MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Plant ID

Question: I was given this house plant yesterday.  What is it and how do I take care of it?

responder: Karolyn  Replied March 13, 2023, 2:25 PM EDT
response: Dear Jennifer,  You were gifted a Syngonium podophyllum, generally known as Arrowhead plant or Arrowhead vine. There are several varieties with pink tinged leaves, I'm unable to ID which particular variety you have from the photo.  Syngonium prefers 8 or more hours of bright, indirect light a day. What bright, indirect light means is that sunlight is somehow filtered, and softened so that no beam of light shines directly on the plant. Syngonium can also adjust to lower light conditions, so that if the bright, indirect light is for slightly less that 8 hours, yet there is still some light in the room (for example an East facing window) your plant will do okay, although there will be less pink tinting on the leaves. Direct, bright light on the leaves of Syngonium will cause burn spots. This plant is happiest with temperatures between 60 - 80 degrees. The plant prefers if soil mostly dries out between waterings, this might take 10 -14 days. Syngonium should be planted in a well draining potting mix, you can water the plant from the top letting the excess water drain to avoid giving the plant "wet feet" that could rot the roots.  Since Syngonium enjoys higher humidity year round another option is putting the pot on top of pebbles in the plant saucer, and leaving the water that drains to evaporate and provide extra humidity. Fertilize your new plant with when it is actively growing, typically the Spring and Summer months, every two weeks with any common, balanced plant fertilizer diluted to 1/2 - 1/4 the concentration recommended on the package. Balanced fertilizer means the Nitrogen, Potassium, and Phosphorus are in the same proportion. Dilute to 1/2 if the label proportions are 10-10-10, to 1/4 if the label says 20-20-20. Also note that your Syngonium is toxic if eaten, prevent cats, dogs and children from chewing the leaves. Happy growing,

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 21, 2023, 10:05 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your response.    Jen
Rose Pests

Question: What is eating my roses? I don’t see aphids or evidence of caterpillars, larvae or any sort of mite. The flowers seem not to be affected, but the leaves look chewed , some just have brown spots and some of the older stems have black spots. Is it slugs/snails?

responder: Karen  Replied March 18, 2023, 4:57 PM EDT
response: Hi Jennifer, I'm sorry for not replying to this question sooner. I had cataract surgery earlier this week and my eye is still adjusting. I have no experience with roses so I think if I weren't a newbie and was acting on this question as fully trained I would refer the question to Rose Specialist Karen Cada. However, I believe you told us if we thought a question should be referred we should notify you. This is me doing so. I look forward to your feedback.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 21, 2023, 10:16 AM EDT
response: Thank you, Karen.  I hope you've been able to rest and your eye is feeling better.  Thank you for letting me know that you would like to reassign this question to another volunteer. Please note that if you respond directly in Ask Extension, your response with go to the person who submitted the question and not me, directly.  Feel free to email me at <personal data hidden> or call me in the event that you would like to reassign your question.  Thanks so much and hope to see you Thursday for training.  Jen

responder: Karen  Replied March 21, 2023, 1:50 PM EDT
response: Hi Jennifer,Thanks for your email. I’m still struggling somewhat with my eyes adjusting, but there have already been benefits. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend the Zoom meeting on Thursday due to a prior commitment which I’m unable to reschedule. I’ll view the recording and will be in touch with you if I have questions or need a one on one session. .I feel a need to clarify my reply to you via Ask Extension. I replied to you using the reply option just because I thought my reply would go to you so you could see I had added my signature. I hope it didn’t also go to the person who originally submitted the question. I apologize if that is what happened because my intent was for it to go to you only. I now understand even though you were listed as the person who submitted the question I shouldn’t have sent my message to you using the Ask Extension platform. In the future I will send an email to and <personal data hidden> in the future.KarenOn Mar 21, 2023, at 10:16 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Apple tree rabbit damage to trunk

Question: Hi. I have a honeycrisp apple tree that a rabbit started to chew the trunk. I’m wondering what I should do to help this tree.   I added the wire mesh after I notice they damaged the trunk. Thanks for any advice I appreciate it.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied March 12, 2023, 2:11 PM EDT
response: Hi. I have a honeycrisp apple tree that a rabbit started to chew the trunk. I’m wondering what I should do to help this tree. I added the wire mesh after I notice they damaged the trunk. Thanks for any advice I appreciate it. Eric, If the damage goes all the way around the tree, it will die. If not, part of the tree may not leaf out in the spring. These web sites may provide additional details. hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/how-protect-trees-and-shrubs-animal-damage-over-winter# extension.umn.edu/natural-resources-news/inspecting-plants-winter-damage

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 12, 2023, 3:28 PM EDT
response: Hi thank you ver much for responding. Is there something I should do for partial damage to the trunk, or just let it be and see what happens? Eric Sent from my iPhone On Mar 12, 2023, at 1:11 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied March 12, 2023, 5:29 PM EDT
response: Hi. I have a honeycrisp apple tree that a rabbit started to chew the trunk. I’m wondering what I should do to help this tree. I added the wire mesh after I notice they damaged the trunk. Thanks for any advice I appreciate it. Keep the wire mesh in place. No insects are out now to attack the exposed wood. To my knowledge there is nothing to do to the exposed wood later in the year, but I will refer your question for a second opinion.

