MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Harvesting garlic

Question: Good morni
I'm growing garlic which I normally harvest towards the end of July I know that I should stop watering my garlic before then so it's not all full of muddy clumpy dirt when I pull it out of the ground but I'm wondering is how close to the end of July should I stop completely watering the garlic so it is not full of dirt when I harvest it.
Thank you very much I really appreciate this website

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 22, 2023, 3:53 PM EDT
response: Good Afternoon Mark,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  Please click on this link from the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website about growing garlic: https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-garlic#harvesting-868162 This information includes details for when to harvest garlic. Just scroll down to harvesting.  There is also a downloadable document about growing garlic in Minnesota that you might like. Just click on the link to download the document.  Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 22, 2023, 5:48 PM EDT
response: Hi Maureen  Thank you for the help' I saw what I needed.                               Sincerely,                                MarkOn Thu, Jun 22, 2023 at 2:53 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 23, 2023, 7:46 AM EDT
response: You are welcome!
Ivy

Question: Name that ivy, please.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 25, 2023, 1:42 PM EDT
response: It is asiatic jasmine. It's very easy to identify in the spring when it covered in white, fragrant blooms. However, it would not have bloomed this spring because of the December freeze. https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/asiatic-jasmine.html#:~:text=The%20vines%20slowly%20extend%20across,but%20rarely%20blooms%20in%20Florida.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 25, 2023, 2:47 PM EDT
response: Thanks!    Keith Bradley LOGO-MART 5814 Berkshire Hills Dr. Kingwood, TX  77345 <personal data hidden> www.logo-mart.com          From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Sunday, June 25, 2023 12:42 PM To: keith logo-mart.com <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Ivy (#0106898)
What kind of Larve is this?

Question: Hi, I have thousands of this type of what appears to be larvae in my water feature (stream leading to Koi pond) and am wondering what they are? They are in fast moving areas of the stream and appear to just be hanging on by one area while the rear area just flows with the water.  Thank you!

responder: Kind Regards,  Replied June 26, 2023, 12:50 PM EDT
response: Good Morning! This is Leslie with the DC Master Gardeners. I found an interesting publication for you to look at:  https://agsci.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/115/2013/03/Water-Garden-Insect-Publication.pdf  To me, they look like black fly larvae or possibly Chironomid midges.   Thanks for contacting the DC Master Gardeners!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 11, 2023, 1:15 PM EDT
response: Hi, As these lavae have become more mature, this is what they look like now...On Mon, Jun 26, 2023, 10:50 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 19, 2023, 3:12 PM EDT
response: Hi Vick,  Those are dragonfly nymphs! Dragonflies spend the first few years of it's life as a nymph living underwater. They actually have a specialized mechanism to shoot water out of their abdomen which helps them speed through the water similar to jet propulsion! They are excellent hunters and will help keep the pest population down. Once the dragonfly becomes an adult, it will emerge from the water.   More info here on dragonflies, damselflies, and other pond insects here: https://agsci.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/115/2013/03/Water-Garden-Insect-Publication.pdf  Let me know if you have any other questions!  Thanks,  Lisa   Lisa Mason Horticulture Specialist & Entomologist Colorado State University Extension, Arapahoe County
Bark peeling on dogwood

Question: I have a 25 year old dogwood whose bark is peeling and it’s branches are dying. Can it be saved?

responder: Dutchess County Master Gardener Volunteers Replied June 28, 2023, 9:53 AM EDT
response: Dogwood trees are susceptible to a fungus disease called anthracnose.  The pictures do substantiate this diagnosis.  Drought exacerbates anthracnose and last year's drought is most likely to blame. In most cases, pruning out the affected branches is effective but it looks like in your case much of the tree is involved.  Pruning will ruin the ornamental value of your tree. We recommend that you call in an arborist to evaluate if the tree can be saved or if you will need to replace with a more resistant variety.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 28, 2023, 10:14 AM EDT
response: Thanks for your response. I have to tell you a funny story. I did call a reputable arborist and he came when I wasn’t home. He walked right past my tree and didn’t even look at it! I got no where with that! Sent from my iPhone On Jun 28, 2023, at 9:53 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Dutchess County Master Gardener Volunteers Replied June 28, 2023, 11:39 AM EDT
response: Sorry to hear that Lisa.  Here is a link which can help you find an arborist by city.  Hope this is helpful. https://www.treesaregood.org/  Dutchess County Master Gardeners Volunteers
Healthy leaves are dying on my maple tree

Question: My Norway maple has large, healthy, abundant leaves, but some of them are dark, wilting, and falling off the stems (which stay attached to the branch).  This is happening in sections throughout the tree.  I'm hoping you can help me figure out why it is doing this and what we can do to save the tree.  Thank you.

