 Dr. Dean Krauskopf |
The Gardening Show is off the air until next Spring. Have a great Winter and join Dean next year at the beginning of the Gardening Season.Check Weekly Podcasts/Info or Contact Dean below!ARCHIVED PODCASTS of The Gardening Show: Click HereFor a list of References: Click Here. |
The Gardening Show
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Gerry from Flint wondered why his evergreens looked like they were covered in cobwebs. My best guess is that is exactly hat is happening – see if you can see any spiders in the webs. If you see evidence of chewing or missing needles, contact the Genesee County MSU Extension office and ask how to submit a sample.
Rob in Birmingham wondered about what to spray on his shrubs to protect them over the winter. The materials are called antidiccicants and they do work. This is certainly something you can do but watch the timing. Check with your local family-owned garden center to see what’s available. Here’s information.
Dean in Ann Arbor is redoing his lawn. Here’s where I go when I’m looking for turf information.
Larry in Clarkston‘s daughter will be putting in a new lawn at her house on Cape Cod. He wondered about soil prep, adding topsoil, what type of grass to use etc. Local enviorments make such a big difference that recommendations for Michigan may not be applicable to Cape Cod. I always recommend contacting your local Extension Service for the appropriate recommendations for your area.
Larry also has been having good success using Neem oil. While Neem is a low risk material make sure to follow all the safety instructions on the label. Also remember it is a contact material so it will kill beneficial insects too so be careful when applying.
Steve in Bloomfield Hills needs to remove two 9′ tall Hydrangea Paniculata trees and two 9′ Bradford Pear Trees. He wondered if any nurseries or landscape companies would be interested in digging them out and replanting them in a customer’s landscape. One of the best ways to locate famile owned nurseries and landscapers in your area is to look in the Michigan Gardener.
Steve in Swartz Creek is interested in controlling weeds in his lawn. Now is the best time to control all weeds – not just those in your lawn. For identification and information on control of lawn weeds go here.
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Find your next year’s plants at All America Selections.
Predicted apply harvest dates.
MSU on-line growing lavender course available.
Spruce looking funny? Here’s information on spruce needle rusts.
Blooming out of season – is my tree going to die?
Scared lotus, a beautiful invader.
Spider webs – worth getting up early.
Don’t spray fall webworm nests.
Who (or what) kissed my crabapple leaves?
Thread blight of apple, cherry and viburnum.
Jack in Redford‘s transplanted iris weren’t blooming, and we agreed it was probably transplant shock coupled with a miserable winter. He also had a weed growing in the clumps which can be identified here.
Paul in Allen Park wanted to propogate his hydrangea.
Kenny in Macomb was looking for sources to turf-type tall fescue seed. A great resource is the Michigan Gardener.
Judy in Franklin wanted to know if allowing rose hips (seed pods) to remain injured her plant.
Vicki in Dearborn‘s Phalaenopsis orchid wasn’t blooming.
Enzo in Port Sanilac was concerned his new lawn would be damaged by the drought.
Lynn in Livonia‘s lillies were being eaten up by the Red Lily Beetle.
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Spotted Winged Drosophila is increasing.
David in Fort Gratiot wanted information on magnolia scale.
Karen in Wayne wanted to know when to trim her wisteria and here’s information on trimming weeping mulberry.
Some ways to protect your sweet corn from birds.
Blossom end rot is a problem for tomatoes, peppers and egg plant. (Resource Link 2)
Something munching on your stonecrop (Sedum) plants?
Blotch/scorch of horse chestnut and buckeye.
Verticillium wilt in landscape plants.
Kim in Westland‘s tree was dying back. She wasn’t sure if it was a flowering cherry or crabapple. I was leaning toward it being a flowering cherry but the symptoms she described better fit fire blight which attacks apples. In either case I suggest contacting the MSU Plant Diagnostic Laboratory about submitting either photos or a sample.
John in Clinton Township was being plagued by whaet had been identified as carpenter ants. Here’s more information. There are a range of ants that look like carpenter ants so sending a sample to MSU (see above) is a good idea.
John in Gibraltar‘s pin oak was dying on one side which is a symptom of Verticillium but the great Kentucky bulletin above lists pin oak as resistant. Contacting the MSU Diagnostic Laboratory is critical to proper identification of the problem.
Because of the record high levels of the Great Lakes Mark in Harrison Township‘s prize Japanese maple’s roots are basically underwater. It’s a large tree so moving it to a higher site is risky, a better approach might be to wait and see how the tree respones and at the same time construct a raised bed or mound and either transplant the tree there in the spring or plant a new tree.
I’ve published this site before by the cicadas are in full song right now.
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New USDA Human Nutrition Research website.
Biological control of brown marmorated stink bug in Michigan by Dr. Marianna Szűcs.
Enough milkweed plants for Monarchs and other native insects?
Late blight hasn’t been reported on tomatoes or potatoes in Michigan, however it’s probably on its way. Here’s information.
