MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Possible leaf miner damage

Question: Hello, I think I’m columbines are being eaten by a leaf miner bug. What kind of treatment or control do you suggest? It’s pretty extensive.

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 July 17, 2023, 2:56 PM EDT
response: Yes, this is classic leafminer damage, but fortunately it's not a serious threat to the plant's long-term health and can be ignored. Columbine Leafminer is a native insect that co-evolved with our native Columbines so they do not cause major impacts to populations and don't warrant being controlled. (Certainly not with insecticide given this plant's value to the local ecosystem, even if a treatment would be effective at this stage, but you can pluck off damaged leaves if you prefer to reduce the eyesore.) University of Wisconsin Extension provides a bit more information on this insect: Common Columbine Pests. NC State Extension provides some life history information for this insect as well if you are curious, but we do not recommend using any of the insecticides they mention as they could harm pollinators or other organisms. (Plus, use by the general public of imidacloprid and other ingredients in its chemical class is illegal in Maryland.)  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 20, 2023, 7:19 AM EDT
response: Thank you, Miri, I appreciate the information. On Mon, Jul 17, 2023 at 2:56 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by theHome 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 July 21, 2023, 9:22 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Brown leaves on hydrangea

Question: The leaves on my hydrangea are turning brown. I have attached a photo. Looking for cause as well as solution

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied July 17, 2023, 3:58 PM EDT
response: Good afternoon Mary and thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension. First of all, where are your hydrangeas located?  One of the reasons for brown edges is the sun is too hot.  Another reason is not enough water.  The best locations for a hydrangea is where they can get some sun, but are protected from the hot heat of the day. The plant looks plenty healthy.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 4:34 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your reply. This hydrangea is located in an east facing spot and gets sun until about 9-10 a, so i don't think it is getting too much sun. I water it every day. Will try giving it more waterMary McCormick On Jul 17, 2023, at 2:58 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied July 17, 2023, 6:06 PM EDT
response: Perfect place for a hydrangea.  Maybe stick a finger into the soil and see if it is dry.  Don’t water every day.  You do want the roots to seek water down in the ground.    Water it about an inch every week.  You can take a hose and let it run slowly around it for about an hour -try once a week.  Keep an eye on it.  You don’t want too much water either.  Our weather has been too dry making it hard to figure out what plants need. I know this makes things clear as mud.  Sorry!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 6:28 PM EDT
response: Ok , will do. Thank you for your help!Mary McCormick On Jul 17, 2023, at 5:06 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Euonymus Dwarf Winged Deciduous Shrubs declining

Question: On most of my newly planted (twelve) Euonymus Dwarf Winged  shrubs' the leaves are turning yellow, brown, some red, and some have small brown spots (please see attached picture). I used Kellogg Organic planting mix for trees, shrubs, and roses. I did not mix it half/half with the soil, as it is heavy with clay. The hole was wide and deep enough for the roots to spread. The seller suggested fertilizer. I used drops of Schultz all Purpose Plant Food. Without rain, what is the correct watering schedule?  Two of these kind of plants I  planted a few years ago are well established now. How can I help my new plants along to make sure they survive? Any help you can offer is very much appreciated. The attached picture is of one of my most affected plants. My friend took it with her cellphone (I don't have one) and forwarded it to me Gertrud K. Mittermeier

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied July 18, 2023, 2:47 AM EDT
response: Hi Gertrud,  It would have been best to use most of the the native soil as the backfill when you planted, but at this point, proceed with your establishment techniques. Here's the publication on watering newly planted trees and shrubs from the U of Minnesota.  1-2 weeks after planting, water daily.3-12 weeks after planting, water every 2 to 3 days.After 12 weeks, water weekly until roots are established. I would avoid fertilizing any more, because you want to get the roots to grow - and fertilizer generally forces top growth. So focus on watering. Also, consider removing some of the mulch off the top of the root ball so that when you water, you can water the root ball and not just the mulch.  The coloring could be exposure to the sun, since these plants may have been in a more shady location in the nursery/greenhouse.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2023, 2:45 PM EDT
response: Dear Mrs/Ms O'Connor,   Thank you very much for your response. It is extremely helpful. I will follow your advise in further plantings.   Best Regards, Gertrud K. Mittermeier       From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:47 AM To: Gertrud K Mittermeier <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Euonymus Dwarf Winged Deciduous Shrubs declining (#0111011)
What is the nane

