MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Concern about plants next to patio washed with Sodium hypochlorite

Question: We had a professional power washing company (Ned Stevens) power wash our patio. Turns out a solution of Sodium hypochlorite was used. The patio is completely surrounded by perrenials but we are particularly concerned with our herb garden on one side of the patio. I've uploaded a picture. Presumably the little fence kept some of the solution off of the plants and ground. It had been raining before the application and rained off and on for hours afterwards. Do you think our herbs are still edible? Even if the leaves were well washed with the rain, will the plants absorb Sodium hypochlorite from the ground. 

Thanks very much.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 17, 2023, 6:33 PM EDT
response: Hello,
Very recently we had a company (Ned Stevens) power washing our stone patio which is surrounded by plants with a soluion of Sodium hypochlorite. We do not now the concentration. Our concern is partially the perrieniels on 3 sides but most importantly the herb garden on one side. It rained before the application and for several hours after the application but we wonder if the current leaves are safe to eat and also if the plants will absorb the Sodium hypochlorite from the soil and poison all new growth. I've include a picture of the herb gardent.

Thanks very much
Tom

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 May 18, 2023, 11:29 AM EDT
response: Good news for you. Sodium hypochlorite is the main ingredient in bleach, and it is usually mixed with water in a very low ratio. Given the rain before and after, we'd expect that your plants will be fine. We think that if the herbs look healthy and normal you can go ahead and eat them, and we would not have any further concerns about them being able to take up any additional bleach from the soil.   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 19, 2023, 12:52 PM EDT
response: That is good news. Thanks very much.On May 18, 2023, at 11:29 AM, 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 May 19, 2023, 1:38 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Identify Weed

Question: Please identify this weed. These weeds are all over her property, back, front, and side yard; they are also in the ditches.  It seems like these weeds are spreading everywhere fast.

responder: Thank you for your question!  Replied May 17, 2023, 11:48 AM EDT
response: Hello Joanne This is Catchweed bedstraw, Gallium aparine. Hand pulling or hoeing out when small and before seeds are produced can control it. When hand pulling gloves are recommended since the plant is ‘sticky’. The article below lists chemicals that can control it, either a pre-emergent  (to stop re-seeding) or a post-emergent(for plants already growing). Please read and follow all label precautions and directions and when using any chemicals. https://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 17, 2023, 12:06 PM EDT
response: Hello,   Thanks so much for the really quick response.  Our customer is grateful for MSU Extension!   Respectfully,   Joanne   Joanne Silvia Office Manager MSU Extension – Saginaw County Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital Center of Hope 723 Emerson Street Saginaw, MI  48607 Phone: 989.907-6520 Email: <personal data hidden>          MSU Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status.   Michigan State University occupies the ancestral, traditional and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabeg – Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples. The university resides on land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw.   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Wednesday, May 17, 2023 11:48 AM To: Silvia, Joanne <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Identify Weed (#0100447)

responder: Thank you for your question!  Replied May 17, 2023, 12:09 PM EDT
response: You are welcome. We are getting several questions on bedstraw right now, it is having a good year!
Swiss chard looking like Swiss cheese

Question: Hello gardners,
Can you tell me what is infecting my Swiss Chard, and, is there anything I can do about it?  I thought it might be leaf miners, which I'm familiar with, but I can't find any worms or insects in the leaves, just rot, as you can see from the picture.
Thanks,
Dave 
Silver Spring

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 18, 2023, 10:11 AM EDT
response: HI Dave,  Yes, this looks like leafminer damage. The larvae could have matured and left already or been eaten by a predator or parasite, so they are likely done for this generation. You can read more information about Spinach and Chard leafminers on our webpage, just keep in mind the link shared recommends some commercial grower chemical controls that likely aren't available to homeowners. Leafminers on Vegetables for the home gardener has some tips you can try, possibly in the future if you plant this crop again.  If it is really bad and you don't want to risk your whole produce of Swiss chard (who wants to eat leaves that have larvae in them?), you can look for a product with the active ingredients of spinosad. Just read the label to make sure it is for vegetables, leafminers, and when to apply to be most effective to catch the larvae before they get into the leaves.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 21, 2023, 9:29 AM EDT
response: Thank you for the detailed answer, Emily!   -Dave

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 21, 2023, 9:29 AM EDT
response: Thank you for the detailed answer, Emily!   -Dave

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 22, 2023, 9:04 AM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Armyworm?