A great bulletin on tree wounds from the University of Kentucky
It’s time to think of lawn renovation and dividing iris and peonies.
Lenny in Macomb‘s grass was brown while his neighbors was green. One possibility is that the neighbors are growing turf-type tall fescue grass which is less likely to go into dormancy. Another issue is proper watering. Here’s how to determine how long to water and to tell if all your irrigation heads are porperly calibrated.
Joe in Tecumseh has a newly planted Braebum apple and the deer were nibbling the tips. Here’s information on pruning apply trees.
Rose from Upper Sandusky, Ohio wondered if putting cardboard under mulch was a good idea. Cardboard would work but because it’s usually waxed no water can penetrate so I suggested 3-4 layers of newspaper instead. The newspaper is an effective barrier and will allow water to penetrate.
Pan in Clinton Township‘s cumcumber leaves were browing which could be caused by downy mildew which hasn’t been reported yet in Michigan or powdery mildew. The fruit were also malformed with large and small segments. The most common cause of this is lack of pollination.
Mark in Bruce Township‘s sycamore tree leafed out very late this spring probably due to anthracnose.
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For listeners in the Jackson area here’s an opportunity to explore the Jackson farmer’s market with MSU’s Angela Maniaci each Friday 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM through August 30. To preregister text @GRDMF to 81010 or call 517-788-4292..
Someday we’ll have to water lawns so here’s information.
Mow high to reduce stress on your turf.
Turf dormancy is a natural process.
That blue flower blooming along rural roads is Chicory.
Sawfly larvae or a caterpillar? It makes a big difference in what to use to control.
More information on Sudden Oak Death from Ohio State.
Bumpy walnut leaf petioles, Walnut Petiole Gall and Walnut Caterpillars.
Green June Beetles, low level buzz bombers and a possible indiciation of too much thatch.
Francis in Auburn Hills is trying to control what I think is lawn violets. Timing and control material are both important in getting rid of this weed.
Billie in Hillsdale wondered when to transplant walnut trees.
Mike in Port Huron wondered about pruning his everblooming lilac.
When transplanting trees and shrubs take into account the weight of the root ball.
Ralph in Grass Lake and I discussed how to clean a sprayer and because insecticides, herbicides and fungicide materials can become adsorebed into plastic sprayer parts you should have a seperate sprayer for each.
Mike in Saline wondered why the grass on top of his septic tank was brown. One possibility is high sodium and chloride levels from the water softner leaachate are entering the root zone. I suggest contacting the MSU Soil and Plant Nutrient Laboratory to determine the soil sodium and chloride levels. Another possiblity, although rare, is if the septic tank wasn’t put in deep enough and is restricting the turf root zone.
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Are you watering often enough? Check soil moisture and evapotranspiration.
Here’s a new app to help MSU, Columbia and University of Wisconsin researchers track tick populations and people’s exposure. (MetroFocus)
Food Data Central is a new USDA website that provides food nutrient data and links to food research sites.
New gene survey may lead to tastier tomatoes.
Updated version of the Midwest regional bulletin “How to protect pollinators in urban landscapres and gardens”.
Cucurbit Downy Mildew spores have been reported in Michigan. (Resource Article 2)
Staghorn sumac (good) or Tree of Heaven (bad), can you tell the difference.
Japanese beetles are out and hungry.
Asiatic or Oriental lillies – different but beautiful.
Boxwood leafminer – news keeps getting worse.
Thankfully the assassins are coming.
My tree was struck by lighting. Now what?
Cucurbit anthracnose and powdery mildew.
Tomato Early blight and Septoria leaf spot.
Pete in Lansing‘s tomatoes were yellow and stunted. One possible cause is cool temperatures especially at night but that will change this week. Another issue is he is using fresh grass clippings as mulch. Grass clippings as they breawk down can use up nutients in the soil and forms a hard mat that doesn’t allow water to penetrate. It’s best to use only composted grass clippings as a mulch.
Dennis in Highland was wondering what was eating the lower leaves on his squash. To check go out in the dark and look for the culprits or during the day carefully dig around the squash stems. Matrials such as Dipel or containing Spinosad should take care of the problem.
Robert in Taylor called about the name of an unwoven fabric to place over his plants to protect from insect attack. Reemay is the original brand, there are others.
Beverly in Linden wonder what should could do about the red bugs attacking her daisies. The most likely culprits are aphids or mites. In either case a strong spray of water may be enough to reduce the population until natural predators can take over. Materials containing Spinosad are effective in either case.
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Prevent heat stroke with these tips from the Mayo Clinic.
What’s happening to my turf. This site isn’t as accurate as MSU’s Diagnostic Laboratory but will help narrow the possibilities.
Deer flies are buzzing around heads.
Find where to recycle plastic bags and flexible film products.
Rutgers All-Star Varieties. Note the new downy mildew resistant basil varieties.
