MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
My mint has a problem

Question: The mint in my garden has a serious problem. Attached are photographs of three plants showing the damage. None of my mint can be eaten. Any information on what is causing this problem and what to do about it would be much appreciated.

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, 9:21 AM EDT
response: Hello! Thank you for your inquiry and photos. The damage you see on your mint has been caused by insects known as four-lined plant bugs. These are common garden pests in our area, with mint being one of their preferred host plants. The good news is that they only have one new generation each year, and will be gone from your garden around the end of June. At that point, you can remove the damaged portions of your plant, and it should recover. As you probably already know, mint can be cut back almost entirely at that point in the summer, and given adequate moisture, will flush out with fresh new growth. So if a large portion of your plants is affected, you can cut the plants back hard and let them regrow.  We don't really recommend using contact pesticides, such as horticultural oil or soap, to control four-lined plant bugs because they move extremely quickly and are therefore quite difficult to spray. Below is a link with more information on four-lined plant bugs.  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/plant-bugs-flowers  I hope this is helpful.  ~ Karin

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 22, 2023, 9:41 AM EDT
response: Karin,Thanks for this prompt and incredibly helpful information and advice.All the best,Jim

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, 9:48 AM EDT
response: I'm so glad we were able to help, Jim!  ~ Karin
What kind of tick is this?

Question: I found this tick on my backpack after hiking around Rowena point in the gorge today 5/20/22

I put all my clothes and hiking gear in double garbage bags. I didn't notice any bites or any on my body yet.

What should I watch out for? How long should I leave my gear bagged if that even works?

responder: Bill Gerth  Replied May 22, 2023, 1:35 PM EDT
response: Hi Ryan, That is an adult male black-legged tick (an Ixodes species).   Glad that you didn't get bitten, and good idea to isolate your clothes and gear after hiking in tick habitat. Ticks can live a long time without feeding though, so they might be able to survive the bagging treatment. You would be better off to wash and dry your clothes in a washer/dryer combination and that should kill any ticks on them. You could also put any bagged items in a freezer (if they can fit) for 3 days and that should also kill any ticks.  As you may know, black-legged ticks are potential vectors of Lyme disease, while other ticks cannot transmit this disease. However, the most recent data suggests that only 3% to 8% of the western black-legged ticks in Oregon are actually infected with the Lyme disease bacterium. So even if you get bitten by one of these ticks, the risk of Lyme disease in Oregon is still pretty low. If you do get bitten, though, your doctor could advise you what if any treatments you might want.  Hope that helps! Yours,

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 22, 2023, 2:51 PM EDT
response: Thank you! Really appreciate your expertise! I put my big stuff in the freezer and will wash and dry the small stuff.Thanks again!RyanOn Mon, May 22, 2023, 10:35 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Weigela and Ninebark rabbit damage

Question: Hello! The rabbits did a lot of damage to several of our plants this past winter, but mostly to our weigela and Ninebark. Unfortunately, we didn't notice right away, and they both seem to be suffering badly now. The weigela seems to have a lot of dead branches, and the ninebark seems to have a disease. What can we do about it? We bought our house two years ago and haven't pruned either plant yet, which we know was needed last year... Should we prune both plants way back now? Thank you!!

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied May 21, 2023, 7:59 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Ben,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  Please click on the following link from the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website about pruning trees and shrubs: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs#trees-and-shrubs-to-prune-before-new-growth-1336762 If you scroll down to the area that discusses pruning shrubs before new growth, ninebark is listed. From your photos, it appears your shrubs have significant shade?  If the rabbits ate the bark off the weigela branches, it should be pruned down to below the damage. It may take more than a year for it to recover and bloom, but should survive. We had a long winter with deep snow cover causing rabbits and other rodents to resort to chewing the bark off.  Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 21, 2023, 8:57 AM EDT
response: Hello Maureen,Thank you so much for your help. I see the link talks about pruning ninebark before new growth. If the ninebark and weigela are both leafing out already, is it still okay to prune them now, or should we wait until late winter of next year?I worry about what appears to be a disease on the ninebark spreading. And yes, the area is fairly shaded.Thanks!Ben VinarOn Sun, May 21, 2023, 6:59 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied May 21, 2023, 9:35 AM EDT
response: Ben,  If you prune them now, the energy of the plant will be put into the remaining stems that are healthy. Yes, it is okay to prune them now.  Here is another link about diseases of shrubs/ninebark: https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/powdery-mildew-trees-and-shrubs Here is another link to What's wrong with my plant where you can work through the system to diagnose a problem with your ninebark: https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/ Good Luck!
What is this plant and how does it spread

