MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Mountain laurel - normal?

Question: Hi, are the dark leaves on my mountain laurel normal? Should i remove them?

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 August 09, 2024, 11:00 AM EDT
response: They aren't normal with regards to healthy growth, though they can be common with regards to the vulnerability of Mountain-laurel to various infections, based either on weather, plant stress, or inherent genetic susceptibility for that individual plant. Mountain-laurel require soil that is very well-drained, and acidic in nature, though also do not tolerate drought very well unless they can be irrigated as needed. Leaf infections include one or more types of leaf spot fungus, and branch dieback can occur if the roots are stressed or dying due to excessive soil wetness or dryness. Sometimes, certain fungi can also infect stems above-ground, leading to branch dieback. Often this occurs in wet conditions, though some of the fungi responsible can do so following drought or high heat.  No fungicide will be of use for this situation, though monitor the shrub for watering needs by feeling the soil. (If somewhat dry to the touch around five inches deep, water thoroughly. If damp when checked, however, watering should not be needed.) Brown leaves will eventually fall off, and if any entire stems die back (where the tip is dead as well and no green foliage remains), prune them back to healthy growth and dispose of the debris. If, over time, too many branches die back, then remove the shrub as it will be too weak to recover well and will likely die out completely.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 09, 2024, 2:32 PM EDT
response: Thank youSent from my iPhone On Aug 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM, 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 August 09, 2024, 2:50 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Problem with spots on large leafed hydrangeas (hydrangea macrophylla)

Question: During Bay-Wise home consultation, a homeowner wanted to know why her hydrangeas had spots on its leaves.  I will attach pictures.

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 August 08, 2024, 10:33 AM EDT
response: This is a "leaf spot" infection, a catch-all term for a variety of pathogens causing this type of disease on many different species of plants. The pathogens responsible can be fungi or bacteria, and symptoms often look alike; hydrangea can contract both, though the pictured symptoms do look fungal.  In either case, despite being an eyesore, they are not serious with regards to long-term plant health impacts. No fungicide use is recommended, nor would it be able to cure existing disease. The gardener can remove heavily-spotted individual leaves if they want for aesthetics, but it's not necessary.  Maintaining good air circulation around vulnerable plants (avoid overcrowding with dense planting, or pruning out some stems every year or so if they become too crowded) can help to reduce the spread and severity of leaf spot diseases, though weather also plays a role. If the hydrangea is irrigated in such a way that wets the leaves (or, say, a nearby lawn sprinkler wets the shrub), avoid this and only water the soil, as wet foliage can be easier for spores to infect. (Or, make sure watering is done early in the day so the foliage can dry by nightfall.) Raking-up and disposing of fallen leaves this autumn/winter from infected plants might help to reduce the likelihood of a repeat infection next year, though it could still occur from spores blown-in to the area.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 08, 2024, 11:09 AM EDT
response: Thank you. Very helpful.   On Thu, Aug 8, 2024 at 10:33 AM 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 August 08, 2024, 11:20 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Serviceberry defoliation

Question: Hello, 
  It's August 7, 2024, and our serviceberry in our suburban yard in Okemos has dropped most of its leaves.
  
  Please let me know what we should do. Thank you!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 11, 2024, 1:51 AM EDT
response: Hi Connie - It looks like your serviceberry has been growing in that spot for many years.  Has this ever happened before?  I know serviceberry trees like to have good drainage, do you have clay soil?  I see that where it is planted, it gets the runoff from multiple rooflines.  We have had a wet summer.   I wonder if you have a fungal problem due to our wet summer.  I would say that if that's the case, you should be sure to clean that area of fallen leaves and wait for next year.   If you want a definitive answer, you could send some leaf samples in to the Extension to have them tested.  https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/submit-samples/ I hope this helps!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 11, 2024, 1:22 PM EDT
response: Thank you!  On Sun, Aug 11, 2024 at 1:52 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
What’s on my Yellow Yarrow?

Question: When I went to cut back my yellow yarrow to promote more new blooms I noticed a lot of white cottony balls on stems, usually near leaves.  Can you tell if this is a fungus or left from some kind of bug.  Have dealt with lots of bugs/worms this year in my flowers and landscaping.  A lot of these seem to be midway to high up on the stems, if I would cut below them, would that eliminate them for now?

responder: Kind Regards,  Replied August 07, 2024, 4:19 PM EDT
response: Hi, Reva!  From the photos provided it does not look to be a type of fungus and resembles more of an egg sac from a bug. We are unable to identify specifically the bug responsible, but feel free to pinch them off as you come across them while you do your cuttings.   The sneak peak of Yarrow blooms that you do have truly look great!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 07, 2024, 4:24 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the reply, it’s very much appreciated!  Reva  On Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 02:19:54 PM MDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Japanese maples with yellowing & dying leaves

Question: We have three Japanese coral bark maples (Acer Palmatum, “Sango Kaku“) that have yellowing leaves and many leaves that are dry and dead around the edges. One was planted last year. Two were purchased this spring and are still in pots. They get partial direct sunlight. We live close to the beach.  The largest percentage of “burned“ leaves are on the south side, so maybe just sunburn? Any suggestions and treatment will be appreciated.

responder: Bill Hutmacher  Replied August 09, 2024, 3:58 PM EDT
response: This looks like it is probably drought stress.    Here is an article from the Oregon Department of Forestry with helpful tips - "Watering. Your Trees" - https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Documents/forestbenefits/watering-fact-sheet.pdf  Here also is an Oregon State Extension article on trees and drought stress - https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/flowers-shrubs-trees/how-drought-stress-affects-landscape-trees  Maybe you already planned to do this,  but if not,  late fall is a good time to plant the two potted trees in the ground.   If they get a chance to develop their root system, they'll be better suited to withstand drought when drier times return.   Here's an Oregon State Extension publication that discusses tree site selection and planting - "Selecting, Planting and Caring for a New Tree" - https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/documents/ec1438.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 09, 2024, 4:50 PM EDT
response: Bill, thank you very much for your response, your expertise, and your service.   Bob Kroll <personal data hidden>     On Aug 9, 2024, at 12:58 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Bill Hutmacher  Replied August 11, 2024, 4:28 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
What is this bug?