Dog-Day Annual Cicadas and Cicada Killer Wasps.
Sumac gall aphid only infests sumac and isn’t very interesting, however what is interesting is that there are two populations with basically the same genetics that developed when T.rex ruled the earth.
Alianthus (Tree of Heaven) Webworm. Hope Springs Eternal.
Information on Spotted Lanternfly
A reminder about Boxwood Blight.
Brian from Northville‘s Knockout rose leaves were turning brown and dropping off. Sounds like spider mite. (Article 2, Article 3) Knock a few leaves over a piece of typing paper and look for dots that move. Since Knockout roses are resistant (not immune) to black spot, a strong spray of water to the underside of the leaves will remove the plant damaging mites and allow the predator mite populations to regain control. Dwarf Alberta Spruce, Pyracantha and Burning Bush will also benefit from a water spray to control mites.
Anthony from Dearborn Heights called about what to do with fig tree shoots that he had rooted in water. Roots that develops in water are structurally different that regular roots so transplant the shoots into a highly porous commercial growing media and keep moist and in a shady area until the new root system forms.
Julia in East Point is fighting one of my least favorite plants, wild morning glory or field bindweed (Article 2). The plants have deep roots and digging only spreads them. If the plants are growing near turn allow them to run into the grass and then apply any broad leaf herbicide to the grass. For weeds growing among ornamental plants where you can spray use a herbicide applicator or wipe.
Bart in Ann Arbor‘s peach trees were growing well but hadn’t had flowers for three years. I think this is due to the cold winter temperatures we’ve experienced. Here’s information on pruning and general care.(Resource 2, Resource 3.)
Rico in Port Sanilac is fighting clover in his lawn. To crowd out clover and other weeds concentrate on thickening the turf.
Clare in Clinton’s ‘Bloodgood’ Japanese maple had vertical cracks in the trunk. Here’s information on frost cracks.
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Lily leaf beetle is causing a lot of damage this year.
Do essential oil insecticides really work and what plant damage can they cause. (Article 2, Article 3.)
Incorporating plants into your HVAC system – Purdue’s BioWall.
Information on sycamore anthracnose.
Spruce decline – latest information from MSU.
What’s the weather going to be in July.
What are those weeds blooming in my grass?
Early or late blight could be attacking your tomatoes and potatoes.
Sunflower Headclipping Weevil attacking coneflower.
Japanese beetle adults are starting to emerge. Go to Enviorweather, click on the closest weather station, then on Turf then on Resources, then GDD Tracker and Japanese Beetle.
White-Marked Tussock Moth causing damage.
More information on Fire Blight
Armillaria Root Rot a major threat to stressed trees.
Good information on Powdery Mildew.
Tom in Dexter called about what I hope isn’t Japanese Knot Weed. (More information.
Pam from Clinton Township asked about Japanese maples not leafing out.
Marcy in Sterling Heights bought way too many Dahlia tubers and wondered about putting the extras in large pots to at least get tubers for next year. She has 20-inch-wide pots which I said could hold 4 or more tubers of the small flowering types. They will be really crowded and won’t grow large tubers but it’s better than having to buy 50 or so new pots. large flowered types should be planted 1-2 to a pot. Lots of water will be needed when they are so crowded.
Paul in Commerce Township wants to get rid of poison ivy near his house.
Enjoy Nature’s fireworks, fireflies. (More information, Video.)
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Michigan Strawberries are becoming available. Here’s a list of Pick-Your-Own farms.
Critters causing problems? Here’s information on wildlife management for farmers that might also work for homeowners.
Conditions are ideal for cherry leaf-spot diseases.
Young milkweed shoots are especially important for Monarch butterfly survival and here’s a previous article.
How has the weather influenced insects? This article by MSU’s Dr. Christina DiFonzo focuses on field pests but could be extrapolated to your yard and garden.
Cool and wet equal Botrytis.
Ten things to do with garlic scapes.
Not going to plant part of your garden? The thing about growing a cover crop on that area.
Stay away from Poison Hemlock and Wild Parsnip.
Apple scab and frogeye leafspot.
Fletcher scale can be found on yews, arborvitae and a wide range of other plants.
Periodical cicada general information but listeners around Ann Arbor will have to wait a couple of years. You can identify Michigan species and hear their songs here.
Don’t park under a Magnolia tree infested with scale.
Fletcher scale can be found on yews, arborvitae and a wide range of other plants.
Black root rot in ornamentals.
Gloria in Jackson‘s maple had a large branch break off near a long-occurring hollow in the tree. Here’s information on tree cavities and how to contact a certified arborist in your area.
Elaine in Bloomfield Hills is battling a tuber forming weed in her myrtle. The first step is to identify the weed. To control the weed you must kill the tuber which can only occur in the fall. Three applications to the leaves of the weed, two weeks apart beginning in mid-September, using products containing triclopyr or glyphosate with a herbicide wick/rope/sponge applicator should work.
