Query: A number of crape myrtles in our yard are shedding numerous bark. Is that this regular?
Reply: Not solely are crape myrtles with shedding bark regular — however lovely. Typically underneath the outer layer of outdated bark from a 12 months in the past is cream, brown, cinnamon or pinkish new bark including a lot curiosity to native landscapes. Replenishing the bark every year could also be a manner crape myrtle shrubs and bushes defend their trunks from bugs and ailments. Together with the bark, lichens and moss are additionally eliminated so the trunks stay clear and enticing.
Q. A black coating is forming on the floor of the leaves of my gardenia shrub? I attempted to scrub it off with a soapy answer however it’s nonetheless there. What else ought to I do?
A. Rising on the floor of the gardenia leaves is sooty mildew — a fungus. And sure it sticks firmly to the floor of the leaves. The black coating is shaped when the fungus lives on the excreta from scale bugs normally on the stems and undersides of the leaves. A part of your management must be treating for the bugs. management for each the dimensions and sooty mildew could be a horticultural oil spray out there from native backyard facilities. Use it as instructed to spray the foliage and stems. Attempt to discover and hit the bugs with the therapy. The bugs ought to regularly decline and the black coating start to slough off. One other good management is a systemic insecticide discovered at backyard facilities. Some are utilized to the soil to be taken up by the crops and bugs following label directions.
Plant Physician: Leaf-cutting bees in gardens trigger minimal harm, can’t be managed
Q. Crabgrass or related fine-bladed grass is creeping into my gardens. I pull it out however this solely provides a short lived management. Is there one thing simpler to do?
A. Any grass creeping amongst your backyard may very well be an issue and exhausting to bodily take away. Some fine-bladed sorts like bermudagrass have underground runners that keep within the floor while you take away the tops. Pulling is laborious however one management. Fortunately herbicides can be found to spray excessive and round many fascinating backyard plantings. They’re out there at backyard facilities underneath a number of manufacturers and normally labeled for over-the-top use. Examine labels rigorously as to the crops tolerant of the spray and use as instructed. Often these merchandise solely management grasses and wish a few month to be completely efficient. Some require repeat remedies.
Q. When sitting underneath our oak tree we’re generally stung by an antlike insect. What is that this pest and might or not it’s managed?
A. Assembly up with a slender twig ant, additionally known as an elongate or Mexican twig ant, generally is a painful expertise. These generally pests are native to Mexico however now prevalent within the southern states. They’re true ants however have a wasplike look, too. Typically they solely sting when touched as they land in your naked pores and skin. Nonetheless, some outside guests appear to arouse the ants greater than others and get stung as quickly because the ants land. Whereas a nuisance, twig ants could also be helpful by feeding on different bugs and fungal spores. They type small nests in declining tree parts which can be normally effectively out of sight. Perhaps maintaining your bushes trimmed and freed from lifeless twigs and limb parts may assist with management. Sprays don’t seem sensible. Gardeners seem to tolerate these pests and rapidly flick them off after they land on clothes or pores and skin.
Q. I like firespike shrubs however ours are getting too tall and large. Wouldn’t it hurt the crops to provide them a heavy pruning right now of the 12 months?
A. Take the pruners to those shrubs to maintain them in bounds. Trimming throughout summer time goes to take away numerous pink flowering shoots however the crops ought to provoke new progress instantly to flower by the tip of summer time. Since perennial firespike shrubs are very vigorous it’s advisable they be pruned in late February and as wanted all through the rising season.
summer time. (Courtesy of Tom MacCubbin)
Q. A sunny space of my yard wants sod badly. Can I set up it in the course of the summer time rains and can I would like to use a fungicide?
A. Summer time is an effective time so as to add new sod to the sunny areas of the panorama however keep away from shady spots. You get some assist with the watering from the frequent rains and the sod makes fast progress in the course of the scorching climate. Rains that may hold new turf too moist are the issue with shady areas, that are finest sodded throughout drier occasions when you may higher management the water. rule is to water solely as wanted to maintain the brand new turf moist. If every day rains do the job you may keep away from the frequent irrigation wanted till the sod establishes in about 4 weeks. Software of a turf fungicide is advisable as leaf spots and root rot are quite common with new sod as a result of frequent watering and rains.
Q. I do know it’s tomato planting time however how lengthy do I actually need to get the crops within the floor?
A. Strive to not delay planting previous the primary few weeks of September. Do not forget that days develop shorter and the climate turns into cooler in the course of the fall months. Beneath these circumstances tomato crops might have 90 days or extra to supply the primary harvest. If you’re going to be late getting tomatoes within the floor or containers, choose massive transplants that must be in bloom by early October when flowering and fruit set is finest.
Tom MacCubbin is an city horticulturist emeritus with the College of Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Write him: Orlando Sentinel, P.O. Field 2833, Orlando, FL. 32802. E-mail: TomMac1996@aol.com.