Question: Sorry it’s not in bloom anymore, but maybe you can tell me anyway what this is called. The flower is purple

responder: Sylvan Kaufman Replied July 17, 2023, 4:15 PM EDT
response: It's hard to tell without the flowers, but given the way the leaves look and are arranged alternately along the stem, and that the flowers are clustered, I think it may be clustered bellflower, Campanula glomerata.  You can see photos of the flowers along with more information about the plant here, https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/campanula-glomerata/.  If that's not how the flowers looked let me know and I'll try again!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 4:28 PM EDT
response: The first picture is a definite NO. The flower is only at the top,  no cluster along the stem. Possibly the 2nd pic, .    But,,, not sure.Unless you want to keep trying, I’ll just wait until next year, take a pic when this is in bloom !!!!Appreciate your response.Sent from my iPad On Jul 17, 2023, at 1:15 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Sylvan Kaufman Replied July 17, 2023, 4:40 PM EDT
response: Usually the flowers do look more like the cluster the 2nd photo, but I think it would be best to send in a photo with the flowers next year.  Thanks for your patience!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 4:47 PM EDT
response: Stay tuned next year- I’ll be back!!!!Sent from my iPad On Jul 17, 2023, at 1:40 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 4:47 PM EDT
response: I just went out and looked again and I believe it is a variety of clustered bellflower, but as with most everything in my yard, this does not follow what is described below. I know there is always a bloom at the top  but  when I looked carefully now it seems that perhaps more blooms Shoukd have been “ climbing” up the stem, but they did not “ mature. “ Possible ?Again thanks BettySent from my iPad On Jul 17, 2023, at 1:15 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Sylvan Kaufman Replied July 17, 2023, 4:53 PM EDT
response: Yes, that is possible.  Usually the ones on top would flower first, and sometimes the plant might have expended so much energy on those that it doesn't have enough left for the lower flowers to open, or environmental conditions have changed enough that the lower flowers don't open.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 5:05 PM EDT
response: Again thank you. Really appreciate your prompt responses.BettySent from my iPad On Jul 17, 2023, at 1:53 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Beautiful Moth..not in US?

Question: Hi.. here is a picture of a beautiful moth next to our front door.  It looks like an army green moth that is not found in the US.  So I thought I'd send a picture..

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied July 17, 2023, 11:50 AM EDT
response: Good morning Leo and thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension. My identifier says it is a Pandora Sphinx moth.  This moth flies from April through November across most of the US. It can be found in a wide variety of habitat types, and basically anywhere the hostplants grow. This moth can be quite successful in urban areas. Adults of Eumorpha pandorus can be found frequently at milkweed (Asclepias) and other flowers. They do come readily to light.  Fields, disturbed areas, pine barrens, and edge habitat seems to be best for this species. The larvae are easily located feeding at night on hostplants. Full grown larvae can easily strip vines of hostplant in a matter of days.  It is a beautiful moth!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2023, 10:42 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much.   I feel honored to have seen it!  Have a great day!Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone-------- Original message --------From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: 7/17/23 10:50 AM (GMT-06:00) To: Leo Rilet <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Beautiful Moth..not in US? (#0110968)
Name of Rose!

Question: Please identify the rose name of pic attached. The blooms are huge, very full and have a beautifully unique perfume. They last a long time in a vase. Thank you for your help.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 17, 2023, 11:42 AM EDT
response: It appears to be a hybrid tea rose. Beyond that it is not possible to identify. The height and width of the plant, and the leaf characteristics are also identifying factors. Going to a rose garden in an arboretum and looking for simlilar plants is a possibility. Roses are part of the same family as apple trees. It is not possible to identify a variety of apples without a DNA test.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2023, 3:15 PM EDT
response: Upon further research, I believe this to be a variety called “Free Spirit” of the O’Hara rose types. Just thought I would share the answer for your database.Blessings,TaniaOn Mon, Jul 17, 2023 at 10:42 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 18, 2023, 4:36 PM EDT
response: We use the same research websites that are available to anyone using internet search engines. None of them that I found go into this kind of detail.
Tomato disease

Question: I carefully reviewed  the great tool sent with your newsletter, but didn't see anything close to this tomato issue.  Of my 10 plants, about half have some yellow leaves at the base, but all are healthier than in past yrs - except one.  The one pictured, a potato leaf variety, seems to have what I guess is a vascular disease.  It did not develop any yellowing, but early on a few stems wilted, with stems and leaves atrophying next to those with no symptoms.  There are a few tomatoes of various size that have not ripened but have no visual impairment.  I grew it from seeds that were used last yr, when there was no similar result.        I'm assuming there is nothing to do (other than crying), but might you suggest I yank the plant out to reduce the chance of contaminating others?  If so, should some ambient soil also be removed from the veg garden?