Sandra in Riley’s Wolf River apple tree is standing in water. Sandra, I would suggest seeing if the tree survives and then transplanting it next spring to higher ground.
Timothy in Novi wondered about watering trees newly planted in a berm.
Tim in Temperance may need to move his large quince bush. I would allow some of the young shoots at the outside of the shrub to root and transplant them to a holding area this fall after we’ve had some killing frosts. Here are some transplanting tips. (More information)
Russ in West Bloomfield‘s tenants were concerned that fertilizers and lawn care products posed a risk to their pets. Check the labels – most materials suggest keeping pets and people off the treated areas for 24 to 48 hours after application while other materials should be watered in and then the grass allowed to dry. To reduce exposure to fertilizer you can grow a very satisfactory lawn applying slow-release fertilizer only twice per year. Spot treat weeds instead of using a weed and feed or lawn wide applications. Lastly,you can wash the animal’s paws after they’ve been on the lawn.
Dave in Howell was dealing with standing water even though a French drain had been installed. It’s possible that drain was plugged or too small for the amount of rain we’re getting. Another option would be to install a rain garden.
Kenny in Macomb was fighting moss and weeds in his yard and weeds in his mother’s lawn. The first step is to identify the weeds and control measures here. Second, concentrate on increasing the vigor of the turf using the information here. Getting rid of the moss may be difficult because of the shade from the neighbor’s trees, however, if you can’t work with the neighbors to thin the trees using a more shade tolerant grass might help.
Don wanted a certified organic insecticide with a broad range of control. Products contain Spinosad fit the bill.
Dan in Jackson wondered why his begonias weren’t growing. Begonias do well only after night temperatures reach 60 degrees of higher and we haven’t gotten there yet.
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Kim Parr, Director of the Crocker House Museum and the Macomb County Historical Society was my guest talking about the annual Garden Walk and Breakfast, Saturday, June 29, 9 am – 4 pm.
USDA 2012 Plant Hardiness Zone Map is now interactive and much more detailed.
A new variety of Callery pear, Chastity, that is 99.14% sterile.
Bill in Farmington has a steep lawn that is dangerous to mow. Here are some ideas; Article 1, Article 2, Article 3, Native plant list from MSU.
Integrated Pest Management information from homeowners from MSU.
Want to grow lavender? Here are tips from MSU and an online course will be available soon.
Biocontrol of Marmorated Stink bugs arrives in US on it’s own.
A Daisy that produces pheromones that scare aphids away and attracts ladybugs?
Yucca plant bug can cause severe damage.
Love garlic? Garlic scapes are wonderful.
Fuzzy patches on beech trees – Erineum mites.
More information on Sycamore Anthracnose.
Weird leaf structures – Hydrangea leaftier and fern leaftier.
Information on protecting pollinators from Purdue.
University of Kentucky vegetable production videos for homeowners.
Something was digging holes in Rose from Warren‘s mulch. Sounds like 13-Lined Ground Squirrels.
Al in Canton wondered about using a weed and feed product on his lawn. I suggested identifying the weed and spot applying an appropriate weed killer at the proper time.
Edie in Grosse Pointe Woods wondered how deep maple roots can penetrate. Most roots are found within the top 3 feet of the soil but can penetrate deeper.
The problem for Jamie in New Baltimore wasn’t how deep roots penetrate, but what to do with roots growing at the surface. The first step is to identify the tree. Here’s information from Texas A and M on how to change the grade around a tree.
Sandy in Irish Hills transplanted a rose and now the plant grows long shoots but doesn’t flower. I think the scion died and the undershoot has taken over. The way to tell is to look for 7-leaflet leaves along the entire shoot. Hybrid tea roses have either 5-leaflet or 3-leaflet leaves.
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The peonies at Nichol‘s arboretum are at about 40% bloom.
Powdery mildew is showing up on a range of plants. (More info)
Keep an eye out for spittlebugs.
Striped and spotted cucumber beetles are out as is Colorado potato beetle.
Plant leaves turning purple? Could be phosphorus deficiency caused by cold.
More information about preventing tick bites.
Lace bug damage on Silver linden.
Scarlet Oak Sawfly attacks a wide range of oaks.
Lumpy bags on your plants? The time to control bagworms is coming up.
Oak anthracnose and shothole leaf miner.
Four-Lined Plant Bug damage is starting.
Your patio or house covered with red, moving spots? Your eyes aren’t tricking you its either concrete mites or clover mites.
Vegetable scouting app from the University of Kentucky.
More information on fire blight on ornamental pears.
Carol in Utica is worried about her Sycamore which hasn’t leafed out. It’s probably a disease called anthracnose. (More info)
Grace in Utica wondered if when she could trim the outside branches of her silver maple to increase light to her turf. You can prune almost anytime as long as you follow proper techniques however, I would suggest contacting a certified arborist to see about thinning the tree which will improve tree health and increase light penetration.