Question: What type of worm is this? It was on my basil plant.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 22, 2023, 4:00 PM EDT
response: Hi, Anna It looks like a yellow-striped armyworm. Here are a couple links.  https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/veg/leaf/yellowstriped_armyworm.htmhttps://texasinsects.tamu.edu/yellowstriped-armyworm/ Would you be willing to allow me to use this photo in the newspaper?

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 23, 2023, 2:32 AM EDT
response: You can use the photo.On Mon, May 22, 2023 at 3:00 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Old decorative grape vines in distress

Question: Hello!  Our patio arbor structure has three old (35+ years) grape trunks growing up into it.  They’re for aesthetics, not for grape production, though we believe they’re Concord grapes.  One main trunk has cracked and shed a major limb, resulting in the death of many of its old vines.  Another main trunk has been hollowing out for several years, and is looking frail though it’s still productive.  A third main trunk has several dead vines high in the arbor, though some of its lower vines are still putting out green shoots.  

We’re wondering if the recent death of so many main and subsidiary vines is due to old age, disease, or possibly the recent weather cycles of extreme heat and cold.  They all were healthy up until a couple years ago.  

We’d appreciate any advice for prolonging the lives of these three old magnificent grape vines, as well as preparing to replace them if need be.  (Perhaps by probating new plants?). Thank you so much!

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied May 17, 2023, 3:11 PM EDT
response: Hi Kevin- Thanks for your question about your old grapevines. I have some of similar age and they look in about the same shape as yours. We have talked about replacing them, but since they can live for over 100 years, and ours are still producing enough grapes, we have put it off.   You will need to prune out the dead or diseased branches and since it is close to the house, you might want to start propagating some cuttings from the new growth. I'll attach an article about growing grapes and skip down to the section called "Propagation". That should give you the basics of keeping your heritage grape alive.  https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/ec1639/html Good luck,

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 17, 2023, 10:02 PM EDT
response: Dear Rhonda, Thank you so much for your expert and generous reply!  We will definitely follow your advice on pruning, and look forward to propagating new plants as per the article you attached.  We’re not giving up on these old beauties, they’re the highlight of our patio and we love them.  And also, thank you many times over for your prompt reply.  It means a lot to us.  We are certainly fans of OSU Extension Service!All the best,Kevin and Daryl ColeSent from my iPad On May 17, 2023, at 12:11 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied May 18, 2023, 9:36 PM EDT
response: You are very welcome.
Something is up with our grapes…

Question: Hi! 
A bunch of the leaves on our grapes have a sort of puckered appearance on the tops and a brownish, scaly looking appearance on the backs. We thought at first that it might be some sort of mildew, but it doesn’t really look like pictures of either one. Otherwise, all of the leaves look really healthy. They’re in the backyard and get full exposure to the sun.

responder: Signe Danler, Online Home Horticulture Instructor Replied May 17, 2023, 12:04 PM EDT
response: This is erineum mites. While disfiguring to the leaves, they are not generally a serious problem on a home vine. On my grapevine, I remove the worst infested leaves early, and that seems to help. There are some other remedies if you want to try them https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/small-fruit/grape/grape-grape-erineum-mite

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 17, 2023, 2:16 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much!  On May 17, 2023 at 9:04 AM -0700, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>, wrote:
Juniper suddenly turning brown

Question: Hi, I live in Florence, OR.  I have a group of several different types of mature junipers in my front yard. Suddenly one of them, the one closest to the street, has rapidly turned brown. The others, about 6 others, at least for now seem just fine.  We have had no previous issues with pests other than some spider mites on some houseplants in the past.  We did have a 99 degree day here on the coast this past week, which as you can imagine is beyond rare - it is practically unheard of.  Maybe the heat shocked this one variety; I just don't know (which is why I'm writing to the experts).   Any idea? Recommendations?   Thank you very much.  Dan Courtney, Florence.

responder: Bill Hutmacher  Replied May 18, 2023, 6:06 PM EDT
response: There are several fungal diseases that can cause needle & twig browning on junipers although the current symptoms don't match those seen with these diseases.    It can also be caused by drought stress and overwatering.   While you did have the one very hot day, you also had a lot of rain prior to the beginning of May.  So it could be a combination of factors involved.  You could also be right that this juniper, located closest to the street, received more heat (from the sun, the air, and that radiated from the street) during our hot spell  than the others.  This may have caused the browning.  At this point, you should prune out any dead branches.  This will improve air circulation which will help prevent any future fungal disease problems.  If your weather remains dry, ensure the juniper gets a little water on a regular basis.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 18, 2023, 8:07 PM EDT
response: Thank you, Bill. I appreciate the feedback and suggestion to prune.Dan On Thu, May 18, 2023 at 3:06 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Strange coloration on a campus tree

