MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Edible plant harvested by Koreans at Patapsco Valley State Park last week?

Question: While hiking at PVSP along the Cascade Falls Trail last week, I came across three Korean women harvesting the leaves of a plant. They did not know what it was called---but told me they prepared it by boiling with water and then sauteeing with a little sesame oil. Is this garlic mustard?

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 02, 2023, 9:13 AM EDT
response: Without seeing a flower it is difficult to give a solid i.d.. Did you notice any flowers on the plants?   It may be Canadian honeywort, which you can compare to here:  https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CRCA9   Non-native invasive plants like Garlic Mustard  (https://extension.umd.edu/resource/garlic-mustard)  and Perilla frutescens, a.k.a. 'Beefsteak plant' or 'Shiso' are widely found edibles in our parks but the leaves are different.     Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 02, 2023, 9:40 AM EDT
response: Hello Christine: No flowers----I can ID garlic mustard from the flowers.I did chew on the leaves and they had a tangy taste that left an acrid feeling in the back of my throat. Not sure if that helps.----RichardOn Tue, May 2, 2023 at 9:13 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 02, 2023, 12:57 PM EDT
response: We aren't able to offer any further clues.  We do caution you however not to eat wild plants that can't be identified, especially since those that are edible often require boiling in several changes of water to reduce the quantity of toxins to make them safer to eat. I totally understand your interest and have made the same mistake myself before I knew better.   Christine
Help needed with unknown problems

Question: My tomatoes look like something is eating the leaves but I cannot see any bugs, or worms on them,”. The eggplant has rust on the leaves but I am not sure what to do about 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 02, 2023, 9:01 AM EDT
response: We do not see any pests on the tomatoes and the tiny holes in the leaves are not a concern. They likely arose from environmental conditions and as the weather warms further and once the roots get in the ground (if that's where they will be grown for the summer) then the problem should not reappear. The eggplant is similarly cold-sensitive and should not be outdoors quite yet during chilly nights (give them another week or two or protection if the nights are in the 40s) and the minor leaf damage present is not a fungal rust infection but could be either from cold shock or a small degree of insect or slug/snail feeding. You can check the plants after dark (after sundown or before sunrise, whichever is convenient) to see if either pest is present at that time, since many can leave to hide during the day. You can also peek under the pot to see if slugs/snails are hiding there, where it stays more moist when the weather is dry. In either case, this small amount of leaf damage is not concerning. You can view our tomato and eggplant web pages for more information about how to grow these plants for best productivity and which pest and disease issues are most common for each (and how to discourage or treat them if they arise).  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 02, 2023, 10:13 AM EDT
response: Thank you very much.    Cion

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 02, 2023, 10:15 AM EDT
response: You're welcome. Feel free to send us more images later this season if the plants develop symptoms of concern.  Miri
ailing tomato seedling

Question: Hello again!  I have numerous tomato seedlings of various types that are doing very well (6 to 8 inches high with plenty of leaves) in a mixture of organic and Miracle Grow poyyong soil.  I have not overwatered, in my opinion.  The tomato pictured is in a small-to-modest sized pot and is ailing.  What is not shown are a couple of stems with true leaves that grew, then rather quickly withered, pinched at the stem, and fell off.  As you can see, the plant is stunted and the stem looks just a little bit rough.  Another tomato of the same variety was doing a lot better.  Only one stem pinched and fell off, but overall the plant was ok (I gave that one to my son).

What do you think might be causing this?

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, 3:12 PM EDT
response: Hi- The darkened, pinched lower stem is consistent with rhizoctonia, one of the water molds that make up the damping-off complex. Pull out affected plants to closely examine lower stems and root systems. https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/damping-off-identifying-and-controlling-early-season-pathogens-2-2-2/  https://extension.psu.edu/rhizoctonia-solani-prevention-and-management-on-vegetable-transplants  Damping-off can be caused by overwatering and/or using potting soils that are too dense and hold too much water. Recycle the plastic pots or sanitize them using a 9:1, water to bleach solution.  Select lightweight (8-12 lbs./cu. ft.) soilless growing media for starting and growing transplants (contain ingredients like peat moss, coir, perlite, vermiculite, rice hulls, and compost but not "forest products").   Transplant growing media page. Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 02, 2023, 7:43 AM EDT
response: Jon - Thanks very much.  I guess that this mold came on suddenly, because I thought that I had been pretty careful not to overwater.  I guess not!  This is the only tomato of that variety that I have.  I guess I will try to replant it and hope that it will come back. - 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 02, 2023, 9:55 AM EDT
response: Good luck!
Identification of a new soil pest

Question: We purchased compost and soil compost/ soil mixture last year locally in Columbus. 1-1 1/2 cu yards was placed in a large container and covered the rest was used in garden areas. In both the covered container and in existing garden beds a new pest has appeared. We are wondering if this is a symphylan. Soil drench with neem appears to provide some control. 
 Would you please let us know what this is and how to control it? Last years garden crops were badly damaged. We suspect this might have been the culprit.
Thank you

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 04, 2023, 2:05 PM EDT
response: The neem apparently had no effect. This is soil from our new Vego planter installed last year. I was digging up soil from the planter for a tray.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 05, 2023, 6:29 AM EDT
response: https://extension.psu.edu/garden-symphylan-as-a-pest-of-field-crops https://buffalo.extension.wisc.edu/files/2011/01/2014-insecticide-revisions.pdf (look under Thiamethoxam) https://extension.usu.edu/pests/ipm/notes_ag/veg-garden-symphylans (excellent description of pest) https://ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/lettuce/garden-symphylans/  Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.  I agree that you may have garden symphylan.  Above are four fact sheets with excellent information regarding these pests.  If you have any further questions, please let us know.  Carol B. MGV

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 12, 2023, 1:27 PM EDT
response: We have tried dusting sevin and later bifenthrin in the form of ant control granuals. with marginal knockdown. Any other options you could recommend? Gardening is a significant activity for us. With concentrations of hundreds per cubic foot of soil it may not be useable for years. Is there a state agency this should be reported to since Kurtz Bros was likely selling a contaminated product?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 17, 2023, 2:19 PM EDT
response: Thank you for getting back to us with your question.  I am sorry that you are having trouble with pests in your soil.  My advice would be for you to take a sample to your local extension office or call them first and ask for advice.   Kunz-Brundige Franklin County Extension Building, 2548 Carmack Rd, Columbus, OH 43210 614.866.6900  Carol B. MGV
Fig with 2 different kind of leaves

Question: We purchased a fig plant- violette de Bordeaux variety. Looks like it was grown from a cutting- apprx 3 feet tall. 
I emailed the seller and they told us to cut off the bottom branch, but I’m not sure that is the correct advice? The last picture shows that it is an entire branch with the different leaves.
My husband thinks the correct thing to do is cut off that branch, and then seal it off with a dab of pruning sealer? 
Really would appreciate your opinion!
Thank you!!!

responder: Susan Barton, PhD, SITES AP  Replied May 01, 2023, 8:55 AM EDT
response: It looks like your fig was possibly grafted onto a more vigorous root stock. You should prune off the low branch that is different but there is no need to treat the wound with pruning paint. Just let it seal naturally.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 01, 2023, 9:09 AM EDT
response: Giant, thank you!!!! I cannot tell you how much we appreciate having this resource available to us. You guys are awesome.!!!!!!!Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Monday, May 1, 2023, 8:55 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Unknown plant

Question: This plant has shown up in my yard. It is about 18"x 18" at this time. Please identify it. Thank you.

responder: Travis County Master Gardeners  Replied May 02, 2023, 3:40 PM EDT
response: It looks like it might be Pennsylvania pellitory (Parietaria pensylvanica). It's a native annual flowering nettle. Best, Brittany Taylor

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 02, 2023, 4:53 PM EDT
response: Thank you! From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Tuesday, May 2, 2023 2:40 PMTo: Frank B Falkstein <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Unknown plant (#0097767)
Is this a Murder Hornet?

Question: I found an enormous hornet-looking insect in my home in Howard County, Maryland. I have a honeybee hive on my property and am concerned of this insect is dangerous to my family or to my honeybees.

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, 2:12 PM EDT
response: Hello! Thank you for your question and excellent photos. Good news: The insect pictured here is not a northern giant hornet (formerly known as the Asian giant hornet or "murder hornet"). It is a European hornet, a long-established, non-native insect species that is common in our area. Here is a link for information about them.   https://extension.umd.edu/resource/european-hornets   As the mentioned in the article above, European hornets are not particularly aggressive toward people unless you get too close to their hive, in which case, they can become much more aggressive and sting in defense of their home. As far as being dangerous to your honeybees, European hornets can and will catch and eat individual honeybees as they fly about collecting nectar, but they are much more of a nuisance than a problem when it comes to the safety of the hive, since honeybees are amazingly adept at stopping intruders (including these hornets) from entering.  Northern Giant Hornets have been found in Washington State and British Columbia. The Maryland Department of Agriculture continues to monitor for them, and they have not been found in Maryland or anywhere on the east coast of the United States.  Here is a link for information about them.  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/northern-giant-hornet  I hope this is helpful.  ~ Karin

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 01, 2023, 7:20 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the speedy and informative response.  It was very helpful!    Warmly, Alison

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 02, 2023, 8:33 AM EDT
response: You're so welcome, Alison! I'm glad we could help.  ~ Karin
Bush identification

Question: Can you tell me what type of brush this is?

responder: Thank you for your question! Rebecca Finneran Michigan State University Extension Senior Horticulture Educator Learn how t be a Smart Gardener here www.migarden.msu.edu Replied May 01, 2023, 3:23 PM EDT
response: Looks to me like you have a beautiful Viburnum carlesii also known as Korean Spice Viburnum.  Nice!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 01, 2023, 3:33 PM EDT
response: Thank you! From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Monday, May 1, 2023 3:23 PMTo: James Kramer <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Bush identification (#0097780)

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 01, 2023, 6:41 PM EDT
response: Can you tell me what this  bush is too?  I thought it was a KOREAN SPICE VIBURNUM too but it looks different.  Maybe it is a different variety.  They both have a wonderful fragrance. ThanksJimi Kramer From: <personal data hidden> <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Monday, May 1, 2023 3:29 PMTo: 'Ask Extension' <<personal data hidden>>Subject: RE: Bush identification (#0097780) Thank you! From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Monday, May 1, 2023 3:23 PMTo: James Kramer <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Bush identification (#0097780)

responder: Thank you for your question! Rebecca Finneran Michigan State University Extension Senior Horticulture Educator Learn how t be a Smart Gardener here www.migarden.msu.edu Replied May 02, 2023, 7:39 AM EDT
response: Yes, it does look like a Korean spice too-  perhaps just a different cultivar. I am also wondering if this plant is on a different side of your house with different lighting or exposure.  That could explain the slower floral opening.  In my area, buds are currently tight like in this photo.
Variegated Pittosporum Bushes

Question: Some of my bushes have lost some of their leaves during the freeze - my question, will the leaves come back? Not sure if she plays a role, but the bushes are at least 15 years old.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 01, 2023, 8:54 PM EDT
response: Pittosporums did not fair well from Winter Storm Uri in 2021 and only slightly better from the December freeze. However, these plants are telling you all the information you need… leaves are emerging from the live parts of the shrub. The bare branches are likely dead. If you scratch along the stem, and see brown tissue below and not live, green tissue, it is dead. Cut all the dead stems away and assess what you have left. If it is uneven, then prune until the shrub is evened out to your liking. The taller stems on the shrubs in the back may need to be cut back to even them all out and to ensure you don’t have bare, tall branches under green leaves.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 06, 2023, 5:24 PM EDT
response: What are my best hedge (bushes) options for Houston?Sent from my iPhone On May 1, 2023, at 7:54 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 01, 2023, 5:38 PM EDT
response: Here are some links for shrub options. https://aggie-hort.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/publications/beaumont/beaumont.htmlhttp://counties.agrilife.org/harris/files/2011/05/houstonplants.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 02, 2023, 12:03 PM EDT
response: Thank you kindly!Gig’em ‘76Sent from my iPhone On Jun 1, 2023, at 4:38 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Spruce disease

Question: Can you tell me what causes the discoloration and death of branches on spruce trees in Girdwood.  And what can be done?  I have been trimming and disposing of branches as soon as they show signs but the problem is getting worse.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 01, 2023, 1:46 PM EDT
response: Hi Mark,  How often do you water the ground around these spruce trees? The reddening of the needles looks a lot like sun scorch especially that second and third photo. This can happen when the plant is getting a lot of sun, especially in winter/spring, but the plant is unable to take up enough water to make up for the water lost from evaporation . It appears these trees are planted in a gravel area which potentially could be contributing to poor water retention for the trees. Is the gravel area a walking path? If so, that also could contribute to soil compaction which can reduce water availability for the tree.   I am not seeing any clear signs of fruiting bodies on the needles which would indicate a pathogen issue but feel free to send some very close photos of the browning needles so I can take a closer look.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 01, 2023, 4:16 PM EDT
response: Thank you.  I will send additional photos in a few weeks when things have progressed post-winter.  The trees are in Girdwood so generally it seems they get plenty of water.  I was thinking maybe it is too wet but, as noted, I will send more photos in a few weeks.  Thanks again.Sent from a handheld device. Please excuse typing errors. On May 1, 2023, at 09:46, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Identify plant (weed) and how to reduce them

Question: Hello, There is a plant common in our area (mid-Columbia River Gorge) shown in the attached pictures. They seem to prefer to grow in loose soils. In certain areas (like around my backyard) they can grow uncontrolled and can blanket an area. They're vine-like and will cover other plants, killing them off. Then these weeds die during winter leaving the area bare of other plants. Late spring they come back to blanket the area again. These weeds essentially create a dead zone in areas they dominate.

Do you know what this plant is and how to mitigate it? Thanks.

responder: Kendal Johnson  Replied May 01, 2023, 12:57 PM EDT
response: That is a noxious weed known as White Bryony. It has major destructive potential to native vegetation, forest communities, and urban horticulture. The berries are toxic to humans.  Here is some more information about it   https://www.nwcb.wa.gov/weeds/white-bryony  And the recommended chemical control  (please read and follow all pesticide labels, they are the law.) https://pnwhandbooks.org/weed/problem-weeds/bryony-white-bryonia-alba  Mechanical control is ineffective as tilling will cause it sprout back from cut roots. Mowing and preventing it from flowering and/or mowing followed by immediate chemical applications can be effective.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 01, 2023, 1:10 PM EDT
response: Thanks Kendal! On Mon, May 1, 2023 at 9:57 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Concerned about tree

Question: We have a beautiful tree (maybe ash) in our backyard that lost many large branches last may after a heavy, wet snow storm. It seemed okay throughout the remainder of the summer. This spring it is not budding and holding onto the dead helicopter leaves. We’re concerned (and very sad)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 03, 2023, 1:19 PM EDT
response: Hi Elizabeth,   Don't give up on the tree yet! Sometimes ash trees will get a slow start, especially after extreme weather. Ash trees in general have had a tough time the last 5+ years. I would give the tree this entire season, and see how it goes. Monitor any growth you see over the summer.  A few things to keep in mind:Consider reaching out to a certified arborist to assess the tree for hazard risk (more branches breaking, etc.). You can find certified arborists here: https://www.treesaregood.org/ We recommend receiving 2 or 3 assessments. Make sure to provide supplemental water to your tree all-year around. More info here and here. This is the best thing you can do for your tree!Based on your photos, it appears there may be a lot of activity under the tree? Noticing the lawn chairs, hammock, etc. Activity under trees can be hard on trees over time. The soil and roots have likely been compacted over time. This could lead to long-term damage to the tree's health. Consider adding a fresh layer of mulch, removing the rocks at the base of the tree, and limiting foot traffic underneath the tree. If you add mulch, be sure to keep the first 6-inches from the base of the tree free of mulch (just bare soil) to avoid moisture issues on the trunk of the tree.Keep an eye on the hammock and the swing. Over time, things like hammocks can actually damage the cambium (growing layer of cells underneath the bark). The tree grows outward, so if the hammock is tight on the tree for years, you'll start to notice the trunk grow around the hammock strap. This will impact the trees health. Consider removing hammocks during the fall/winter, or any long periods when the hammock is not being used.  Let us know if you have any questions! You can also email us at <personal data hidden>, or my email at <personal data hidden>.   Kind regards,  Lisa  Lisa Mason Horticulture Specialist Colorado State University Extension, Arapahoe County

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 03, 2023, 2:37 PM EDT
response: This was so helpful! I appreciate you taking the time to provide such great advice and explanations!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 03, 2023, 3:47 PM EDT
response: This was so helpful! I appreciate you taking the time to provide such great advice and explanations!
Cotton wood tree boxed in

Question: The very large cottonwood tree has a built around box 14 inch high filled with mulch. Used to put planters on.  It’s been there 10 years. We’ve been thinking of removing the box and mulch. Would  that in anyway damage any part of the tree? The box needs attention, to be repaired or removed.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 29, 2023, 1:39 PM EDT
response: MaryAgnes, Thanks for the question. I see no problem with removing that box. I don't doubt there will be smaller roots filling the box but the large, most important, roots would have been established prior to the box. You can chop out any exposed smaller root left once the box is removed. I bet if you can hear it your tree will thank you! Haha! Paul

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 29, 2023, 8:55 PM EDT
response: Thanks Paul.  Excited to make the tree happier.MaryAgnes Sent from my iPhone On Apr 29, 2023, at 12:39 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