Joe in Canton was concerned about the dark spots on his tree. Certain diseases impact specific trees so identifying the tree under attack is the first step. Oak anthracnose mentioned above is a possibility while if it was a maple later in the year I would suspect tar spot. In either case, contact the MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory about submitted a sample.
Eileen in Macomb wanted to control poison ivy on a lake bank. Poison ivy is very difficult to control because it is a perennial and you have to fill the root. Applications in September, October, and November if there is still active leaf surface present are most effective. Because all these materials are very water soluble, use extreme care if spraying so no material gets into the lake, runoff, if applied too close to a rain event, is also to be avoided. I suggested using a wipe applicator.
David in Clay Township is battling 13-Lined Ground Squirrels which isn’t easy. I would suggest using repellents first and then traps and/or baits. If you want to make bait stations use 1 1/2 inch of PVC pipe instead of the 1/2 inch as suggests here for vole control. As Bob in Petersburg and I discussed fumigants should never be used around inhabited buildings.
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Information on rose rosette disease. Rose rosette is caused by a virus so the only way to confirm the disease, is to submit a sample to MSU’s Diagnostic Laboratory.
Sudden Oak Death found in Indiana. This is a new, non-native disease that shouldn’t be confused with oak wilt.
Find something strange? Here’s where to report it; Great Lakes Early Detection Network, hosted by the University of Georgia and the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network, hosted by Michigan State University.
Some interesting preliminary work on developing bio insect repellents.
I posted information about crayfish making mud chimneys in lawns last week. Here’s information about the Michigan species.
Elms are under attack by galls, sawflies, and weevils.
Check trees (especially honeylocust) and shrubs for Calico Scale crawlers. If you see them it’s time to apply controls.
Fire Blight remains a problem.
Videos for home fruit growers from the University of Kentucky.
Judy in Chelsea is fighting Canada Thistle, a non-native extremely hard to control weed. Continued mowing or using burn-down herbicides to remove the leaves of the plant will reduce its vigor. However, control is only achieved by killing the roots which means applying a translocating herbicide multiple times in September and October.
I think Mary in Farmington‘sGolden Vicary Privet will come back very well after suffering winter kill. Just prune out the dead and winter damaged branches and the new shoots will grow very quickly.
Jim from New Vienna Ohio wondered about adding organic matter to clay soils. The ease of the movement of water and oxygen into soil is determined by the proportions of large and small pores. The ratio of large (quick movement of water and oxygen) pores to small pores (slow water and oxygen movement), the infiltration rate, is determined by the proportion of sand, silt, and clay (the soil texture). Adding organic matter does two things; first, large organic particles in the soil increase the proportion of large pores. Second, as organic matter breaks down, the humic acids and other chemicals released act like glue to bind small soil particles into large ones which changes the soil structure to increase the proportion of large pores. The problem comes when this porous soil is surrounded by unamended clay. Here, water moves very quickly through the large pores until it hits the small clay pores and builds up (I call it the bathtub effect). The large pores are filled with water which prevents roots from getting oxygen and they literally drown. Even deeply amended beds are susceptible during heavy rain events or overwatering. Adding drain lines will prevent the problem or in most cases, suggest planting into the native clay soil so that water doesn’t infiltrate so rapidly into the root zone. Don’t dig or otherwise work clay roils when they are too wet.
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The Ann Arbor Garden Walk will be held June 8, 10-4.
The Mount Clemens Crocker House Garden Walk and Breakfast will be held 9-4, June 29.
Here’s a course on mushroom identification.
Natural enemies of stink bugs?
Time to plant? Check MSU’s Enviorweather for soil temperatures Usually soil temperatures 4 inches deep have to be 60 degrees or higher for best seed germination.
Native Michigan Bees and the Flowers They Love, June 8. Gennessee County MSU Extension, Register here.
Cool or warm, wet weather means slugs.
Potato leafhoppers have been showing up after strong Southern winds.
Looking for really cool photos for your monitor wallpaper or screensaver? Here’s some from the USDA.
Bacillus thruingiensis (Bt) can help control gypsy moth and other caterpillars.
Warm wet weather is ideal for Botrytis especially on peony.
Maple leaves all over your lawn? Probably maple petiole borer.
Mud chimneys (not volcanoes) in moist areas? Volcanoes in your lawn? It’s a mole.
Yellow Rocket and Cressleaf Groundsel.
Volutella blight on boxwood.
Great bulletin on shade tree anthracnose.
Kathleen in Milan‘s “Beauty of Moscow” lilac hasn’t budded out. Even though it’ listed as hardy to Zone 3, I’m leaning toward cold damage from the -20-degree temperatures in January. Another possibility is water standing around the roots due to our heavy rains.
Kathy in Clinton Township wanted to identify Michigan trees. I suggest the National Audubon Society’s and Peterson Field Guides Eastern editions. Trees in Michigan by Linda Kershaw (Lone Pine Press) is also useful. MSU’s Dr. Robert Schutzki has written an excellent bulletin, here’s a site for the UP and a great app.
Leaf spots are a common plant disease symptom as Bill in Romulus pointed out. However different organism cause Maple tar spot and tomatoes.
Here’s the latest information on late blight resistant tomato varieties.
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Here’s a great guide to controlling fruit insects and diseases.
Want to become USDA Certified Organic? Here’s how.
Why are my pine trees turning brown?
Mowing some of your milkweed may increase Monarch butterfly egg laying and other research from MSU.
Interested in biodegradable plastic mulch? Here’s information.
Asiatic Garden Beetle grub damage is starting to become a problem.
Watch out for European Paper Wasps.
The fascinating Erophyid Bladder Galls and Oak Galls.
Bristly Rose Slug is becoming a major problem.
Cool, wet Spring weather is ideal for Anthracnose.
Look out for Wild Parsnip and Poison Hemlock.
Pick the right spot for Dogwood Trees.
That slimy, black stuff may be Nostoc.
Finding the right mosquito/tick repellents for you and how to prevent ticks from getting on you.
Gary in Bloomfield wanted to prune his boxwoods. Article 2.
Rose from Upper Sandusky, Ohio wondered about the shoots coming from the understock of her tree peony.
Mark from Franklin had just planted azaleas in his yard. Because they require a soil pH between 5.0 and 6.0 getting the soil tested is critical.
Al just installed arborvitae at his home in Taylor. Here’s information on planting trees (and shrubs) and winter protection.
Bob in Southgate wanted to get rid of the dandelions in his yard.
Dave in Wyandotte had saved peach and plum pits and apple seeds and wanted to germinate them.
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According to my guest Bob Tritten, MSU Fruit Educator, this year’s fruit crop looks OK but is developing slowly. Here’s a list of fruit growers in Southeast Michigan.
The MSU Horticulture Gardens 2019 Plant Sale is Friday, May 17th (for members only!) and Saturday, May 18th for the public.
Flower Day at Detroit Eastern Market is Sunday, May 19th.
Million Pollinator Garden Challenge.
Gypsy moth, White Pine Blister Rust, Winter Injury and Mosquitoes, Oh My.
More information on Spotted Lanternfly.
Keep an eye out for black cutworms.
Boxwood Leafminer Flys will be emerging soon.
James in South Lyon was concerned about tunnels he found under the back of Elm firewood. My guess is that these are caused by Elm Borer, but there are many insects that will infect firewood.
Teddy in St. Clair Shores is fighting Creeping Charlie with some real challenges. There are only two opportunities for controlling Creeping Charlie, when it’s flowering and then the best time in the fall. You shouldn’t apply any material when the ground is saturated or there is free water because these materials are very soluble and overspray may move into the water. Make sure you apply the recommended amount by measuring the area to be treated and then follow the directions exactly. The most effective control material contains triclopyr but it’s also the most expensive. Keep pets and children off the treated area for 24 hours or until it’s completely dry and for a day or two you can wash your dog’s paws after its been outside. Creeping Charlie can spread a long way so talk to your neighbors about everyone treating at the same time.
Don in Lansing‘s isn’t getting the amount of fruit he should because the fruit drops off early. Here’s excellent information on growing apples from the University of Maine that discusses fruit drop problems and here’s information from other universities (Article 2, Article 3) Here’s information on how to prune peach and plum trees and an excellent guide to disease and insect control.
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Releaf Michigan’s Big Tree Hunt nominations must be in by September 13, 2019. Here’s how to enter and here’s a list of Michigan’s record trees. Here’s a smartphone app that will help identify the tree or you can go here.
Fortunately or unfortunately depending upon how you look at it, we have a lot of information on flooding effects on landscape plants and turf. Article 1 and Article 2.
Lots of great things happening at Hidden Lake Gardens and Matthaei Botanic Gardens.
If you don’t have a favorite farmer’s Market, here’s a list. More information.
Check your spruces (especially Blue Spruce) for rust symptoms.
Herbicide-resistant weeds in Michigan.
Most of these broad-spectrum vegetable fungicides are labeled for commercial use, however, some are available to homeowners.
Are you handling your garden produce in a safe manner? Here’s how commercial farmers do it.
Tree moats and volcano mulch, great ways to kill trees.
Growing Degree Days are recorded on Enviorweather are a good way to monitor insect development. Here’s excellent information from OSU’s Dr. Dan Harms.
Calico scale is becoming active which isn’t a good thing.
Positive news about Spotted Lantern Fly?
Check for Pine Needle Scale crawlers.
Frost cracks in young and smooth-barked trees.
Mike in Novi called to remind everyone that a window for controlling Creeping Charlie is opening soon.