Question: I took this January 1st 2023. It is a tree on the north side of Benton Hall or now Community Hall on campus. Could you possibly let me know why the tree had this color pattern.  I have revisited this tree since and the color pattern wasn't present.

responder: Dan Stark, Assistant Professor of Practice (he/him)  Replied May 16, 2023, 8:56 PM EDT
response: It looks wet to me! Probably from rain, sprinklers, etc. This would make sense if the shading is no longer present.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 16, 2023, 10:14 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much, I feel silly now that you answered. It does make sense to me. Again, thank you  Sent from Proton Mail for iOS On Tue, May 16, 2023 at 5:56 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Dan Stark, Assistant Professor of Practice (he/him)  Replied May 17, 2023, 1:53 PM EDT
response: Hi Joyce:  Your question was not silly at all! I think the appearance of the tree is kind of alarming and looks "stained." There are some pathogens that do cause staining in some trees, so looking out after our campus trees is MUCH appreciated. THANK YOU!!!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 17, 2023, 1:59 PM EDT
response: Thank you! Joy​   Sent with Proton Mail secure email.    ------- Original Message ------- On Wednesday, May 17th, 2023 at 10:53 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Need help with my peach trees

Question: I have 2 dwarf peach trees. I think the variety is Vivid.  I had a LOT of blossoms the year and MANY peaches. I read that I should thin them to ensure the fruits get to a good size and to take some weight off the branches. While removing some of the tiny peaches I found several with this kind of damage.  It looks to me like something is eating them but I’m not sure.  This is the first time I’ve noticed it.

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 18, 2023, 11:38 AM EDT
response: Hi- this looks like some type of physical injury like rubbing rather than insect or animal feeding. We suggest stripping off all of the fruit if the tree was planted last year or this year. If the tree is older, thin fruits to create a 4-5 inch space between remaining fruits.  Here are some web pages on two common peach fruit insect pests: Plum curculio Plum curculio Oriental fruit moth Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 18, 2023, 6:17 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your reply. We planted our peach trees three years ago. I thinned out the peaches and will watch for further damage. Do you have recommendations for keeping the birds from eating the fruit? thank you!

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 19, 2023, 10:21 AM EDT
response: Hi-  1. drape it with bird netting or tulle build a structure using wood, PVC, or electrical conduit, and then drape it. Birds sometimes get tangled in bird netting and netting held tight to the ground can trap and injure snakes. Hanging "visual scare devices" like shiny objects, flash tape, and streamers, can help but birds often get used to them.   2. protect individual fruits with mesh or paper bags. This is becoming more common for peach and apple growers. Here are some links to information:  https://www.clemson.edu/extension/peach/commercial/diseases/clemsonfruitbags.html https://www.phillyorchards.org/2015/07/02/bagging-fruit/ https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef218 There are a bunch of YouTube videos on using netting and bagging techniques.  3. harvest before peaches start to soften: https://communityenvironment.unl.edu/harvesting-peaches-apricots Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 19, 2023, 3:27 PM EDT
response: Thank you again Jon. I really appreciate your help!Lisa  Have a great day!  On May 19, 2023, at 10:21 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Diseased bush

Question: Can you tell me what this white powdery substance is?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 17, 2023, 11:22 AM EDT
response: Hello, That powder on your yew could be powdery mildew or a sucking insect called mealy bug. When I enlarge the picture, it becomes blurred and I can’t differentiate what is there. I think I can see a mealy bug. I wonder if you can go on the internet to see what a mealy bug looks like and take another picture of a yew branch, trying to get a close up and send it to me. I’m looking forward to receiving another picture. Thanks for contacting Ask Extension.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 18, 2023, 11:53 AM EDT
response: Hopefully this helps, it's as clear as my photo allows. Thank you!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 18, 2023, 11:53 AM EDT
response: Hopefully this helps, it's as clear as my photo allows. Thank you!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 19, 2023, 10:55 AM EDT
response: Hello, Thank you for the pictures. However, I’m still not certain whether it is the taxus mealybug causing the damage or powdery mildew. Powdery mildew on yews tends to affect the needles rather than the stems, read about powdery mildew here: https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/powdery-mildew-trees-and-shrubs And here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/p_is_for_powdery_mildew_on_ornamentals However, mealybugs were a problem on yews in Connecticut at one point. Read more here: http://cues.cfans.umn.edu/old/blackvw/blackvo.html Mealybugs are difficult to eradicate. Often with a heavy infestation, it is recommended that the plant be removed. It appears that your shrub is completely covered in the mealybugs. MSU Extension’s Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic can make a better diagnosis and recommend management. To learn how to submit a sample/photo, go to: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/ Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.
My juniper has brown tips on all branches. What is causing this and what can I do?

