Hello,

My backyard had an invasion of creeping bent grass, and I just finished killing all of that with Tenacity. I used this opportunity to level my lawn with a 50/50 mix of mason sand and top soil, with a final step of reseeding a mix of Kentucky Blue Grass and Elite Perennial Ryegrass. 

My question for the experts is whether or not it is a bad idea to seed right now, given falling soil temperatures of October. Or, do I likely have enough time for the seed to germinate and establish a root system that will survive the winter?

Thank you in advance!

Kurtis

Last year my pear tree had several delicious pears. This year all the pears are gnarled and stony inside. What can I do for next year?

I have this plant in my hard that was planted by seed in the spring. What is it and how do I get rid of it?

The raspberries I panted in my back yard several years ago have never done well. I do not recall the variety of berry but they bear from early Summer through late Summer. In the last five years or so, they started dying back at the height of the bearing time. They may have clusters of fruit on the tips but then the leaves and stems start to turn brown and the fruit begins to shrivel. There may be an unaffected cane right next to a withering one. I do get some very good fruit but others and eventually most die and I cut them back. There is plenty of new grown every Spring. I have read a bit about cane borers. I do recall seeing the beetles or discreet puncture holes. Perhaps I should remove and start over?

Hi, I heard that you offer classes on canning? I'm a definite beginner and am hoping to find a class that will teach me the basics I need to know to can foods such as meats and vegetables. Is this something you offer? I didn't see anything on your calendar. I live in Coos Bay. Thank you

About a month ago, our 12-year-oldash started dying at the ends of its branches. Now, it has progressed. In previous years, it has been fine - growing, flowering, and producing lots of berries. It does have berries on it now. We cannot find any sign of insects. The trunk is in good shape - we have a mesh protector around it. What do you recommend? We really don't want to lose it. It is filled with robins in the fall eating the berries. Should we trim off the dead parts? Thank you!

Hello, I am looking to improve an established pond that is normally fed by a small creek, but due to this drought has been struggling. We surprisingly get lots of waterfowl, birds of prey, song birds, herons, egrets, and a variety of others. We also get a variety of amphibians. We would like to add some plants, such as cattail, water hyacinth, and whatever is recommended. I was told that some conservations agencies can help plan or even financially assist in restoring or improving a pond that strictly benefits wildlife? Where would a good place to go to find information of appropriate plants, planting times, possible funding etc.? Thank you very much for your time and help!

Hello, An apple expert at the state fair recommended that I use Captan to treat scab on my apple trees (Macintosh and Honey Crisp) but it appears to be discontinued everywhere I look. Do you have a recommendation for an alternative fungicide to treat apple scab?

Hello, I'm a principal at McAlear-Sawden Elementary and would like MSU extension to come to the building to do a STEM day event.

In the spring I fertilized all my flowering things with miracle grow for blooms 10-52-10 not realizing it was a bad idea for my incrediball hydrangeas. They’ve looked sickly all summer and no blooms. I’ve tried lots of watering and also put wood chips around them but no changes. Is there anything else I should try? Do you think they may rebound next year? Thanks for your thoughts.