MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
tomato seedlings- leaf curl and dying leaves.

Question: About half of my tomato seedlings leaves are curling and become dry and die. They have plenty of water- not over watered. They are all up potted- under grow lights. Some of them leaves that are curling have purple on them that I thought first was just the type of tomato, but its on different varieties. Is there any hope for saving them?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 03, 2023, 8:01 AM EDT
response: Hi Hope, thanks for the question. There can be various reasons for the symptoms you are seeing.  Tell us a little more about your growing method.  What is your growing medium?  Have you fertilized and if you have, what have you used and how much? What type of lighting (led, florescent, etc.) are you using and how close is it to the plants? How long ago did you move them to bigger pot?  What is the temperature in your growing area?  Are you using saved seed?  Are you using softened water?  How frequently are you watering?  Have you checked for insect pests (a magnifying glass will help)?  I look forward to your response.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 03, 2023, 3:56 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your response :) They are grown in pro mix moisture potting mix with close to 50% worm castings. No fertilizer yet. Led lights, 7000 lumens. 2-3 inches from plants. We moved them up to bigger pots about 2 weeks ago. Temperature in growing area fluctuates between 66 and 78. Bought seeds this year. Well water- no softener. Base watering on how wet the soil is. most of the time every other day. We do have a fan going on low by them as well. Haven't noticed any pests. I have checked because we have aphids on my sweet potato starts.Thanks again for any help I can get.    On Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 08:01:56 AM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 04, 2023, 10:58 AM EDT
response: Hi Hope, Thanks for answering all the questions. Although disease can't be ruled out, it really looks more like a nutrient issue or water issue. Here are some things to consider. Sometime high organic soils can retain significantly more water. They may appear to be dry on top but soggy at the root depth. One would expect the seedlings wouldn't require additional fertilizer with the castings at this point; however, a nutrient deficiency or imbalance could be in play. Multiple sources indicate that worm castings can have significant levels of salt. This can cause desiccation in the plant. Both the potting mix and worm castings shouldn't affect the pH, but salinity can also affect the uptake of nutrients. Multiple sources suggest that castings make up a maximum of 20% of the soil mix. If you haven’t already, check for spider mites. One item I forgot to ask was about your lighting. How long do you have the lights on each day? I hope to hear back soon. Saline Soils and Plant Growth (psu.edu)
How to replace Pachysandra that has Volutella

Question: Pachysandra have been a very important part of the look of our home. You can see from the attached photo it's starting to go on the left. This area gets afternoon sun. What's the best plant to replace it with that would have a similar look?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 01, 2023, 1:54 PM EDT
response: Hi,  Before replacing your pachysandra, you might want to read over this fact sheet as it looks like it can be controlled. https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/CAES/DOCUMENTS/Publications/Fact_Sheets/Plant_Pathology_and_Ecology/VOLUTELLABLIGHTOFPACHYSANDRA041008Rpdf.pdf Pachysandra is a tough groundcover that can tolerate some sun as well as shade and is a fairly vigorous grower. It is hard to find a substitute for it. Probably vinca would be closest but it too somethings get a disease problem, although it typically comes back pretty vigorously. You didn't mention if this area is irrigated or how much afternoon sun it gets. Two woody options might be creeping juniper if this area gets a fair amount of sun or wintercreeper (euonymus) if it gets more shade. Other groundcovers to check out would be ajuga, alchemilla, sedums, daylilies, groundcover roses and European ginger depending upon your site conditions. Each have their own attributes and cultural requirements. A bank of ferns might be another option. You might want to talk to the horticulturists at the UConn Home & Garden Education Center<personal data hidden> about your site conditions so they might be able to come up with a more precise match for your site.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 01, 2023, 2:50 PM EDT
response: Thank you. I appreciate your response.On May 1, 2023, at 1:54 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Tree injury on a Cherry Tree

Question: This picture/question came on the Itasca County Master Gardener FB page. My research suggests gummosis. I am not sure if the fungus fruiting is pre or post gummosis or if it is not related.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 28, 2023, 11:52 AM EDT
response: Yes, it looks to me like gummosis. Very common on mature cherry trees. I don't know if the fruiting fungus is before or after. Most likely after, but I don't know. Paul