Question: What can I do for my juniper that has brown tips?

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied May 17, 2023, 1:42 PM EDT
response: Good morning,  The brown tips are actually the cones! This is completely normal.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 19, 2023, 3:45 PM EDT
response: If you look closer at the pictures, you will see that the leaves themselves are turning brown.  This doesn’t appear to be cones to me.   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Wednesday, May 17, 2023 11:42 AMTo: djanellet <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: My juniper has brown tips on all branches. What is causing this and what can I do? (#0100319)

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied May 19, 2023, 3:58 PM EDT
response: Can you send me a better zoomed in photo...I can't get a clear idea? It could just be general winter desiccation/ browning, but it's very uniform on the entire plant.  I'll also be at the farmers market tomorrow in Old Town Fort Collins at the Courthouse, 200 W Oak Street. It's open 9am-1pm. You could bring a sample?  The Master Gardeners are also in the Extension Office on Tuesday and Thursday from 10am-1pm, 1525 Blue Spruce Drive in north Fort Collins.   Let me know what works best for you!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 19, 2023, 4:14 PM EDT
response: I live in Windsor so won’t be anywhere near downtown Ft Collins but thanks for offering.  We have 4 of these trees and this is the only one with this much browning going on.  The others only slightly so.   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Friday, May 19, 2023 1:59 PMTo: djanellet <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: My juniper has brown tips on all branches. What is causing this and what can I do? (#0100319)

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied May 20, 2023, 5:39 PM EDT
response: Hi again,  It's difficult to say, but probably linked to temperature swings, winter desiccation, cold snaps, etc. Hopefully some of the new growth will mask the brown that you're seeing. Fortunately much of the shrub/tree is still very healthy. If things haven't improved in another couple of weeks, please let me know. You can also email me directly: <personal data hidden>

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 21, 2023, 1:16 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much!Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone-------- Original message --------From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: 5/20/23 3:39 PM (GMT-07:00) To: djanellet <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: My juniper has brown tips on all branches. What is causing this and what can I do? (#0100319)
yellowing leaves of pyracantha

Question: What is causing the leaves on my pyracantha to yellow and drop?

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 17, 2023, 11:42 AM EDT
response: This plant is about 7 feet tall and about 18 years old.  I is next to a trellis that is next to a side of the house.  The yellowing and dropping leaves started in earnest this spring and continues to accelerate.  I am not sure what more specific info you need or want.  Please advise.

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 18, 2023, 10:27 AM EDT
response: Hi,  It does mostly appear to be normal leaf aging and shedding that occurs in the spring. If it seems to be more than usual then maybe the plant was stressed this past year and needs to be monitored for supplemental watering.  It possibly might be Pyracantha Scab Disease as sometimes the beginning signs are yellowing leaves. You can monitor the fruit when they form to confirm this and we wouldn't recommend treatment without knowing the disease first. Penn State has some information on Pyracantha Diseases and treatments. If it is a scab disease that is a fungal infection and often difficult to control. The best thing to do is to plant resistance cultivars. If your plant has it, it may be a more susceptible cultivar or unfortunately has succumb to the fungus either way. You can attempt to spray a fungicide (although they are not often 100% effective) in the spring once you confirm this disease, however different fungi travel and reproduce when the weather temperatures are right and treatment would be extensive until dryer weather comes. The Penn State explains this further. For this year, it doesn't warrant treatment since you would need to start earlier in the season and continue through until weather symptoms improve.  Let us know if you have further questions or notice more signs and symptoms of possible disease.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 20, 2023, 1:31 PM EDT
response: Tthank you for your attention to this matter.  We appreciate your help.   -----Original Message----- From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> To: tanlj47 <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Thu, May 18, 2023 10:27 am Subject: Re: yellowing leaves of pyracantha (#0100317)

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 22, 2023, 10:41 AM EDT
response: You're Welcome