Hi, found this mud tube in my garden. The top was closed off and there was a hole underneath at least 8+ inches underground.

Hi, I have two questions - First, I have two apple and two cherry trees in my yard. One apple tree has always given good fruit without any intervention but the other never has. This year I bought some Bonide Fruit Tree Spray to try to help the tree. The directions are a little ambiguous on when to spray them. Do you have any guidance on this? Second, I have two ash trees in my yard and I live in Golden Valley so I know the ash borers are quickly making their way around. I’ve had a couple tree companies come out and give different perspectives on treating them. One said they should definitely be treated with the biannual steroid injection while the other says it’s not even worth it because they will likely die in a few years anyways. What is your stance/suggestions for treating or maintaining these trees? Thank you!

Hi there, I have a question about compost. We have a very large compost pile that has a pH of 8.4- when tested by MSU. We are very concerned about how to bring down the pH in a safe and sustainable way. Do you have any suggestions? Do people just pour some acid in and try again? Is there a way to calculate how much acid/which acid to add?

I believe these are some kind of blister beetle, but I have no idea what bug is riding along or WHY?

Our naughty Labrador found a rabbit nest in the ground cover up against our house. Only one survived. It’s eyes we’re still closed and opened four days later so I assume it was 6 days old when we started caring for it. I’ve been feeding it KMR with an eye dropper and moved up to a tiny bottle. I’ve giving it a variety of vegetation (lettuce, clover, grass) and it gobbles it up. I didn’t weigh it until a few days ago but it is gaining nicely over the last few days (49 grams, 51, 54, 57, 61, 71). How long do I give it Kitten Milk Replacement? Should I switch to water? When should it be released? Thank you

Hi, I am Seeking Organic Hay/Straw Resources, as I would like to use the Hay/Straw in Organic Vegetable Gardening as a thick mulch and compost helper. I am concerned about contaminating my garden with herbicides that may hide in non-organic hay. Indeed, I read the OSU article which covers this topic as well (https://extension.oregonstate.edu/crop-production/soil/herbicide-carryover-hay-manure-compost-grass-clippings). I am having trouble finding Organic Hay/Straw sellers in the Portland, OR area. Do you have access to some Certified Organic Hay/Straw farm resources/listings for Portland, OR area?

What is the best, spider-friendly way to capture a spider indoors? I don't mind spiders (I currently have cellar spiders in my foyer & as a kid I had jumping spiders in my window sills). After getting bit by a brown recluse last fall (mild but miserable), I realized that it probably would be a good idea to relocate any spiders that could seriously harm my children if they were to accidentally get bit (I know spiders are defensive not aggressive). I prefer to relocate spiders, not kill them, as they are an important part of our ecosystem. Since spiders are quick runners, I haven't had have much success catching them.

What grass seed do you suggest for Oldham County? Thanks so much! Josh Hinkle

Please identify the 2 plants in the photos attached.

we have patches of grass in our lawn that we don't necessarily want. I included some photos and would like to know what species of grass they are and should I get rid of them and if so, how? Thanks, Keith Henjum