Hello- I have two pears trees approximately 5 years old each. I have tried to organically treat the pears with Neem Oil and other methods (putting baggies around the fruit) but each year the fruit either gets black or has bugs and the majority is inedible. The trees are two varieties to cross pollinate. Whom can I call and or how can I successfully produce edible pears?

I keep hearing about grating Irish Spring soap into your garden to keep away deer. Does this work? And, does it also keep away pollinators? Does it hurt the plants?

We have a large silver maple with exposed roots. Concerned about lawn mower cutting roots. Please advise which is a better, mulching or planting ground cover. Thank you

We first noticed them in our kitchen, seemed like hundreds of them but all but a few only on the floor under the kitchen counter. They are very big, but slow and almost lethargic. The first infestation was the worst, but they loved the Terro Liquid Ant Baits we put out. By the next morning there were 6-8 in or around the 2 baits, but the rest were gone. They have not returned to our kitchen floor except for the occasional straggler. This morning I found a giant on in our office (down the hall from the kitchen). Now there are many (not the swarm) in our carpeted basement and the hard surface bathroom has appeared to be the destination for many. I did see a few in our garage, but not many, and no direction to their movement. They no longer will even consider the bait but remain slow and lethargic. I have begun to find some with wings in the basement (I think about 1/2 dozen so far). My question is what to do? Can we manage them without professional help? If so, how should we do it? Do we need to worry about what they may be eating?

See photos. A yellowing has appeared on my newly planted plants within a week. Prior to planting I tested the soil. Very alkaline. 8-7 pH. I mixed in peat moss, compost, top soil, soil Acidifier, chicken manure and coffee grounds to help w acidity. Now this. Any suggestions?

can i put them in my garden ?

We have clay soil and are looking to replace our dying over grown Evergreen shrub. What are some options for us to go to?

I have a vegetable raised bed that I top dressed with leaves. I recently found out that some were contaminated with raccoon feces and I'm wondering if there's any way to test the soil for roundworm eggs or decontaminate the soil.

If not, what's the best way to safely dispose of the soil in the bed?

Thank you!

I am about to put in a 20 ft hedge and it was recommended that I buy Catoneaster. Now I am worried about rabbits as they have massacred my present Catoneaster hedge. I want something to grow at least 5ft high. Can yo think of an alternative? I live n Minneapolis I already have a Korean lilac on one end and 3 Dogwood on the other end. Please advise. Joan Moffatt