Question: I moved back to Saint Paul. My neighbor has a “no lawn” yard. This plant has infiltrated from her yard into mine. I removed one and it was difficult because it had a huge root mass. The plant is about 2 ft high - some in her yard are about 2.5 ft high. She has no idea what it is as it was her husband’s project and he died 7+ years ago. I don’t know how it propagates and what else I should do so I can plant other things in its place. What is the best way to keep it out of my yard?

responder: Thank you for your inquiry and good luck!  Replied May 22, 2023, 7:39 PM EDT
response: Hi, I’m working to ID your plant. Have you ever noticed its flowers? What color are they? My first thought is that you should dig the plant out, getting all the root material possible. Please let me know about flowers. I’m going to keep looking.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 23, 2023, 8:54 AM EDT
response: Flowers haven’t appeared yet. Someone suggested it may be a cup flower and from what I see online, that’s possible. I have removed some of the plants and will  likely remove all. If it is a cup flower would any remaining root fibers create new plant growth?

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 23, 2023, 10:31 AM EDT
response: Flowers haven’t appeared yet. Someone suggested it may be a cup flower and from what I see online, that’s possible. I have removed some of the plants and will  likely remove all. If it is a cup flower would any remaining root fibers create new plant growth?

responder: Thank you for your inquiry and good luck!  Replied May 25, 2023, 4:32 PM EDT
response: Cup plant was my first impression, as well, and I can’t find anything else that your plant resembles more. https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/cup-plant Cup plants do spread by short rhizomes, so you would need to get as much of those roots as possible. On the plus side, the flowers are very pretty and pollinators love them.
Tomato Plant Problem

Question: Hello. I started to grow Tomato Plants in a greenhouse this spring, and have one plant that has quickly developed a problem (overnight!) where the leaves are turning various unhealthy colors. Any idea what is causing this? I have attached a picture of the plant for your reference. 

Thank you for your help. 

Ted

responder: Jane Ellison  Replied May 23, 2023, 5:59 PM EDT
response: There are many diseases of tomatoes and they can be difficult to diagnose. The best key to help you identify what is causing the problem is: http://vegetablemdonline.ppath.cornell.edu/DiagnosticKeys/TomKey.html You will best be able to check each symptom with the plant in your hand. Do be very careful to keep it away from your other tomato plants lest the disease spreads.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 23, 2023, 6:39 PM EDT
response: OK. Thank you for your help! TedOn May 23, 2023, at 5:59 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Japanese Beatle Damage on River Birch

Question: My 4 yr old trees were damaged by Japanese Beetles last summer. Lots of small dead branches (twigs) but leaves budding out at the ends of branches. I can trim the small dead parts of the branches. In late summer last year I put down a grub control product but unsure if that will help. Some of the lower branches look terrible with just a few leaves. Can I cut the lower branches off now. The branches are approximately 3/4 inch circumference as they are just a few years old. I did sprinkle Bio Advanced Tree and Shrub Protect and Feed early this spring. Will this help? Or what product can I put down now? It pains me to look at the trees and want to do something that will save these young trees (I have 2). Thanks for your help! Also I have not experienced any grass damage from the grubs.

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied May 20, 2023, 10:30 AM EDT
response: The product you listed says it will kill Japanese beetles up to 12 months.  It contains imidicloprid which is a systemic treatment. Unfortunately it also kills good insects like bees. This is not a problem unless the trees are flowering.  In the future you may wish to time the treatment after the birch flowers in May. Using a slow release fertilizer like this will help the trees recover.  Pruning birch trees in the spring can further stress trees that are damaged because they release sap. It is best to prune them in the fall.  Dead branches can be pruned out anytime. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/birch/cutting-back-birch-trees.htm  That product does not solve the grub issue.  They are most likely breeding in the lawn.  The best time to treat the grubs is when they are small and near the surface in late July through August.  Do not treat the lawn unless you see actual grub damage. The following websites give additional information.  https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/japanese-beetles

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 26, 2023, 3:07 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much for the wealth of information. Angie Ambourn also reached out with information.Bonnie Inforzato  Saint Michael On May 20, 2023, at 9:30 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied May 26, 2023, 4:40 PM EDT
response: You are welcome.
Viburnum pest

