Hi there! I just got a new garden bed I want to turn into a cutting garden. My husband also would like to get some bulk soil to add some topsoil to the lawn. We are wondering if there is any soil we can use for both the lawn and in the garden bed to cut costs. Thank you! :)

Hi Emily. I just read your article about cherry laurel problems. The first thing all of you need to tell homeowners the names of native plants that would be good replacements. You could explain that native plants are adapted to the region where they are grown so they are naturally more resistant to diseases. Many are deer resistant. Thanks for considering this request. Kathy

I’ve been enjoying using rebar and concrete wire mesh to create structures that are both functional and ornamental in my vegetable garden. I recently came across information stating that rust can release lead and other heavy metals. It is safe to be these materials to grow food on? 

Thanks!

Sarah

Why does Michigan States extension say sulfur is NOT protective against black knot on edible plums but I recently paid for the OSUs agriculture extension PDF with info about fruit trees and in it states sulfur IS a preventative against black knot. So who is right ? I'm already using chlorothalonil in the early spring until shuck split but need something after shuck split and according to OSU, sulfur works. Any tips appreciated.

Found about 6 dead on carpeted stairs leading to top floor of home.. nestled close to wall where carpet meets wall. We have a very clean house and never see bugs - says a lot for North Carolina.

What selective herbicide should we use in our fairly large native plant pollinator garden to kill invasive grass that is taking over our garden? What should we use and how/when to apply? The garden is surrounded by fields and mowed field grass area where no chemicals are used and lots of Goldenrod grow. Hand removing the grass is very difficult and not very effective. We would like to treat the area the first week in May. The grasses grow throughout the garden. This garden was neglected for a long time and we are working to renovate and maintain it at an environmental education center. Picture attached to give you an idea of area.

I am turning my existing garden into a fruit tree garden and I need to add raised beds to my yard. I'm planning to start with the Home Depot 7.5 in. x 7.5 in. x 5.5 in. Tan Brown Concrete Planter Wall Block (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Oldcastle-7-5-in-x-7-5-in-x-5-5-in-Tan-Brown-Concrete-Planter-Wall-Block-16202336/206501693) and the lumber possibilities (2"x 6") to insert are overwhelming. I would like a sustainable solution, but I want something that will have some longevity and strength. Do you have a recommendation?

I had to remove two evergreen trees from my property this week that were completely dead. I could hear loud wood chewing sounds coming from the trunks, so I peeled back some of the bark and saw what I believe to be some kind of bark beetle or borer. I can hear similar chewing sounds, less active, coming from a mostly live tree near where the others died. Is there anything to be done to save trees from these bugs? Or once they are in the bole is there no choice but to count them as good as dead, cut them down, and burn as quick as possible like the others? Photos attached.

Attached are photos of a 30 year old sweetgum tree that grew on its own in our yard before we realized what it was and the nuisance the gum balls are that drop every fall/winter. Nevertheless, it is a nicely shaped tree and provides summer shade. Last year we noticed some branches high on the crown were de-leafed. We attributed it to leaf-eating caterpillars. This year, as the tree leafs-out, we are noticing several branches near the top appear dead. Can you tell if the tree is dying, experiencing stress from climate change or is this a natural occurrence for this type of tree? It gets plenty of water and sunlight.

Hello, I was wondering if the extension office has ever answered a similar question or has a list of the best evergreen trees or shrubs to plant for a privacy hedge. When researching online, there’s a lot of conflicting information about what trees and shrubs are actually deer resistant. Many websites will claim that eastern red cedars are deer resistant, while on other websites, people will claim that it’s actually western red cedars that are the most deer resistant. I’ve seen arborvitae’s of both varieties sustain deer damage. Do you know if any junipers varieties are more deer resistant? Thank you for any tips or information! -Ashley