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied March 12, 2023, 6:01 PM EDT
response: Hi Eric, I agree with Linda. Keep the protection in place. The tree will heal the wound itself so no need to do anything there.  If we get more snow be sure the protection extends above the snow line. From the photos it looks like you will probably lose that lower branch but the trunk should be ok.  It’s good that you caught it early.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 12, 2023, 7:26 PM EDT
response: Hi DebThank you very much for your advice. I’ll do everything you recommended. It’s nice to hear that you think it could make it. EricSent from my iPhone On Mar 12, 2023, at 5:01 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 12, 2023, 7:26 PM EDT
response: Hi Thank you very much.  I appreciate your advice and passing the question along. EricSent from my iPhone On Mar 12, 2023, at 4:29 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Is this an Ant?

Question: It seems unusual to see ants inside in the summer, yet where my mother is living we are seeing them along the inside walls. Could you recommend a fast remedy to get rid of?
Thank you

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 11, 2023, 4:43 PM EST
response: I apologize, what I meant to say is that is very unusual to see ants inside in the winter!

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied March 13, 2023, 9:15 AM EDT
response: The good news is that these are not carpenter ants. The bad is that ants inside in the wintertime means they are nesting somewhere indoors or in the walls. I would recommend checking areas where you are finding the ants for any discarded food items, pet food or other sources of food that could be hidden under a cabinet or elsewhere that they might use.   Baits are one tool for trying to reduce indoor ant populations. If you find the crevices that they are using in the walls, seal these areas. The following link provides some bait recommendations: https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef619
Unknown Grub

Question: I am hoping you can identify this worm/larvae. I found this in a bath towel that I haven’t used in months. It was not near any food source or organic material. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I would like to eliminate any infestation.

Thank you,
Mike Tovar

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 15, 2023, 1:17 PM EDT
response: Mike: A couple of questions: Where were the towels stored? What material are the towels made of? Where the towels were stored, have you found any additional ‘larva’ in that area? Any clothing or other articles in the house made from animal or plant products? Can you give any additional details of what the ‘larva’ looked like such as its’ size, was there any webbing around the larva? Right now, to me it looks like you may have one of the clothing moths. Repeated vacuuming and then disposing of the vacuum bag after each vacuuming is one of the more effective ways to control this moth. Pesticide applications are usually ineffective and not recommended. Let know if you have any additional questions. Rich

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 15, 2023, 7:14 PM EDT
response: Hi Rich,Thank you for your reply. The larvae was approximately 7cm long and .5 to .75 cm wide. The towels are made of 100% cotton and stored under the sink in the master bath. There is 6 each of bath towels, hand towels, and wash clothes stored in the same area. I have since laundered all of them and disinfected the the entire area. I have not found any additional larvae or other critters in the area. There was no water leaks or moisture that I found. I found no webbing in the towel or surrounding areas. I had the carpets cleaned 2 months ago and have vacuumed since. I did vacuum today and have disposed of the bag. If it is a moth, which I suspect as well, is there any health concerns I should have? Moth balls maybe as a preventative measure?Thank you for your time.Mike Tovar Sent from my iPhone On Mar 15, 2023, at 10:17 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 20, 2023, 6:51 PM EDT
response: Mike: I think you have done a good job in controlling the moth. I do not think you need to use moth balls. I would just monitor your storage area. Do let me know if you have any further questions. Rich
Lawn fertilizer reccomendations

Question: I had a soil test done on my lawn. The results are below. My lawn is 13,000 SqfT. What fertilizer recommendations and or lime should i apply? Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Rome

responder: Dick M.  Replied March 13, 2023, 11:52 PM EDT
response: Nitrogen is not fixed in the soil and levels change with every rainfall and/or watering so it needs to be replenished.  The Nitrogen level in your soil sample was only accurate when the sample was taken.  It is best not to apply more than 1 pound of nitrogen to 1,000 square feet of lawn per application as it will force excess plant foilar growth leaving the turf weakened and susceptible to disease.  I'd suggest a fertilizer with some slow-release nitrogen in it. Your phosphorous level is adequate.  No additional P is needed.  You should not apply fertilizer containing phosphorous to your lawn.     St of MI Phosphorous Restriction for Lawns Your potassium level is low.  I'd suggest getting the same level of Potassium as Nitrogen in your fertilizer. See the attached links for more info: Spring Lawn Fertilization - MSU Fertilizing Lawns to Protect Water Quality (E0005)-MSU  Fertilizer Basics_Smart Gardener-MSU Lawn Fertilizing Schedule-Illinois  <= how to calculate # fertilizer per 1000 sq ft Fertilizing the lawn-K State Turfgrass Fertilization Basics-PSU Your pH is OK but on the acidic side.  I would not apply Sulfur unless you are applying lime this spring too. Your soil test does not state what soil type you have (sand, loam or clay)  which can affect the results of some nutrient applications.  MSU does a soil test that identifies soil type and makes fertilizer recommendations.  Info on their new soil test program will be here when announced in the near future:  Don't Guess-Soil Test-MSU

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 14, 2023, 10:05 AM EDT
response: Hello Dick,Thank you for the response. I have tried to order the testing kit from you. The links in several sites return a "page no longer available" or another one says "This product is not available".Can you provide instructions on how to order please.Thank you in advance,Rome  On Monday, March 13, 2023 at 11:52:28 PM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Dick M.  Replied March 14, 2023, 10:45 PM EDT
response: I'm sorry, I should have explained the soil testing change in more detail.  MSU is changing their soil testing program and is not currently accepting samples.  They should start again in the spring of 2023 (soon!!).  Click the following link (Don't Guess-Soil Test-MSU ) to open "Don’t guess - Soil Test!",  then click the soil test kit link which should open the 'MSU Soil Test' page.  There, under 'Purchase the kit' will be instructions to obtain a kit when it becomes available (hopefully soon).  Go back regularly until there are instructions.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 15, 2023, 5:58 AM EDT
response: Thank you!Sent from my iPhone On Mar 14, 2023, at 10:45 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Ground cover

Question: Hello, 

I'm looking for a native ohio ground cover I can use to cover a dirt patch or mix with grass to keep it green longer without watering. If it had small flowers that would be great, especially if they were bee or butterfly friendly and non toxic for pets. I have a fairly small yard, only about 950sqft. It gets a good amount of afternoon and evening sun. Double bonus if it drinks a ton of water!

responder: Barb  Replied March 11, 2023, 12:37 PM EST
response: Hi, The only ground cover native to OH is moss phlox/Phlox subulata.  It is very adaptable.  the info sheet which I'm attaching says it prefers moist but well-drained soil.  I see you have some spots with standing water.  Is that because those are low spots?  And do those places drain quickly?  If you evened up your yard and filled in those low spots, what would happen to the water?  Here's a link to a fact sheet and below that, a link to a fact sheet from aspca saying it's non-toxic to cats and dogs (and horses!).  There's also wild violet (violet sororia) which most people consider a weed.   I just thought I'd throw it out there.  I'm also including a link to info about it which says the flowers and young leaves are edible. There are lots of native plants that would do well in a wet area or one that's occasionally wet but they're not ground covers. Let me know if you have any more questions, Barb https://plantfacts.osu.edu/tmi/Plantlist/ph_ulata.html    https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/moss-phlox https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/savanna/plants/cm_violet.htm

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 11, 2023, 2:38 PM EST
response: Thanks so much for the response! I'll look into the phlox, and had been considering the violets actually. Glad to know those would be good. I've been planning on leveling the yard this year as is and I think that should deal with a lot of the standing water. It's worked in one other spot so far. Other than that I've got a rather clay based soil so the pools stay at least a day. On Mar 11, 2023, at 12:37, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Barb  Replied March 12, 2023, 11:34 AM EDT
response: Hi, Violets fit all your criteria but they are an unconventional ground cover.  The one disadvantage to all non-evergreen ground covers is that when they die back over the winter, they leave nothing but bare earth so that other weeds can take root.   Good luck and again, let me know if you have any more questions, Barb
Sink holes at edge of pond

Question: I have two sink holes forming at the edge of my pond. One is in a groomed area and the other is in cattail patch.  In the groomed area I see what looks to be water movement.  These holes started to form in the fall and is continuing through the winter.  I see no unusual changes in pond water level.

Do you have any idea of what is going on and should I be concerned about it.

Thank you

responder: Beth Clawson MSU Extension Educator Natural Resources/Water Quality clawsonb@msu.edu Replied March 09, 2023, 2:43 PM EST
response: Warren,  Thank you for using Michigan State Unviersity Extension Ask Extension with your pond question.  I am not certain what is going on since it is late winter and most ponds are full of snow melt and excess water.  This situation may calm down by summer.  Cattails commonly grow as a float on the water creating islands or mats. Occassionally under heavy wind and wave conditions these mats can break apart and float away this may be what you are seeing in the cattails.   the other could simply be a flooded animal den or new outlet for the spring.  this is also quite common in spring fed ponds and lakes.  the water breaks through in a new location creating a "hole."  I suggest that you continue to monitor your pond for additional changes that may cause increased flooding conditions on your property.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 09, 2023, 5:15 PM EST
response: Thank you for your response .In the cattail area the roots are solidly in the bottom of the pond and running up the bank so the cave in might be a den or a spring starting to form.  In the groomed area there seems to be water flow out from the cave in.  When the ice is gone I will set in some yarn telltails to confirm movement.  This pond was man made by the previous owners maybe 30 years ago and was fed by ground water.Can a spring or springs just spontaneously turn up where there there was none before?Thank you.Sent from my iPhone On Mar 9, 2023, at 2:43 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Beth Clawson MSU Extension Educator Natural Resources/Water Quality clawsonb@msu.edu Replied March 10, 2023, 9:02 AM EST
response: a string to monitor flow direction is a great idea.  Yes. new holes our outlets can form. In Michigan lakes and ponds are formed over clay deposits that were formed into depressions by chunks of melting glacial ice or between hilly deposits of glacial materials. Even manmade or dug ponds need a clay or plastic layer to hold the water.   I presume yours is not plastic where a new hole would have drained it. A hole can form ponds and lakes from all sorts of activities, animals, humans, and shifting soils. it is all the same water it just pushed enough on a weak spot to push through.  Does your pond drain to somewhere else? If so it is possible that your location the headwaters of a river or stream somewhere?
How to get rid of climbing vine

Question: A vine covers a large portion of my property near the road. Every year, I try to cut it back, because it blocks the view of the road when pulling out of my driveway. I have also tried to spray it, which helped kill some of it for a while. It always grows back, coming out of the ground in multiple shoots and climbing up any branches and twigs and then all the way up the surrounding trees. It has thorns as well.
I don't know what it is, but I want to get rid of it completely, if possible, so I don't have to keep cutting it every year.
How can I do that?

responder: Ed Olsen  Replied March 08, 2023, 3:54 PM EST
response: I unable to ID based on the pictures submitted.  Please resubmit with a closeup when it has leafed out this year.    While dormant, you can cut the vines close to the ground, leaving the top to die naturally.  That will make chemical control easier in the summer.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 08, 2023, 5:51 PM EST
response: Thank you. I will do that.   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Wednesday, March 8, 2023 3:54 PM To: Karen Gill <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: How to get rid of climbing vine (#0091928)

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 16, 2023, 8:07 PM EDT
response: IMG_7827.jpeg Please see attached for the photo of the vine now with leaves. Thank you.   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Wednesday, March 8, 2023 3:54 PM To: Karen Gill <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: How to get rid of climbing vine (#0091928)

responder: Ed Olsen  Replied April 17, 2023, 9:34 AM EDT
response: This is a native vine called Greenbriar (https://extension.umd.edu/resource/greenbrier) .  Cut close to the ground, paint or brush the cut stump immediately with a systemic herbicide like gylphospate.  The systemic herbicide will be taken down to the root system to kill the roots.  Leave top to die/decay naturally.  Retreat early if it suckers again.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 17, 2023, 5:48 PM EDT
response: Thank you!  Sent from my iPhone  On Apr 17, 2023, at 9:34 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿
non-seeding cover crop for small garden

Question: I have a small garden (six 3' x 6' raised beds with wood chip paths) and I won't have time to use it this summer. I would like to sow a cover crop that is beneficial to bees, etc., takes very little time to manage, and which does not create a weeding problem next year in the beds or paths. 

Any recommendations?  Thanks!

responder: Kind Regards,   Replied March 13, 2023, 11:01 AM EDT
response: Hello Fellow Gardener, Thank you for contacting Ask Extension about summer cover crops. A cover crop is a great way to improve the soil in a bed that you won’t be using. Cover crops can suppress weeds, replace organic matter, protect soil from rain and wind erosion, and attract beneficial insects and pollenators. Cover crops can be used in both summer and winter growing seasons. Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum) or fava beans (Vicia faba) might be the best choices for your raised bed. Both can be sown in the spring, build soil, and are a good nitrogen source. Crimson clover is easy to turn under and is less likely to become a weed than many other cover crops. It also produces beautiful red flowers. Crimson clover does not compete well with weeds, however. Fava beans compete much better with weeds (keeping weeds at bay). When favas are grown as a cover crop, the beans are much smaller than the food crop variety, and you may see them referred to as “bell beans”. They will also produce flowers that can attract pollenators. The link below is to a cover crop resource for gardens west of the Cascades. It provides an overview of many different types of cover crops for winter and summer sowing, and charts for when best to plant. https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2079/2015/06/Cover-Crops-for-Home-Gardens-West-of-the-Cascades-WSU.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 13, 2023, 7:48 PM EDT
response: Thanks Karen!Just the advice I needed. d~  On Mar 13, 2023, at 8:01 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: