MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Blueberry Bushes - Pruning Questions

Question: Hi, We moved to Cary (7B) in January from Florida, and our new backyard features a pair of very nice Blueberry bushes (see attached photos). I have your Information Leaflet 8207, and I am not sure if these are Highbush or Rabbit Eye. I also do not know what "year" these are (second, third etc). Anyway, right now the plentiful berries are on the lower branches. There is also about 12-18 inches of new growth shooting straight upwards vertically from the top of the bushes. I hear that as the berries ripen, we will likely get visited by birds, bunnies, etc. We could certainly get some netting that I could surround/cover them with. However the top new growth makes that difficult. I am wondering if these bushes need pruning either now, or in the fall/winter, or what? Thanks!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 12, 2023, 10:23 AM EDT
response: Your bushes certainly look happy!   Both the highbush and rabbiteye types grow well in North Carolina.  In comparison to highbush, rabbiteye is more widely adapted to different soil types, can tolerate higher pH, and has a lower chilling requirement so that it will bloom earlier than highbush; this can make them more susceptible to late spring frosts.  The rabbiteye also grows much taller than highbush.   While it is generally advisable to prune in the winter, pruning off those tall shoots now will not harm the plant and it does not look like you will lose out on much, if any, fruit by removing them.  However, do not prune in late summer or in the fall as this could set them up for winter injury. After you cover your plants with netting to protect them from birds and other animals, check them every day or so.  Sometimes birds (or snakes) can get caught in the netting and will die if action isn't taken.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 12, 2023, 10:41 AM EDT
response: Can you tell from the photos if these are highbush or rabbiteye? (I am mostly just curious). These had flowers pretty early in spring, if I recall correctly. Also, the PH in this area showed as 6.1 when I had it tested in April. And, I will certainly check any netting etc every day if I decide to use it. Thanks for your thoughtful response.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 12, 2023, 11:53 AM EDT
response: I have searched around to see if there is any easy way to identify the different types of blueberries but other than general descriptions of bloom time and eventual height, there does not seem to be a any easy way of distinguishing between rabbiteye and high bush, especially since both types do well in North Carolina.   I have shared your pictures with fellow master gardener volunteers just in case someone has specific expertise and will let you know if I find out anything, but I think it will be difficult to id from just a photo.
Drunken cauliflower and overfriendly cabbages

Question: Some of the cauliflower are leaning to one side - I can't detect any damage to the stem and the leaves are not limp, but there are more and more that look like they've just been to the pub and had a little too much to drink. Then some of the cabbages have turned one or more leaf over as if waving to a friend. No leaves are limp, plants look healthy but leaning and turning leaves over are worrying, not normal. A grower friend suggested magnesium deficiency so we just sprayed with an epsom salt solution.

responder: Melanie,  UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer  Replied June 14, 2023, 11:19 AM EDT
response: Hi Miriam, Thank you for contacting the UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline and providing photos of your party-happy plants! I consulted with Ann Hazelrigg, UVM Plant Pathologist and her observations from the photos are that your plants look healthy and green. If there was a fungus such as wirestem or if there was a root maggot, the plants would have some dieback (which they do not). The most likely explanation is an abiotic factor which is defined as a non-living part of an ecosystem that shapes its environment, for example, the weather. Our recent fluctuations in temperature, amount of sunlight and rain can all affect the growth and health of plants. In general, these plants like full sun (at least 6 hours), grow best when temperatures are between 60 and 65 degrees, likes soil with a neutral ph (6.0-6.8) and require consistent moisture. The plants should be spaced 12-18” between plants in rows spaced 2-3’ apart. The following are websites providing additional info for growing cauliflower and cabbage: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1613https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1611   Another possibility for this “drunked” behavior is the cultivar of the cauliflower or cabbage which will influence its mode of growth. A soil test would be helpful and based on the results, implement any recommendations, e.g. adding organic matter, correcting pH, applying fertilizer, etc.. Instructions for taking the soil sample and the form are on the following website: https://www.uvm.edu/extension/agricultural-and-environmental-testing-lab. This would determine if there was a magnesium issue but  magnesium deficiencies usually manifest themselves as yellowing between the leaf veins and this is not evident from the photos. The epsom salts that you applied will not harm anything. I hope this helps and hopefully your plants sober up!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 14, 2023, 11:26 AM EDT
response: Hi Melanie, I have a friend who is a grower out west and she was the one who suggested the epsom salts. It took care of the problem! So you can add that to the list of symptoms of magnesium deficiency - drunken waving and drunken leaning!Thanks for answering my inquiry,MiriamOn Wed, 14 Jun 2023 at 11:19, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Melanie,  UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer  Replied June 14, 2023, 11:33 AM EDT
response: Hi Miriam, Thank you for the info and It's wonderful that your plants have sobered up! Melanie
Maintenance and upkeep?

