I am told that some of the most used home orchard pesticides have been removed from the market. Has Extension published new guidance for best available replacements, such as organic or reduced risk materials which are acceptable and effective for the small grower. The same question applies for the home vineyard use.

I was given a large amount of lemons and am trying to find a tested lemonade concentrate (or lemonade or lemon syrup) recipe to use to water bath can them. I have already done some using the Ball Strawberry lemonade concentrate, as well as salt preserving others but still have a lot left over. I am finding some lemonade recipes calling for a 1:1 ratio (1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice, 1 cup sugar + 6 cups water) heated to 190 degrees and water bath canned for 15 minutes for pints. Does that sound right or do you know of any resources or tested recipes?

Hello my name is Jim, and I have a farm outside of Corvallis. I am looking for an organic gardener for the summer to produce food for my family iand the community. I would love to find help setting up a garden growing vegetables and preparing them for storage. Pay would be negotiable as well as housing on the property. I was thinking this might be a nice opportunity for a student who would like to work and stay close to campus for the summer. I am currently a business owner living between Portland and Corvallis so for the most part they would have the property to themselves. Finding the right fit is most important. Jim Mathany<personal data hidden> <personal data hidden>

How do I care for thickly overgrown liriope? Will it help to cut it all down? Is there a correct way to thin it?

I have two Annabelle hydrangeas that have been growing for a long time and do quite well on the west side of the house with a layer of gravel on top of black plastic. I'm wondering if this allows them to get through the winter and both are sending out leaves on last year's growth. I was thinking of removing the plastic and putting the gravel in the driveway to fill in the ruts as the gravel matches the driveway gravel and also, I wouldn't have to buy and haul more gravel for the driveway. Would replacing the plastic and gravel with wood mulch give the same insulating qualities of getting the plants through our unpredictable winters? Or should I just leave them alone? I wouldn't have to haul woods chips as I have plenty of trees that need chipping up rather than simply burning them. What are your thoughts and both of these hydrangeas send out suckers and I was considering digging them up and planting in the same bed .

I have been successfully growing my vegetable plants under grow lights until this week. For the last two days I have noticed the tomato leaves browning. The plants are watered daily. What can I do to stop this?

Hello, ice/wind/snow damage on cedars, not the arborvitaes. Cedars are about 20 years old, 15 to 20 ft tall. Some branches appear 'dead' dry, brown foliage, others are green. Should I trim off the brown branches right away or diagnose if still life in branches and then wait? What else? Thanks

Last fall I tilled up an area in my front lawn and planted a Midwest wildflower mix*. Before the snow came, I covered with some burlap to keep the leaves and weed seeds away. Just wondering if the burlap will prevent the mix from growing - will it be able to get through the gaps, or will it stunt the growth. Should I keep it or remove? Photo attached. *Sweet William Tall Single, Prairie Coneflower, Mexican Hat, Red Corn Poppy, Lance Leaf Coreopsis, Shirley Poppy Mixed Red and Pink, Cosmos Wild Sensation, Blanket Flower, Black Eyed Susan, Wild Perennial Lupine, Purple Coneflower, Russell Lupine, Plains Coreopsis, Siberian Wallflower, Scarlet Flax, Annual Red Phlox, Cosmos Bright Lights, Cornflower Dwarf Mix, Cornflower Tall Mix, Daisy Gloriosa Mix, California Poppy Orange, Perennial Blue Flax, Candytuft Mix

Hi, our rhododendron has been ailing for a few years and its getting worse. many dead branches and now spots and discoloration on leaves and buds. Thanks for your advice!

Hello- I'm very concerned with the invasion affecting my community . Is there a verifiably effective preventative treatment for mature oak trees to keep the beetles from infesting my tree?