Moss in their lawns was on the minds of Kenny in Macomb and Billy in Hillsdale. Moss thrives in areas with too shady for grass to grow vigorously so the first approach is to trim trees and shrubs that are shading the area. I always suggest consulting an arborist before doing major tree trimming. Moss grows well in wet areas where grass isn’t competitive so raising the height of your lawn by applying thin (1/4 inch) layers of screened topsoil repeatedly. A final approach is to install drain lines.
The shrubs in Tom’s Livonia yard were being eaten by deer. If your putting in a new landscape or replacing plants here’s a list of deer-resistant ornamentals. Vertical and horizontal fence barriers may help. Repellents can be effective but you must reapply them frequently and you may need to try several before finding one or more that work.
Kathleen‘s female dog was causing dead spots in her lawn. The best approach is to teach the dog to use rocks or mulch to cover one area in the lawn and train the dog to do her business there. If the spots are small you can allow the surrounding grass to cover them, lightly raking the area and a little fertilizer will speed up the process. The combination seed and mulch products works well, however, the new grass may not be the same shade of your older lawn.
David in Warren wanted information about controlling crabgrass after it’s germinated.
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My guest next week will be Lara Edwards, Programs and Development Coordinator, ReLeaf Michigan, who will be talking about their Big Tree Hunt.
When should I plant? Here’s information on frost-free dates in Michigan.
Allow soil to dry before planting.
Time to start spraying to prevent apple scab. Article 1, Article 2, Article 3. Use Enviroweather data to time sprays.
Apple scab resistant crabapple varieties. Article 1, Article 2, Article 3, Article 4
Potato disease videos aimed at farmers but useful to homeowners too; Video 1, Video 2, Video 3, Video 4
Don’t freak out about the “Kissing Bug”, an excellent article by OSU’s Joe Boggs.
Bark reddening of Sycamore and London Plane trees.
Why the mites that spread Rose Rosette Virus are so hard to control.
My tree or shrub has mutated! Or is it a problem with a graft?
Four-Line Plant Bug will be showing up soon.
Heavy seed loads on maples: Late freeze effects or synchronous masting?
Improve your salads by growing your greens.
Aliens attacking my plants? Probably a type of rust.
Eleanore of Bloomfield Hills is having problems with pachysandra Soil pH controls that availability of iron to plants. Simple pH testing kits work well – follow the directions exactly for best results. I have found the electronic pH testing equipment that you stick into the soil a bit variable due to different soil moisture contents. Iron chelate sprays can give you a quick indication if soil pH is the problem but aren’t a solution. If pH is the cause of the yellowing there are a range of ways to correct it.
Dan is having disease problems with his pines. The first step is to positively identify the cause since control measures and timing vary with the disease. Once the casual organism is identified, there may be several brands that contain the recommended active ingredient.
Laura from Northville was concerned browning of white pines up North. White pines are very susceptible to salt spray damage and it’s especially noticeable on the sides of the trees facing the road. Another problem is the long periods of drought we’ve been experiencing.
Peggy in Belleville‘s euonymus is thinning out and apparently infested with euonymus scale and crown gall. Fortunately, both problems can be improved by pruning out the old, infested stems and allowing the new shoots to take over.
Larry in Rockwood wondered how to prune his junipers.
Pat was wondering why her peony leaves turned black during the summer. The usual culprits are Peony Leaf Blotch or Botrytis blight.
Tom in St. Clair Shores wanted to replace a tree in his front yard. Article 1, Article 2,
Barb in Brighton was being plagued by what looked like horns growing out of the ground that smelled terrible and attracted hordes of flies. Not that latest low budget horror film but probably skunk cabbage, which while smelly is a fascinating plant that provides bees with must need pollen early in the Spring. A systemic herbicide applied late in the fall with control growth.
Larence in Clinton Township had what sounded like Oystershell scale on his lilacs.
Ann in Ann Arbor wanted to get rid of English ivy taking over her lilacs without using conventional herbicides. Digging up as much of the ivy roots as possible without harming the lilac root is the first step. Then I would put down heavy duty, woven weed mat (not plastic sheet that won’t allow water and oxygen to move into the soil). Shoots will emerge at laps and other gaps so using a contact herbicide (some are organic) whenever they are seen will eventually starve out the root.
Bob in Manchester wanted to control the crabgrass in his lawn. I suggested he concentrate on thickening his lawn especially performing core aeration in case of a restricted root zone.
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My guest, Melissa Rugh, an occupational therapist and athletic training at the DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan and an avid gardener suggests a wide range of approaches to preventing and treating gardening injuries. Here is more information.
Lilies (including Easter Lilies, Daylilies, Stargazers, etc) are very toxic to cats.
Nancy from Farmington Hills wanted information on how to solarize her garden soil to kill weeds and some pathogens. Here’s information from the University of California, however, be aware that because Michigan has less sun and cooler temperatures you need to use black plastic instead of clear.
MSU’s Heidi Lindberg recommends that you pile organic refuse from Spring cleanups of perennials and ornamental grasses on top of your compost pile to allow beneficial insects that overwinter in this material time to emerge.
