: Boxwoods Hello, We are having a problem with the boxwoods in our condo community apparently displaying portions of the shrubs dying. There is no consistency as to where on the bush the dead portions are presenting themselves. This is widespread throughout the property. There are some that don't appear to have any issues. All of the ones affected are those that have been pruned by the landscapers. Ive read about Boxwood Blight, Volutella Blight and winter damage, all presenting itself on the plants similarly. Is there a way to correctly identify the issue? If it is a blight, should those bushes be pulled out and not allowed to winter over? Is there a different approach how we move forward depending on diagnosis? You all have been so helpful answering questions in the past. Help! Thanks for your time and knowledge. Lysa My contact info <personal data hidden> Sent from my iPad

Franklin County Ohio

How to deal with Tree of Heaven (invasive, nuisance tree) #853545

Asked October 19, 2023, 7:23 PM EDT

I am the volunteer manager of a historic cemetery in SE Portland (SE 65th and Nehalem Streets). We need to remove three dead "Tree of Heaven" trees, each about 45-50 feet in height. There are several other "Trees of Heaven" on our 2-acre cemetery property, most at least of the 45-50 foot height, and all -- so far -- alive. From what I've read, these are incredibly invasive and crowd out other vegetation and trees. - Is there anything we can do with the stumps of the dead trees to ensure that new growth doesn't sprout from them? - How do we keep the existing trees from spreading/propagating? And what actions can we take to protect the foundation of our cemetery caretaker's house (about 15 feet from one of the larger live trees) from invasive roots? - Anything else we should know? Any specialists in this type of invasive tree we can contact for onsite assessments? Thank you -- Sura Rubenstein

Multnomah County Oregon

Slope erosion issue at property fenceline #853529

Asked October 19, 2023, 3:39 PM EDT

Hi, my friend lives in a deselect in Clinton Twp. And the city installed new water/sewage tubes on the opposite side of the fenceline. Ever since, the soil has been eroding on the edge of the fenceline. Would it be feasible to raise up the toil a 2 feet out and install a metal 2 foot edging , then plant lilies. I've read the traditional yellow day lilies help with erosion. Would you happen to concur or can you advise another economical way to solve the problem? Thanks for your thoughts! Polly



Macomb County Michigan

Creeping Thyme lawn #853507

Asked October 19, 2023, 1:18 PM EDT

I am thinking of replacing my turf with Creeping Thyme. I have heard it doesn't need a whole lot of tending or water, once established. I live in Houston and want to know if this is a good idea, as the installation will be a bit costly.

Harris County Texas