Question: Also roses and crape myrtles

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 12, 2023, 11:18 AM EDT
response: Hello; Thanks for submitting your garden and landscaping questions to the University of Maryland Ask Extension Service.  Your question about roses and crape myrtles is kinda vague. Do you want information about pruning these plants? Answers to pests and diseases they are susceptible to? General care information? Please clarify what you are concerned about. Thanks; Christopher

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 12, 2023, 2:08 PM EDT
response: Sending photos again;1. As you can see in the photo the roses already have severe insect infestation…I want a plan for general maintenance and bug eradication.2. Regarding the crape myrtle…the leaves are only slightly bruised by a white power…I believe the insects will be coming soon as they arrived in previous years severely effecting the flowers…only short blooming season last year.How can I protect both garden plants?On Mon, Jun 12, 2023 at 11:18 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 12, 2023, 10:22 PM EDT
response: Hello; Thanks for submitting your garden and landscaping questions to the University of Maryland Ask Extension Service.  Your crape myrtle has powdery mildew fungus growing on the leaves of your shrub. This is a common problem for crape myrtles, but some varieties are resistant to this disease. See this UMd Extension webpage on powdery mildew: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/powdery-mildew-disease-trees-and-shrubs. Things to do: Thin out foliage to allow for better airflow through the foliage. If your crape is not too large you can try spraying infected leaves with horticultural oil. This will temporarily seal the fungus on the leaves of the plant and smother the fungus but not injure the foliage.   Roses are commonly affected by rose slugs which are responsible for producing holes and shredding leaves of roses. See this UMd Extension webpage on rose slug sawflies   https://extension.umd.edu/resource/rose-identify-and-manage-problems. Things to do: With a pair of scissors or clippers, cut away severely damaged rose foliage and dispose into yard waste recycling. Spray remaining rose foliage with horticultural oil or Spinosad insect spray, but be careful to keep Spinosad spray away from rose flowers, and keep your roses well watered over the summer. Spend time learning about this insect pest and look for slugs on leaf foliage where new damage is observed.   Good luck with your landscape plants. Thanks; Christopher
A lot of yellow/white leaves interspursed on elm tree

Question: I have an approximate 70 foot elm tree and there is an even dispersion of white/yellow leaves throughout the full canopy.   The problem seems most similar to Elm Leafminer but it's really hard for me to tell.  I am considering cutting a branch off and seeing if there are any bugs.   If this is a Leafminer issue, is it a huge problem that will need to be treated?  Other trees that are close don't have this issue so it's making me doubt that this is the problem.  Any ideas?
Attached is a small sample size but this is what everything in the canopy looks like.

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 12, 2023, 8:10 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Branden,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  Based on your photo, my first thought is Dutch elm disease: https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/dutch-elm-disease Is your elm a resistant variety?  Here is a link to the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website: https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/elm/index.html The above information is the result of "What's wrong with my plant?". Please review the information to see what the issue might be for your elm.  Here is a link that discusses leafminers: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/leafminers Based on this information, I do not believe the problem is leafminers.  Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 12, 2023, 10:43 AM EDT
response: Hello, thank you so much for your very speedy reply.   In light of the thoughts that this could be Dutch Elm disease, I went ahead and cut down a couple of small effected branches to see under the bark and try to verify the diagnosis.   Fortunately enough, the peeled back bark looked healthy, as far as my untrained eye could tell.  I took some pictures of these cut down branches and it looks like there are a lot of aphid cocoons but I don't think those hurt the tree so maybe they are just a red herring? As for Dutch Elm disease, a lot of the pictures I have seen are of sections of the tree dying off.  I hadn't seen where every 5th to 10th leaf throughout the tree is damaged/fully turned white or yellow.Also another note: over the last week, the elm has dropped a lot of yellow and brown crunchy leaves on the lawn.Do you have a good resource for how to determined what variety I have?   From what I can tell, it isn't a resistant variety but it's hard to tell.   It looks like a non-resistant form.