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 28, 2023, 12:04 PM EDT
response: Thank you.Scott Belknap Sent from AOL on Android  On Fri, Apr 28, 2023 at 10:52 AM, Ask Extension<<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Cherry Laurel question

Question: My Skip Cherry Laurels were planted last Spring and looked good all summer.  We installed a drip irrigation line for them.  Over the winter they developed brown spots and holes.  What is causing this?  Treatments?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 28, 2023, 9:20 AM EDT
response: Hi - This looks to me like winter injury, probably from those 2 extremely cold days in December and January, and possibly a fungus. I would prune off the severely damaged leaves and make sure plants are at the correct pH, fertility and are watered through drought periods. Maybe in late fall you can spray plants with a anti-desiccant.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 28, 2023, 10:44 AM EDT
response: Thanks for the reply.  What is the best way to fertilize?MikeSent from my iPhone On Apr 28, 2023, at 9:20 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 28, 2023, 11:21 AM EDT
response: I would just use a fertilizer like Hollytone at the recommended rate on the package unless you get the soil tested and other recommendations are made. Apply it once this spring and then not until the following spring.
Insect Sack Question

Question: Good Evening:

I get these every year in Brooklyn Park MD garden, etc.  Can you tell me what they are?  I get some really nice garden spiders and haven't seen many praying mantises the last few years like I usually do.

Thank you for your time.

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 April 28, 2023, 9:13 AM EDT
response: This resembles an egg sac of the Black-and-Yellow Argiope spider, which sounds like those you may have been seeing in the garden in seasons past. It's not a praying mantis egg case, nor does it look like a moth cocoon.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 28, 2023, 11:13 AM EDT
response: . Thank you!!!On Fri, Apr 28, 2023 at 9:13 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 April 28, 2023, 11:15 AM EDT
response: You're welcome!
What's wrong with our burning bushes?

Question: We have a long row of burning bushes that a number of them have developed areas of rubbed off bark close to the ground, exposing the inner bark.  Will this kill the bushes?

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied April 27, 2023, 11:28 PM EDT
response: If the bark is rubbed off all the way around the trunks, known as girdling, the bushes will die because the circulation between the roots and the tops has been cut off. If it is partial damage, part of the bush may survive.  Are you aware that burning bushes are no longer recommended because it is invasive?   http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/winged-burning-bush.html

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 28, 2023, 10:11 AM EDT
response: Thanks.  No, we did not know burning bushes are considered invasive.  We planted them 20+ years ago.  I imagine the rubbing off of bark was caused by some rodent as the snow was, no doubt, above the line of the rubbing this winter.  Is there any type of topical paint that could be used to slow the death?Karen On Thu, Apr 27, 2023, 10:28 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied April 28, 2023, 2:11 PM EDT
response: No, covering the damage with paint or anything else will not help.  The problem is that the channels where water and nutrients travel between the roots and the top of the plant have been cut off. Wait till June to see what happens. They may leaf out and then wilt and die. If they are damaged all the way around each stem or trunk, they are likely not to survive.
Rabbits stripped branches on my blue spruce

Question: Hello, rabbits stripped the needles and bark off of some of the branches of our mature blue spruce. 
What do I do? 
Should I trim the branches or leave them as is?
Thanks!
~Mary

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 28, 2023, 8:35 PM EDT
response: Hi Mary, The needles won't grow back where they have been eaten. I would prune the branches so they don't look so bare. You can take them back to where the needles have remained or cut it back to the trunk.  Sally Granath, MG St. Louis County

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 01, 2023, 8:10 AM EDT
response: Thank You Sally,I was worried I would prune it wrong and damage or kill the beautiful tree.Thanks again!~MaryOn Fri, Apr 28, 2023, 7:35 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
River birch tress

Question: We have 10 river birch trees in our backyard. They are very sparse with leaves this year and have many dead branches. What do you recommend to improve the health these trees? We are located in Cypress.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 02, 2023, 10:49 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your question! Have you noticed any yellowing or light greening of the river birch tree leaves or is it just the branches that seem to be affected?

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 02, 2023, 4:29 PM EDT
response: Yes, there appears to be some yellowing.Sent from my iPhone On May 2, 2023, at 9:49 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 09, 2023, 4:36 PM EDT
response: I have got a few recommendations in order to improve your trees: 1. Freeze damage. This species “should” be cold hardy, but what I’ve seen is that they were not yet dormant when the cold came on in December. A good recommendation is to help your deciduous trees go to sleep by cutting back on irrigation and fertilization leading into fall. Nothing else to do but trim back dead wood and hope they fill back in in time. 2. Herbicide damage. The images show a happy green turf with no weeds. Note that herbicides labeled for use in lawns do carry a precautionary use hazard statement like “do not use in root zones of desirable trees and shrubs”, as those active ingredients are indeed broadleaf herbicides. Trees are broadleaf plants. Make sure to read those product labels and be careful. I hope this helps!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 10, 2023, 7:34 AM EDT
response: Thank you Sent from my iPhone On May 9, 2023, at 3:36 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Red Pine tree breakage

Question: I was wondering why these Red Pine Trees have been breaking off at the base of the tree?  I have had a few of them do this now and they really are not that old.

responder: Julie Crick  Replied May 02, 2023, 9:06 AM EDT
response: Hi Wendy, From the pictures, it looks like a canker has infected the trunk of the tree? And just to clarify, the stems in the picture are trunks? Is the black growth (which is likely a canker) at the base of the trunk? Or further up?  Cankers can be fungal or bacterial in nature, and once a portion of the tree is infected, the only cure is to cut the canker out of the tree. If it's on the trunk, there is no option but to cut down the tree to remove the canker as it will continue to produce spores or bacterial matter that will spread to other trees.  Do you have other standing trees with these growths that have not yet broken off?  If possible, please share a picture of the landscape in which the trees are growing for context. It may hold some clues as to why the trees are getting infected  Thank you, -Julie

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 25, 2023, 3:34 PM EDT
response: Here are some more pictures that were dropped off today.  He said his spruce and other trees are fine.  He may have to cut down almost 20 red pine that are snapping at the base of the tree.  Thanks for any help you can provide.   Wendy Martin Office Manager, MSU Extension Presque Isle County 106 E Huron Ave, Suite C Rogers City, MI  49779 <personal data hidden> Office <personal data hidden> she/her/hers     From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Tuesday, May 2, 2023 9:07 AM To: Martin, Wendy <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Red Pine tree breakage (#0097365)

responder: Julie Crick  Replied May 26, 2023, 9:38 AM EDT
response: Hi Wendy, Below is an article on heterobasidion root disease, which could be the problem. Did he cut down one of the red pines in this area in the last couple of years? The disease begins when spores land on a fresh cut stump, and the roots become infected. The fungal infection can then travel through the roots to all of the red pines in the area.  BEFORE he cuts down all of the trees, advise him to read the article below, and compare the ideal conditions for the disease with the conditions on his property.  https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/foresthealth/annosumrootrot If he does cut down any of the remaining trees, be sure he applies a borate compound to the fresh cut stump as outlined in the article. Otherwise, the infection cycle will continue and no red pines can be re-planted in that area.  Feel free to provide the gentleman my phone number, I'm happy to talk him through this.  Thank you, Wendy! -Julie
Plant ID Assistance

Question: We are writing you to ask for your help identifying a plant. We live in the Congress Park neighborhood of Denver, Colorado, which is located about two miles east of the state capitol building. Attached are photos of the plant in question. The photos were taken on April 27, 2023. The plant grows low to the ground and spreads. We would appreciate any help or advice you can give us regarding identifying the plant and any successful and practical methods of control and/or eradication. Please contact us if you need more information. Thanks for your attention.

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied April 29, 2023, 10:48 AM EDT
response: That looks like creeping bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides), an aggressive, introduced weed that is common all over the older parts of town.  It is very difficult to eradicate once established because the tubers are buried deep underground and any missed pieces of rhizome or tuber left behind can resprout. For that reason, many authorities suggest an herbicide (like glyphosate) is the best strategy for control, although even with an herbicide it will need repeat applications and persistence.  Here is some additional information: https://mastergardener.extension.wisc.edu/files/2015/12/Campanula_rapunculoides.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 01, 2023, 2:28 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the information and prompt reply.  Very helpful!  On Sat, 29 Apr, 2023 at 8:48 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: To: mary dukes
What is this in my vegetable garden soil?