Question: Trying to learn what this is on my arrowwood viburnum.  Egg sac?  Cocoon?  Very stretchy, sticky silk makes up the sac beneath the shield.  Suspect that this is a foe, but don't want to destroy if friend.  Thanks,

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 20, 2023, 9:46 AM EDT
response: I think I was able to discover what this is.  Cottony maple scale.  The viburnum is in contact with low branches of a young Freeman maple.

responder: Chris T.  OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer    Replied May 20, 2023, 7:42 PM EDT
response: Hi George,  Just so you can make sure that cottony maple scale is what you're seeing, and read more about control measures, I'm attaching a link to the Ohio State Extension fact sheet:  https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ENT-62  Best of luck, and feel free to write back with any questions.
Blue Lake beans and Bush Bean stringless leaf damage or disease

Question: I have planted from seed two varieties of bush beans, one being Blue Lake.  They have all sprouted and have leaves, but I noticed today (after being gone 5 days), that many have developed gray, thin areas on the leaves.  It's in a raised bed with a domed netting cover to keep the bugs away, but we've had adequate rain that gets through the netting just perfectly.  I've looked on the internet for similar pics and can't find any, except for just one that said it was wind damage.  It seems unlikely it could cause it I think.  Any ideas?

responder: Travis County Master Gardeners  Replied May 21, 2023, 2:46 PM EDT
response: It's hard to say what's going on with that one leaf. Since the damage is only on one leaf, my inclination is that it has been caused by a singular agent, such as an insect.  Remove and discard the leaf. Monitor the plant moving forward.  Best, Brittany Taylor

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 21, 2023, 3:38 PM EDT
response: My fault for not showing the whole area, but here is a better pic.Sent from my iPhone On May 21, 2023, at 1:47 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Travis County Master Gardeners  Replied May 22, 2023, 1:41 PM EDT
response: This looks like some sort of sucking insect damage, since something is "drying" out sections of the leaves. Check the underside of the leaves to see if you can spot any insect activity, bearing in mind that the insects may be tiny.  A few damaged leaves should not impact your crop too seriously, but if it starts to get out of hand, you may want to use an organic insecticide or something like neem oil.  Liz S
Are these bad?

Question: I just noticed these bugs in the tree. Are they a good thing or a bad?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 19, 2023, 9:53 PM EDT
response: Can you tell me what kind of plant this is? These insects look like aphids but its hard to get details as they are so close to each other and they are a darker color hiding details Let me know if you have additional questions. Thank you for letting us help you. Rich

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 20, 2023, 12:23 PM EDT
response: It's a grand firOn Fri, May 19, 2023, 6:53 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 20, 2023, 5:34 PM EDT
response: I have attached a link to aphids and management for your information. Nursery crop pests-Aphids | Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbooks (pnwhandbooks.org)
Snow mold?

Question: What is this stuff?  I live near Mirror Lake in Chugiak where we had a heavy snowfall this past winter.  As the snow melted off the yard I noticed that there were patches of white on the ground, particularly under the bird cherry tree.  On closer inspection, some of the fruit still on the tree was encased in a "cobweb" that appeared somewhat damp.  Large spots on the ground also contained fall fruit with the same "cobweb" material.  About 150 feet away, in a different part of the yard, I noticed a thin layer of "cobweb" as the last and deepest snow bank melted.  Are these two patches of white material the same?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 22, 2023, 12:57 PM EDT
response: Hi Lynn,  The webbing on the grass looks like it could be "snow mold". This is a fungus that can develop underneath the snow cover and often becomes noticed in spring when the snow melts. You can help prevent this by mowing the lawn in the fall to prevent going into winter with tall grass, reducing the amount of debris under the snow cover. Avoiding applications of fertilizer in late fall can help as well.  Here is some more information about this: https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/news/columns/dakota-gardener/dakota-gardener-snow-mold-is-affecting-lawns-this-spring  And some information here as well: https://ag.umass.edu/turf/fact-sheets/snow-molds

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 22, 2023, 3:59 PM EDT
response: Thanks!   On Mon, May 22, 2023 at 8:57 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Grass