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 12, 2023, 11:01 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Branden,  Here is a link to the U of M Plant Disease Clinic: https://pdc.umn.edu/ You could submit a sample to the Disease Clinic to see what the problem is. This would also solve whether your tree is resistant to Dutch elm or not.
Bing cherry problem

Question: Hi. I have a Bing cherry that was planted as a bare root in 2010, transplanted in 2011. It has not fruited. In the past two years we've noticed that after its leafed out the leaves start to turn brown. We have a small fairly mature orchard of apple, cherry, quince, peach, and pear. They are not watered.  I've uploaded three photos. What's the problem and how do I fix it. Thanks.

responder: Jay W. Pscheidt, PhD, Professor  Replied June 12, 2023, 1:29 PM EDT
response: You may have multiple things happening here. First, if you want fruit you will have to have a pollenizer along with the Bing. There are open pollinated as opposed to self pollinated. You might have to plant a companion tree for that. Have a look here: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec819  Next, the images show leaves that have had deformities and galls that are now turning necrotic. What you are seeing is likely the cousin to peach leaf curl. Similar fungus but in cherry you get a whitches broom that will not produce much if any fruit. The branches are shorter than normal, thickened at the base and get so heavy they hand down from the tree after several years growth. These need to be pruned out of the tree. For more information on this: https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/cherry-prunus-spp-witches-broom

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 14, 2023, 12:09 PM EDT
response: Jay, Yep. I think you nailed it. We also have English Morello, Rainier Colt, and Black Republican cherries. When I selected and planted these and the other fruit trees I did read OSU’s Growing Tree Fruits and Nuts in the Home Orchard – 2007. Nice to read the 2015 revision except when I download the PDF the graphics don’t show.  The tree is pretty trashed. We’ll probably take it out and replace it with a Montmorency; we had one, but the voles got it.  Thanks for your help.  From: ask=<personal data hidden> [mailto:ask=<personal data hidden>] On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Monday, June 12, 2023 10:30 AMTo: mehillSubject: Re: Bing cherry problem (#0105021)
Garlic plant

Question: I harvested about 45 garlic plants today and one of the looks very different from the others.  It looks like it divided into many separate cloves.  I noticed 4 more that looked the same so I left them in the bed.   Should I leave them in the bed and should I re-plant the one I pulled up?  Did I do something wrong when I planted the cloves in October? thanks in advance for your help.

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 13, 2023, 10:43 AM EDT
response: Hi- bulbs will split if left in the ground too long. Bulb splitting can also be caused by a variety of environmental factors like low soil moisture. Having a few split bulbs is not that uncommon.  The cloves in the photo appear to be in an unusual pattern. It looks like the bulb cover leaves may have been damaged or didn't grow normally causing the cloves to develop outside.  Do you know the cultivar? Hardneck or softneck? Are the affected plants scattered or in one area? Can you send a photo of a normal bulb next to a split bulb? Thanks, Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 13, 2023, 3:41 PM EDT
response: ﻿﻿Hi Jon,Thanks for your quick reply. The variety is Music (hardneck) and maybe German hardneck. I planted both varieties in 2021. Then I picked the largest bulbs to plant last fall.  The Misic bulbs were generally the bigger ones. I tried to keep the varieties separated but they got mixed together.  The split bulb in the photo was on one end of the bed and the other 4 are near each other at the other end.  LisaHave a great day! Have a great day!On Jun 13, 2023, at 10:43 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 13, 2023, 3:53 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the additional information. The root systems of the affected plants are unusually small. It's possible that they were stressed by poor soil conditions, weed competition, close spacing, or some other environmental factors.   We'd suggest harvesting all bulbs and using the small cloves first as they may not store very well.  Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 13, 2023, 4:54 PM EDT
response: Hi Jon, Thanks so much for you help. We will start with those small cloves first.   I really appreciate having access to Ask Extension.  I’ve benefited greatly from this feature.  Gratefully, Lisa   Have a great day!
Can you identify this bug!

Question: This red and black bug keeps biting me. They are on our azaleas and Google has not led me to what they could be.