Everyone who sells non-native aquatic plants, crayfish, snails/mussels, turtles, amphibians and other aquatic organisms in Michigan must be registered with the State of Michigan and display their license and here are the aquatic species prohibited from sale in Michigan.
Polly from Whitmore Lake wanted information on spruce decline. Here are some recommended alternatives to spruces for Michigan.
The Insecticide Options for Controlling Emerald Ash Borer fact sheet has been updated. Here’s the latest information.
Boxwood blight is a new threat but old insects, diseases and environmental issues still cause problems.
For all the Buckeye listeners here’s how to get Growing Degree Day information for your area.
Dave in Mt Clemons called about transplanting and dividing peonies. Late August or early September is the optimum time to move/divide the plants because the root system will become established in the new location before the ground freezes. However, peonies can be moved/divided anytime if necessary. Just remember that the root system won’t be fully developed for two growing seasons to pay special attention to watering. Contrary to what it sounded like, you can fertilize peonies, especially ones becoming established after the flower has bloomed.
Henry from St Clair Shores was trying to determine if there was any way to save a large number of mature pines up North. From the symptoms he described it sounds like white pine blister rust, however, a true diagnosis should be done by a plant pathologist.
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Spotted Laternfly isn’t here yet but it’s coming, and it likes lots of our favorite plants. Here is more information.
The Michigan Gardener is a wonderful source of gardening information written by local experts and it’s free! Get a copy at your local greenhouse or nursery or go here.
Time to apply crabgrass pre-emerge? Here’s a great article by MSU’s Dr. Kevin Frank. Dr. Grank mentions using forsythia as an indicator plant; however, if your forsythia lost it’s flower buds due to last winter’s cold, GDD Tracker will help.
Not sure if crabgrass is the problem? Go here to identify what’s in your lawn.
Don’t prune oaks to prevent the spread of Oak Wilt.
Tips of your pines and spruce all over the ground? Probably Red Squirrels. If the bark is being stripped other squirrel species could be the problem.
White Pine Weevil will be showing up soon.
Purple Deadnettle is not one of my favorite flowers.
Soil Mining Bees are important pollinators and aren’t aggressive. Here’s a great article.
Steve from Swartz Creek wanted to get rid of Marmorated Stink Bugs in the home. Use a vacuum cleaner or a light trap.
Steve also wanted information on stopping suckers (shoots) on the bottom of trees. You can physically remover them (best done when they’re very small) or use a material containing Ethyl 1-naphthaleneacetate. There are two products labeled in Michigan Tre-Hold made by AMVAC Chemical Corporation and Sucker Stopper RTU produced by Monterey Lawn and Garden. Follow the instructions so the material will be effective without harming the tree.
Considering hiring an arborist? Here’s how.
Sweet, hot, chilli, chilli, chile? Confused about peppers? So am I but MSU’s Ben Phillips will sort everything out here.
Thinking about adding a new landscape or redoing an older one? Consider incorporation wild-fire resistant plants.
Colleen from Rochester called about what sounded like black knot on her cherry tree. I misspoke in saying the disease is caused by bacteria, in fact, it is a fungus.
Bethany from Mount Clemens wanted to find a new home for her heirloom peonies while Ralph in Grass Lake wondered how to prevent the flowers from bending over after a rain. We talked about putting a cage around them, I tie them up using twine around the entire clump or putting a piece of 4 x 4 netting over the shoots just as they emerge and then raising the netting as the plant elongates. I forgot to mention that stems may be weak if the clump is too crowded so dividing the plant will increase stem strength. Here’s more information on peonies. A very large peony collection is located in UM’s Nicols Arboretum.
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Chase the winter blues, get great gardening ideas and maybe a few plants at the MSU Student Horticulture Association’s 30th Annual Spring Show and Sale in the Plant and Soil Sciences Building on MSU’s campus. The show is open from 9 am until 6 pm on Saturday, April 13 and from 10 am until 4 pm on Sunday, April 14. For more information, click here.
Boxwood blight has been confirmed in Michigan. Here’s more information on this very serious disease from MSU Extension.
Spotted Laternfly isn’t here yet but it’s coming, and it likes lots of our favorite plants. Here’s more information.
The Michigan Gardener is a wonderful source of gardening information written by local experts and it’s free! Get a copy at your local greenhouse or nursery or click here.
Time to apply crabgrass pre-emerge? Here’s a great article by MSU’s Dr. Kevin Frank. Dr. Frank mentions using forsythia as an indicator plant; however, if your forsythia lost it’s flower buds due to last winter’s cold, GDD Tracker will help.
Not sure if crabgrass is the problem? Go here to identify what’s in your lawn.
Don’t prune oaks to prevent the spread of Oak Wilt.
Here are some plants that will do well in place of boxwoods.
This publication from the University of Georgia lists a wide range of plants, however, before buying check to see if they are hardy in the Midwest.
CONTACT DR. DEAN KRAUSKOPF