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 July 17, 2023, 12:26 PM EDT
response: Hi- If low soil moisture is not the issue, check for signs of animal feeding or other physical injuries near the base of the plants, or borer feeding along the main stem.  Yellowing leaves, foliage wilting, and vascular system discoloration are symptoms of some of the more common wilt diseases of tomato.  The symptoms are usually progressive: wilted stems recover at night and the wilt symptoms start at the top of the plant or start on one or two stems. Slice back the "skin" of a few wilted stems and look for tan to brown discoloration of the stem tissue. This would indicate a wilt disease such as fusarium wilt. Verticillium wilt and bacterial wilt of tomato would be two less common diseases causing wilt in tomato.  If the problem is a wilt disease you should remove the plant. No need to remove any soil. In the future, select cultivars with resistance to all three races of fusarium wilt disease (in seed catalogs it will appear as "F" followed by 1, 2, 3 in subscript).  Other resources: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/fusarium-wilt-of-tomato Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 2:03 PM EDT
response: tnx for facts.  glad you and property are safe.  even if one's house is not swept away, having a house full of mud is not something i would want to handle. On Mon, Jul 17, 2023 at 12:26 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Sweet Corn Pest Identification

Question: What is this insect in the attached photos that I'm finding in my sweet corn and how do I control it? My corn started silking about 7 days ago. I have a small garden with about 30 corn stocks. Thanks for your time and any advice you can give.

Robert Freeman 
Wilsonville OR, 97070

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied July 17, 2023, 8:03 PM EDT
response: Hi Robert and thanks for your pictures and question about the insect in your corn. This is a common sight in corn and does not harm, in fact helps the plants by feeding on other small insects. They consume mostly decaying matter, and although startling when they move so fast, do not harm humans or animals.  They may make small holes in very young plants, but if your corn is tasseling it has nothing to fear. Do be aware that when you shuck the corn you may find them inside next to the kernels, but again, they have not harmed the plant and you may have them to thank for a few less aphids. https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/vegetable/vegetable-pests/common-vegetable/vegetable-crop-european-earwig

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2023, 12:41 PM EDT
response: Thanks Rhonda, good news!Robert On Mon, Jul 17, 2023, 5:03 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Blueberry bush advice needed

Question: Last year, the landscaper install three blueberry bushes. I did not know at the time that they required an acidic pH. Therefore, I did nothing to adjust the pH of the soil before the bushes were planted. This  spring I had the soil tested at a local garden center and the pH was approximately 6.8. I added some soil acidifier. Last week I had the pH tested again and the pH was 6.8. This afternoon I added more of the soil acidifier and a layer of Pineneedlevstraw. Is there anything else I can do to adjust the pH of the soil?

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 July 17, 2023, 12:18 PM EDT
response: Hi- it will take 6-12 months for the sulfur in the product to decrease soil pH. Keep the plants well-watered when rainfall is inadequate- even in fall and early spring. Fertilize in spring with ammonium sulfate fertilizer.  We can't tell what the spacing is in the photos. Full-size blueberry plants need to be spaced 4-5 ft. apart. Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 1:07 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the prompt reply! Should I continue to apply the fertilizer that was shown in the picture submitted with my original request?   Sent from my iPhone  On Jul 17, 2023, at 12:18 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 July 17, 2023, 1:18 PM EDT
response: Hi- It should take approximately 2.75 lbs. of elemental sulfur (90% S) per 100 sq. ft. to reduce the soil pH to 4.5.   The product you are using is 30% S so you would need to apply approximately 8.25 lbs./100 sq. ft. It should be gently incorporated into the top few inches of soil. Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 1:36 PM EDT
response: Is this a one time treatment or do I wait 6 months, test the soil and repeat if needed?  Is pine needle straw beneficial to the bushes?  Sent from my iPhone  On Jul 17, 2023, at 1:19 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 July 17, 2023, 3:42 PM EDT
response: Hi- you can put down the total recommended amount at once or make a split application. It should not matter very much.   A 3-4 inch mulch layer is very beneficial. Pine needles are fine for blueberry plants as are wood chips and shredded bark. Just keep the mulch from covering the base of each plant. Jon
Flower or Weed

Question: Can you tell me if this is a flower to be kept, or a weed to be pulled, please?