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 12, 2023, 1:41 PM EDT
response: Hello! Thank you for your inquiry and photos. The insect shown here is an azalea plant bug (its scientific name is Rhinocapsus vanduzeei). They do bite people, mainly when folks are tending to their azaleas, but the bites are not considered dangerous in any way, just a nuisance. Wearing long sleeves, long pants and gardening gloves while working in your azaleas should be effective in preventing the bites. The good news is that azalea plant bugs tend to die out for the year in our area by mid July, so they won't be around too much longer at this point. In addition, as soon as the azaleas have stopped blooming, these insects move on to feed on other plants, such as raspberries and a variety of ornamental trees and shrubs such as spirea and plum.  Below is a link with more information on azalea plant bugs.  https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/azalea-plant-bug  I hope this is helpful.  ~ Karin

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 12, 2023, 9:09 PM EDT
response: Thanks! I must be allergic or sensitive to them because the bites have turned into huge welts. They are mean! I hope they move on. Our azaleas stopped blooming a month ago, but they don't seem like they want to let me prune them :) On Mon, Jun 12, 2023 at 1:41 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 13, 2023, 7:19 AM EDT
response: From what I understand, their bites can commonly form itchy welts - what a nuisance! I'll keep my fingers crossed that your azalea plant bugs skedaddle out of there asap! Take care.  ~ Karin
rose trouble inquiry

Question: Greetings! Our Winnipeg Parks rose bush has been thriving for years, but has just developed an issue. The buds appear compromised, and one portion of the bush is showing some yellowing of the leaves. We haven't seen any insects/pests so far. Any ideas what might be happening? Thanks so much for any insight/guidance. Peace, jason

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 14, 2023, 8:08 PM EDT
response: Hi Jason,  Thank you for writing to CSU Extension about the problems your roses are experiencing.   If you haven't seen signs of insects/pests, I would assume it is either over watering or a nutrient deficiency. With all the rain we have gotten this year it very well could be getting too much water. Try letting it dry out for a few days and check on it after that.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 15, 2023, 11:29 AM EDT
response: Good morning.Thanks so much for your input! Peace,jasonOn Wed, 14 Jun 2023 at 18:08, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Maple tree has string-like things on limb

Question: Maple tree in Bend Oregon has strange string-like things on it this year.  It seems to be harming the tree as the top limbs are becoming bare and the leaves are wilty.  We have had rain and also soaker hose near 12" trunk, which is on every other day for 30 minutes.  Is this a disease? pest? fungus?  or normal?

responder: Amy Jo Detweiler,  Professor and Extension Horticulturist  Replied June 12, 2023, 7:48 PM EDT
response: Hi Lynne,  That is a part of the maple flower.  The samara "helicopter" type fruit may form at the base of the peduncle"string"  if it was pollinated.  Most people don't think about maples as flowering trees but they do flower.  It does look like you tree canopy is a little thin.  I would suggest deep watering less often.  Every 3 days instead of every other.  If the root system is staying too wet it can rot off the root system.  Thanks,  Amy Jo

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 14, 2023, 3:32 PM EDT
response: Interesting...I never knew that about maples.  One last question, there is also a very mature aspen also in the yard about 75 feet away.  Of course, it has suckered and has lots of shoots everywhere which we're constantly removing from the lawn, etc.  There are some shoots by the maple and we remove them from the surface.  Here's the question, could a deeper aspen root be sucking up the water?  Is this why the leaves are wilty?  Or, is it more root rot?   Just curious and wanting another opinion.  Thank you so much for your response and your information.  Always impressed by the OSU extension service.  (-:Lynne MildensteinOn Mon, Jun 12, 2023 at 4:48 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Amy Jo Detweiler,  Professor and Extension Horticulturist  Replied June 19, 2023, 2:45 PM EDT
response: Here's the question, could a deeper aspen root be sucking up the water?  The aspen would not be robbing the water from the maple.  They are using water, but not to the degree of depriving the maple.     Is this why the leaves are wilty? It's very unlikely as the leaf symptoms would be different with drought stress.  The margins of the leaves would be showing signs, which I do not see.   Or, is it more root rot?    the leaf symptoms being displayed are more consisent with the roots being compromised
Ornamental grass care

Question: Hello! Our new house has a number of these grasses. We have just cut off the dead stuff in the spring but they have giant mounds underneath the grass. Can we cut these mounds down to ground level in the fall (or early spring) to promote better growth?

responder: eGardener  Replied June 13, 2023, 1:45 PM EDT
response: Hello Cheri, happy to help. These appear to be prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis), a wonderful mounding grass plant. Here is link to more information about them. You could cut them low in the fall but be careful not to cut back anything live. You might also try doing it in March after the snow melts and before the grass emerges. By later this summer you won't even notice the brown mound underneath them.  I'm including a photo of a whimsical look I gave one of my prairie dropseeds a few years ago. Good-luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 13, 2023, 4:36 PM EDT
response: haha! Love the look. I might have to try that too. Thank you for the info! On Tue, Jun 13, 2023 at 12:45 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: