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! :)

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?

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

I saw your reports online of the 2023 Annual Flower Trial Garden Performance Report. Which nursery in the southern metro (preferred) or Twin City area will likely carry all (or most) of these flowers. They all look great!

Hello, Is there anything that can be done about the Japanese beetles? Preferably organic... Last late summer/fall I put down Milky Spore, but they came back worse than ever. I can tolerate a little bit of munching, but they're defoliating even my salvias at this point. Thanks, Laura