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 July 17, 2023, 12:02 PM EDT
response: This Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) which is a native plant in Maryland. Although the berries and all parts of the plant are poisenous, it is actually considered to be on the low end of the toxicity scale. In fact, it is of great wildlife value especially to birds that eat the berries. It reproduces easily by seed, so if you break off the stalk before it flowers you should be able to prevent furthur reproduction. But, if it is in a part of your yard that you don't mind a having 8 foot tall plants with beautiful purple berries, consider leaving it for the birds...smile! Robin https://extension.umd.edu/resource/pokeweed

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 1:19 PM EDT
response: I've never seen it in or around my yard taller than my shins, and white Thank you. Rudi
What kind of snake is this?

Question: Hello,

I can’t seem to identify this snake that was in my yard on the Grand River in Dimondale MI. 

It’s so yellowish and pale. Thought maybe a queen snake or another snake, but an albino?

Thanks for your insight.

responder: Clay Wilton  Replied July 16, 2023, 10:27 PM EDT
response: Beautiful sighting! I believe this is a Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon). The habitat along the river is right for this species as well. I can't quite tell for certain from the picture, but I believe you're correct that it might be an albino. Or at least a very light coloration. I've never seen one quite like this (and I've seen many of them). Thanks for sharing! Best,

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 16, 2023, 11:30 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your reply. I’ve attached a pic my husband took which may give you more detail. Also - I wanted to confirm that this is not a dangerous snake. Thank you again for the information !Sent from my iPhone On Jul 16, 2023, at 10:27 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Clay Wilton  Replied July 18, 2023, 8:31 AM EDT
response: Thank you, correct, this snake is non-venomous/not dangerous. Though it will bite if you grab it!
Can some identify?

Question: Is this a parasite? If so what type? thank you

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 1:24 AM EDT
response: Hi. I saw this floating in my toilet,  It looks like a worm and I was wondering if it is a parasite. I have a cat and dog which are both  well vaccinated and wormed. Just odd… Thanks for your expertise

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 1:27 AM EDT
response: Hi. I saw this floating in my toilet, It looks like a worm and I was wondering if it is a parasite. I have a cat and dog which are both well vaccinated and wormed. Just odd… Thanks for your expertise

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 17, 2023, 10:42 AM EDT
response: It doesn't look like an insect. If it came from you then you may want to check with a physician.  If it came from a pet, then follow up with their veterinarian.
What is this?

Question: Hi - I'm trying to determine what this fast-growing "weed" is. My lot abuts a wooded area and this popped up where my lawn meets the unsodded area of my lot. The clumps are about 6' tall and the stems are very fibrous.

responder: Jeramiha E.  Replied July 16, 2023, 8:46 PM EDT
response: Hi Terri     Unfortunately, this looks to be white or yellow sweetclover. Which is an invasive weed I believe is on the eradicate list here in MN. It can also be dangerous when it ends up in hay for cattle or horses.  I will attach a couple links with info on it and control tactics. White and yellow sweetclover (umn.edu) White and yellow sweet clover (Melitotus alba, M. officinalis) | Minnesota DNR (state.mn.us) White sweet-clover | (Melilotus albus) | Wisconsin DNR I hope this helps. Even if it wasn't exactly good news. It can be managed if you follow the tips in the links above.  If you have any other questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to me or the extension. Happy Gardening!!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2023, 11:14 AM EDT
response: Sorry - Department of Agriculture Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device-------- Original message --------From: "mn.terri" <<personal data hidden>> Date: 7/19/23 10:10 AM (GMT-06:00) To: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: What is this? (#0110847) Thank you so much for your prompt response. I've reported it to DNR and have started removing it.Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device-------- Original message --------From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: 7/16/23 7:46 PM (GMT-06:00) To: Terri Hecimovich <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: What is this? (#0110847)

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2023, 11:14 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your prompt response. I've reported it to DNR and have started removing it.Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device-------- Original message --------From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: 7/16/23 7:46 PM (GMT-06:00) To: Terri Hecimovich <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: What is this? (#0110847)