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied June 22, 2023, 12:55 PM EDT
response: Hi Tracy, When did you first notice these symptoms occurring? What are your watering practices for the tree? Thanks! Hania

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 23, 2023, 8:28 AM EDT
response: I’ve noticed it to some extent in previous years, but it seems more pronounced now.  This year it began maybe a month ago, after it was fully leafed out.  We have had far more rain this year than usual so I haven’t had to water at all.  We also had a good amount of snow this winter so I didn’t need to water.  Normally, the climate is semi-arid, and it is watered three times a week during the summer when the lawn is irrigated.Did you see the photos I attached?Thank you.TracyOn Jun 22, 2023, at 10:55 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied June 23, 2023, 4:47 PM EDT
response: Hi Tracy, Yes, I received the photos. If you look where the wilted leaves are attached to the branch, do you notice breakage or potential chewing? Do you notice many squirrels around? Squirrels will often chew the bark of trees, but they can also prune off twig tips, similarly to how you're describing. Since this is a late season and the cold winter temperatures affected some fruit trees from producing, they may be experiencing a greater shortage of food this spring. Hania
Azalea diseased?

Question: I found odd pods, deformed leaves and speckled dark spots all over my azalea plants. They did bloom really nicely but it definitely looks like something is wrong. I am attaching two pictures. One with the pods and the other of the deformed leaves. I would like to know how to treat the problem. Thank you!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 22, 2023, 11:48 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your question.  Your plant appears to be infected with a fungus which creates galls on the leaves and flowers.  You should remove all of these anomalies, and destroy them.  Next spring, you can apply a fungicide to prevent such tissue from growing again.  This explains the fungus; you can find an appropriate chemical at the end, with "H" being ones available to homeowners, and "O" being organic:  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/azalea-rhododendron-spp-leaf-flower-gall I hope this helps.  Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 22, 2023, 8:36 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much! I am guessing that I should not put the diseased foliage and galls in my yard recycling bin?   Heather  Sent from my iPhone  On Jun 22, 2023, at 8:48 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 22, 2023, 8:40 PM EDT
response: Absolutely not!  They will end up on another gardener's plants!  Burn, bury or place in garbage bags.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 22, 2023, 9:29 PM EDT
response: Thank you again! I will dispose of it properly :)  Sent from my iPhone  On Jun 22, 2023, at 5:40 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 22, 2023, 9:29 PM EDT
response: Welcome!
What's wrong with our English oak

Question: We live in Thornton. We planted an English oak about ten years ago and got it through a tree program for our city. It was a sapling when it was planted. This year we haven't had any new leaves on the top, but there's a ton of new growth on the bottom. I'm not sure what's wrong or how to fix it. At least I hope it can be fixed! Please help.

responder: Adams County Master Gardener  Replied June 27, 2023, 12:35 AM EDT
response: Hello, Thank you for reaching out to find out more about your tree and thank you for the photos.  I can see why you are concerned. Trees are having a really tough time this year after the extended cold last winter and very wet spring. We have a few options to help you with your tree. If you would like to  let us know the information below, we might be able to identify the issue and offer some advice. Otherwise, we do have a tree team and can come to your house at a time that is convenient for you. The cost is $25 for two trees and takes about an hour of your time. The tree team can discuss what they see with you while they are there, but will also follow up with a report and resources and recommendations if any issues are identified. Please let us know if you would like to have the tree team out to take a look. If you would like to go the photo/question route, here is what would be helpful. The photos you attached are great, but some closeups might help.Photos close up showing any bark or leaf damagePhotos of any insects you have noticed Also please answer the following questions to the best of your ability? How do you water (sprinkler system / irrigation, drip lines, soaker hoses, in ground, manual)?How often is it watered?How long do you water for?Do you use mulch?Is fertilizer used? If so, how often?Is pesticide used? If so, what and when?Has the lawn been fertilized? If so, with what kind of fertilizer?Have you seen any evidence of insects? Once we have more information and some photos, we will research the issue and get back to you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 05, 2023, 4:45 PM EDT
response: Hi! This email went to my spam folder but I'm glad I found it now. Can I please schedule an appointment? Most times July 10-14 work well for me. Please let me know! -Ashlea Beers13540 High Cir, Thornton, CO 80241On Mon, Jun 26, 2023 at 10:35 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Cassey Anderson   Replied July 19, 2023, 1:02 PM EDT
response: Ashlea,  My apologies for the delay in getting you a response. I have sent your request to our Tree Team and they should be getting in touch soon!  ~ Cassey
What is going on with my Maple tree, can it be saved?

Question: My Maple tree looks absolutely ill,   my neighbor has the same issue.  Can this tree be saved??

responder: Thank you for your question! Therese N. Michigan State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer. You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied June 23, 2023, 10:11 AM EDT
response: Hello, From the picture you sent, the maple tree has several things affecting its health. The tree has a large canker which is a sunken hole near the tree roots with white stuff near canker which may be white wood rot. The canker can weaken the root system and thereby inhibiting the supply of water and nutrient to the leaves. The leaves may be lighter green, scorched, and early fall color and leaf drop. This is a detailed fact sheet from Pennsylvania State University on maple cankers. https://extension.psu.edu/eutypella-canker-on-maple.  Another possible disease affecting the tree is bacterial leaf scorch, the symptoms develop because of water stress within tree conducting vessels. Here is a link on more information on bacterial leaf scorch. https://extension.psu.edu/maple-diseases Michigan has been in drought condition although we have recent rain not enough for many trees. Keep your tree watered to maintain its health. I cannot assess whether a tree should be saved from pictures you provided online. The pictures you sent of the leaves turning light green is not enough to diagnose whether the tree can be saved. Consider hiring a certified arborist to come on site and assess the whole tree, roots to branch tips. Determining whether to remove a tree is a specialty of arboriculture. On the ISA website, arborists with the designation of “risk assessment” specialty are what you need. The Website to search for these arborists is www.treesaregood.org. Thank you for your question! Therese N. Michigan State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at <personal data hidden> with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 03, 2023, 8:29 AM EDT
response: Thank you for the quick reply:  we have experienced a great deal of rain.   Thanks again:  Sue Throop

responder: Thank you for your question! Therese N. Michigan State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer. You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied July 03, 2023, 11:09 AM EDT
response: You are welcome.
What is this and should I be concerned?

Question: Hello, can you help?

Last night I had 2 large thuds hit my windows, and these bugs where not eh screen.

Red in color, LARGE………… what are they and should I be concerned?

Mike

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied June 23, 2023, 3:27 PM EDT
response: Mike,  I can’t make an identification from these photos as the screen is in between the bug and your camera.  https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/insect/garden/ Try using this web page to see if you can identify it . Otherwise try getting another photo that shows the back of the insect. Thanks for the question,

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 23, 2023, 3:48 PM EDT
response: I actually saved it, dark red color.See these: Mike Fine<personal data hidden><personal data hidden>  On Jun 23, 2023, at 2:27 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied June 23, 2023, 9:42 PM EDT
response: It is some sort of beetle. Can you take it out of the bag and photograph it next to a dime or penny so I can gauge the size? Thanks.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2023, 2:34 PM EDT
response: Here are a few more with a penny: Mike Fine<personal data hidden><personal data hidden>  On Jun 23, 2023, at 8:42 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied June 27, 2023, 10:38 AM EDT
response: It looks darker now that it is dead but since you said it was red I believe that this is a Stag beetle. See the citation below: https://www.insectidentification.org/insect-description.php?identification=Stag-Beetle-Lucanus-Capreolus This is a great insect identification resource.
Bug identification, please

Question: I found black clusters of these bugs on a young volunteer pine damaged by bighorn sheep. There are also ladybugs and spiders on it. Can you identify these bugs and let me know whether I need to spray to protect neighboring trees? There seems to be a lot of bark beetle infestation around my neighborhood, too (the City isn't spraying them). Thanks for any information you can provide.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 21, 2023, 2:27 PM EDT
response: Hello! Those appear to be giant conifer aphids.  The lady bugs are likely taking care of them; if you like, you can blast them off of the plant with a strong jet of water.  I'd avoid using pesticides since they can make aphids worse (since you'll likely get all of the natural enemies but not all of the aphids). For trees that are growing well, they are typically only a "cosmetic" problem and not a threat to the tree's health. I hope this is helpful. Cordially, John

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2023, 3:51 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much!!On Jun 21, 2023, at 12:27 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Koufax Dogwood wilting

Question: The leaves on the top 90% of our Kousa are unusually small and curl up every year, and the tree produces only small blossoms and not a lot of them.  A dozen or so small branches dying off.  No sign of anthacnose spots or powdery mildew.  No sign of unusual bark activity.  Bottom short (3') shoots off the tree trunk have larger leaves that look perfectly healthy.  Tree is at SE corner of house.  Gets lots of sun.  Is about 20 y/o.  I do not feed any fertizers, except a gallon of Miracid a couple times a year.  Tree is well mulched.

responder: BarbLB   Replied June 21, 2023, 12:43 PM EDT
response: Ron, Thank you for contacting us. Please look into the possibility of a canker problem with your tree. Use these links to learn more. https://extension.psu.edu/dogwood-diseases https://web.extension.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=46

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 22, 2023, 2:28 PM EDT
response: BarbLB, Thank you for your rapid response on #0106741.A little more advice, if you don't mind.I am attaching a photo of the base of the tree.  I pulled the mulch away.  Does it look like canker to you?  Which type?  Crown canker, since the upper leaves are smaller and curled up?Is it best to remove the tree altogether?  I read not to put another woody ornamental in that spot.  Agree?Is there a way after removing the tree and roots that I could fungicide the area well and plant another Kousa in the Fall?Thank you.Ron MorganOn Wed, Jun 21, 2023 at 12:43 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: BarbLB   Replied June 24, 2023, 11:43 AM EDT
response: Ron, I’m still consulting tree experts on this. I recommend you have an arborist inspect your tree before making any drastic changes.  I’ll be in touch.

responder: BarbLB   Replied June 24, 2023, 6:39 PM EDT
response: Hi. I looked into this further and here is another link that can get you more details. An arborist should be able to inspect this tree. If it is indeed a canker disease removal and no new planting is advised.  http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/dogwoodcrowncanker.pdf
Can you id this beetle that recently show up in my garden

Question: Have a beetle show up that I cannot id and wondering if you know what they are and control methods

responder: Howard Russell, Entomologist  Replied June 21, 2023, 3:15 PM EDT
response: Hi Ken, Those are weevils but I don't recognize the species.  Do you see injury associated with them? Howard

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2023, 5:58 PM EDT
response: Eating leaves on bachelor button flowers. I know they are weevils but have never seen these before.  Thinking they are short nose snouted weevils  possibly thistle weevils???Sent from my iPhone On Jun 21, 2023, at 3:15 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2023, 7:13 PM EDT
response: They are eating the leaves on bachelor button flowers.  Any idea of means to control organically?

responder: Howard Russell, Entomologist  Replied June 21, 2023, 8:43 PM EDT
response: Hi Ken, There are so many weevils! If you can send me 20 or so,  I'll send them off to an expert. To preserve and protect fragile specimens, it’s always best to submit insects in a small leak proof vial filled with rubbing alcohol or vinegar (the postal service prefers you send them in vinegar). Place the vial in a small zip-lock baggie, then in a small box or mailing tube and mail to Plant and Pest Diagnostics 578 Wilson Rd.  East Lansing MI 48824-6469 Be sure to include a note with your contact information including your email address.  You can download one of our submitted forms here… https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/uploads/files/General_Sample_Submission_Form_Jan2022.pdf  We have a counter in the main entrance of the CIPS building where you can drop off your specimens if you like. Here is where we are located…https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/location Best regards,  Howard *Tell us about your experience with our service by completing the brief (3 min.), anonymous MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Survey

responder: Howard Russell, Entomologist  Replied June 21, 2023, 8:48 PM EDT
response: I forgot to say that after you collect 20 or so of the weevils... For homeowners, recommended products for controlling insect pests on ornamentals are cyfluthrin (sold as BioAdvanced Vegetable and Garden Insect Spray, Insecticide), bifenthrin (sold as Ortho Bug B Gon) and carbaryl (sold as Sevin). Be kind to our pollinators by spraying in the evening and avoid spraying blossoms. Be sure to read and follow all instructions on the label before using any pesticide.
Oak leaf hydrangea question

Question: Hi  I have been carefully growing this oak leaf hydrangea for three years.   this year it stopped sprouting new leaves on old growth and has grown brand new foliage I am thinking I need to provide some fertilizer.   can you make a suggestion of gentle but effective fertilizer I can use? sending all thanks

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 22, 2023, 11:15 AM EDT
response: The plant appears to be in good shape and we don't see any indications of a nutrient deficiency, so fertilizer should not be necessary. If you were to give it a modest dose of fertilizer regardless, any formulation that's general-purpose should be fine; Hydrangeas appreciate acidic soils, but fertilizers formulated for acid-loving plants don't actually acidify the soil itself. Our ongoing drought may be playing a role in the stagnation of growth if the plant hasn't already been irrigated or monitored for watering needs. (Oakleaf Hydrangea do not want to stay wet, but have a limited tolerance for dry conditions if the soil several inches deep becomes too dry too often.) Plus, only well-hydrated plants should be fertilized as the concentration of minerals in fertilizer can injure roots if they are too dry, and roots can only absorb the nutrients in liquid form (that is, dissolved in solution) anyway, so soils that are too dry won't allow roots to absorb what they need. Many shrubs are finished with active stem and/or foliage growth by midsummer or so (after this they switch to growing leaf buds for next year and internally preparing tissues for winter, a process that takes time), so it would be normal for the plant to cease most if not all new growth in the coming weeks regardless of how well-nourished or well-hydrated its roots are.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 22, 2023, 11:17 AM EDT
response: sending all great thanks!!

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 22, 2023, 12:19 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.