Question: I was digging in one of my vegetable plots and saw a cluster of yellow/orange worm like things crawling in the soil. There were also some white and gray worm like thing there also. Are these worms problematic for a vegetable garden? Is it safe to plant in that plot this year. Should I do something to get rid of them in the soil, if so what?

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 April 27, 2023, 12:26 PM EDT
response: Unfortunately we can't clearly see the insects in the photo. Can you please re-send one or more photos with the insects in focus and close-up? Was any fresh compost or manure added to the plot recently, and was last year's crop debris removed at the end of the season or left in place? We ask because this information will help us narrow-down what insects they might be.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 28, 2023, 6:56 PM EDT
response: There was no fresh compost or manure added. The garden was Cleaned out at the end of last year's growing season. Shredded leaves was added to the top of the garden and during the process of combining the leaves and purchased composted to the garden, these worms were discovered. Unfortunately, I took a video of the worms and don't have a still picture. I'm adding a screenshot of part of the video.

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 May 01, 2023, 11:17 AM EDT
response: Since the insects are not in focus in the picture, we can't identify what they are for certain, but they might be one or more types of beetle or fly larvae. They are not likely to be harmful to new plants put into the vegetable bed and you do not need to treat or replace the soil. If you're concerned, you can pluck out those you find when planting and leave them on the soil surface for birds to find and eat.  Miri
What stung me?

Question: Found in the house stepped in it accidentally.

responder: Howard Russell, Entomologist  Replied April 28, 2023, 9:26 AM EDT
response: Hello Kate,  That is a paper wasp, Polistes spp. (Hymenoptera: Vespidae).  It is most likely a new queen.  Polistes or umbrella wasps are commonly referred to as 'hornets' but strictly speaking, they are wasps. Polistes build open nests under eaves of homes and structures. Colonies are small and consist of a single queen and up to 50 workers. Unlike their cousins, the yellowjackets, Polistes wasps are not very aggressive, do not forage for sweets and meats, and are not as serious of a pest as are yellowjackets, however, they can deliver a painful sting when provoked. Polistes wasps feed on a variety of other insects and should be considered beneficial insects. In the fall, new queens swarm around homes and other structures seeking nice, protected spots to spend the winter. They commonly spend the winter under siding and in attics, and occasionally find their way into the living space in the fall and early spring. Any household wasp spray will kill these wasps.   Be sure to read and follow all the instructions and safety precautions found on the pesticide label before using any pesticide.  Best regards, Howard *Tell us about your experience with our service by completing the brief (3 min.), anonymous MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Survey

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 28, 2023, 9:41 AM EDT
response: Thanks for the quick answer.  (We live in the U.P. in the woods and have lots of interesting visitors.)
Solarization near large Oak

Question: Hello! I was just reading about solarization and I am interested in doing this to jump start a native garden in my front yard. However, the entire area is about 20-40 feet away from our 150 year old Burr Oak tree. Most of the prospective garden space is under the canopy of the tree. I don’t want to potentially hurt this tree. The area is currently patchy grass and I would classify it as a dry shady area. It is south facing but we have a Maple that also shades the spot. Is there anything you’d recommend? Thank you! 

P.S. If you have any native plant suggestions for this area please let me know!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 27, 2023, 1:48 PM EDT
response: Solarization in the location shown in the photos might harm tree roots in the topmost six inches of soil. https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=776504  However, solarization isn't likely to be effective in shade or part shade.  Occultation might be an alternative.  Go here to learn about that: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/solarization-occultation  Based upon what we can see in the photos, the site looks like a promising place to establish a native plant garden.  Some plants to consider: Baneberry (Actaea rubra), Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), Wild ginger (Asarum canadense), Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum), Virginia waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginianum), Crested iris (Iris cristata), Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica), False Solomon's seal (Maianthemum racemosum), Woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata), Mayapple (Pedophyllum peltatum), Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), Nodding trillium (Trillium cernuum), Large flowered trillium (Trillium grandiflora), Bellwort (Uvularia grandiflora), Common blue violet (Viola sororia) and various ferns.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 29, 2023, 9:26 AM EDT
response: I just wanted to express my gratitude for your response and for the Ask a Master Gardener service. It’s an incredible resource that makes our community better!Thank you again. Happy gardening,BreeOn Thu, Apr 27, 2023 at 12:48 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 29, 2023, 11:44 AM EDT
response: Thanks for your day-brightening comments!