Question: I really like grasses, and I like this color of grass.  Can you tell me what it is called? And what is the best area to plant? Thank you so much!
EJL

responder: Answered by University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener Volunteers.  For more information on a variety of yard and garden topics, visit the HGIC program web page and blog, Maryland Grows. Replied May 22, 2023, 10:29 PM EDT
response: It is difficult to identify this grass, especially without any bloom.  However, it looks as if it could be a type of Miscanthus (silvergrass) which is considered invasive.  We would discourage you from planting any invasive type of plant, including invasive grasses.  See https://extension.umd.edu/resource/invasive-grass-control  There are many grasses native to the mid-atlantic which we would recommend instead, such as Bottlebrush grass or Switchgrass.  See https://extension.umd.edu/resource/ornamental-and-native-grasses-landscape  Debbie

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 27, 2023, 6:48 AM EDT
response: Hi Debbie, Thank you for those details.  Do you have a grass that you recommend that will thrive in dry soil, and not grow so wide? I have an area where I would like to plant grass, but the area is in full sun, is not near a garden hose, and is only about  6' wide of an area.Thanks,EricOn Mon, May 22, 2023 at 10:29 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 May 31, 2023, 8:36 AM EDT
response: Hi Eric,  Panicum species or Switchgrass like Debbie mentioned, is usually an easy to find native grass. There are different varieties that get different heights. 'North Wind' is a taller variety with a nice blue-ish color. It an handle drought or even some wet soil. You will need to water it upon planting and periodically to get it established but probably by next growing season it should be sufficient with rain water.  Let us now if you are looking for further suggestions.  Emily
Salix integra?

Question: Hi! 
Thank you, Christine, for your help earlier.  I have attached closer picture of the bush I originally sent. I hope this makes it easier to identify. Thanks again.
EJL

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 23, 2023, 9:32 AM EDT
response: Hello EJL,  This is a shrubby willow species called Dappled Willow (botanical name Salix integra) likely cultivar 'Hakuro-Nishiki' though there's one or two additional nearly-identical cultivars. This species of willow is not native (but it's non-invasive) and can grow very large for a shrub if not regularly pruned back drastically every few years. As the foliage matures over the summer, it becomes less prominently marked with white and pink and becomes mostly green, with only the youngest leaves remaining more colorful.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 27, 2023, 6:48 AM EDT
response: Thank you, Miri.  I appreciate your help.  Have a great weekend. EricOn Tue, May 23, 2023 at 9:32 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Unhappy quince tree

Question: Can you id what is afflicting this poor thing!?  I  planted it 3/32/23 in combo clay/good soil and have watered it weekly since.  It is in full sun and is about 4 feet tall.

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, 12:41 PM EDT
response: Hi,  It appears to be inflicted with a rust disease which is common for Quince and other members of the rosacea family. Most likely this is the Cedar-Quince Rust. There really isn't a treatment for this since it is a common fungal infection that is very difficult to control. Fingal spores easily reproduce and travel in the right weather conditions. It probably means there is a juniper/cedar nearby since they are the host. You could see if it is on your property, it can be removed if you would like to try to prevent the spread back and forth. Or more likely, you just have to deal with the unsightly features. You can prune out any swollen branch areas or heavily infected leaves to help contain it. You should bag them up and throw out, instead of composting, as the spores will keep floating around.  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/rust-diseases-trees Let us know if you have further questions with this.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 23, 2023, 9:55 AM EDT
response: Just one additional question....will it adversely affect the eventual fruit production?Thanks!On Mon, May 22, 2023, 12:41 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 23, 2023, 10:23 AM EDT
response: Yes most likely. You an refer to the Virginia Tech Home Fruit Guide Spray Schedule for maintenance. It is too late this year.  We highlighted areas that you can refer to. It is under the apple maintenance, but should be about the same for quince. Just double check any product labels before applying. If you are hoping to harvest the fruit, you will want to try to apply a fungicide early in the season before the spores start to travel. You can also read about this on our webpage for apple and pear diseases. For now if you prune off infected areas, that will help. Let us know if you have further questions with this, Emily
Poison Ivy

Question: Is this Poison Ivy

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, 4:02 PM EDT
response: This appears to be a young Boxelder Maple (Acer negundo), but the photo is too small for us to enlarge to see enough detail to be sure. While the leaves between the two species can look very similar when plants are young, Boxelder leaves are attached opposite each other on a branch/stem while Poison Ivy leaves are alternately arranged instead. (Note that we are talking about the entire leaf, not the individual leaflets, as both plants have compound leaves where multiple leaflets share a stem, called a petiole, which is what attaches to the actual branch or twig.)  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 19, 2023, 6:00 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much as I am very allergic to Poison IvySent from my iPhone On May 19, 2023, at 4:02 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