Question: I'm assuming this is a grasshopper, but which type?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 13, 2024, 2:37 PM EDT
response: It is a grasshopper in the family Acrididae. Unfortunately, that is the best I can do for you without seeing certain characteristics that are not shown in your photos. The specimen is an immature, which means that the wings are not fully developed. It is possilby in the subfamily Oedipodinae (band-winged grasshoppers), but I can't say for certain.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 13, 2024, 5:13 PM EDT
response: Thank you! I believe after some more searching, it's a Carolina locust/ grasshopper, (I've seen both names). I didn't know grasshoppers changed colors as they matured! On Tue, Aug 13, 2024, 2:37 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
tomato plants doing very poorly

Question: My tomato plants are abysmal this year. I suppose it is a combination of too much rain, too little rain and lots of heat.
I'm attaching images showing what I fear is a fungus. I hope not.

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 August 08, 2024, 9:50 AM EDT
response: These symptoms look quite typical for tomato foliage late in the summer, and appear to be Early Blight and perhaps a bit of Septoria Leaf Spot. Both fungal leaf infections are very common, and some tomato varieties are more resistant to them than others. Weather does play a role, with wet foliage being easier for spores to infect; if plants are watered in such a way that wets leaves, that can promote infection, though it can happen even if you only water the soil. You can learn about identifying and managing/suppressing tomato problems (including these two infections plus heat stress) in our Key to Common Problems of Tomatoes web page.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 08, 2024, 11:14 AM EDT
response: thanks, Miri!  On Aug 8, 2024, at 9:50 AM, 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 August 08, 2024, 11:21 AM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Oak Tree dropping braches

Question: Good morning. I have an oak tree in my hard. It has been dropping branches since I moved in 3 years ago. It began with small branches about half an inch in diameter. They began to get larger, up to 2-3 inches in diameter. Most of the branches that fell were dead, with no leaves. Last week, I have had two large branches, with leaves, break off the tree, they were between 3-6 inches.  I have also noticed the tree routinely turns/curls its leaves upside down.  I don't use any chemicals in the back yard and have left the exposed routes untouched.

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 August 07, 2024, 3:52 PM EDT
response: Hi,  This looks like a Silver Maple and not an Oak. Silver Maples are known for having brittle wood and weak limbs that break easily.  We would recommend that you consult with an arborist  or a licensed tree expert to evaluate the tree's health. There could be wood decay in some areas that is causing the limb breakage. You can search for one in your area on the links provided.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 09, 2024, 7:49 AM EDT
response: Emily, Thank you for the correction and reply. I think the oak is what I have in the front!  Thank you for the links, I will be calling an arborist!  John    On Wed, Aug 7, 2024, 15:52 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 August 09, 2024, 9:58 AM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Dogwood trunk problem

Question: We planted this dogwood (I believe it is a Cherokee Chief) 3 years ago.  It is in the unprotected front yard and has struggled with the sun and heat every summer, and it has grown very little each year.  Now, I see this horrible spot on the west side of the trunk.  Is there anything we can do to save it?

responder: Signe Danler, Online Home Horticulture Instructor Replied August 08, 2024, 2:39 PM EDT
response: Dogwoods are understory trees and are generally not at their best in hot sunny sites. However with adequate water it may be able to do OK there. As for the trunk damage, what side of the tree is it on? If it is on the south, SW, or west side, it could have started as sunburn. It could have also been physical damage. It looks fairly old, though - the smoothly curved wood around the edges is what the tree does to compartmentalize an injury so that any rot doesn't hurt the rest of the tree. It looks healthy - no rot is evident - so I think the tree has handled it and is unlikely to suffer further from that injury.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 08, 2024, 5:30 PM EDT
response: Should I wrap the trunk with anything to keep the bark from continuing to come off?       From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Thursday, August 8, 2024 11:39 AMTo: Linda King <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Dogwood trunk problem (#0150450)

responder: Signe Danler, Online Home Horticulture Instructor Replied August 08, 2024, 7:49 PM EDT
response: No. Any bark that is loose, you can cut off (don't tear it and damage healthy bark). Or just leave it, it is not hurting the tree.
Blueberry canker?

Question: Hello. I transplanted my blueberries this spring and they all are doing poorly. Leaves are browning and dying, branches too. That said, the plants keep putting out new leaveS, so I don’t want to give up on them. 

I think it is a canker or stem disease and have read that I should cut it out, but the majority of the plants have it… can I cut them back drastically?

Thanks for any support,
Worried Blueberry Mama

responder: Jay W. Pscheidt, PhD, Professor  Replied August 08, 2024, 8:42 AM EDT
response: From your description it sounds like transplant shock. Blueberries are shallow rooted and like to have frequent water but not as much as you might water a tree. Too much water and roots will rot. The most important issue is soil pH as they like to have an acid soil. Soils in your area may have a high pH so getting that tested will help. Overall, it is hard to transplant in the spring and do well in our 100+F heat events. I do not think you have any diseases you mention. Keep caring for them and hope they survive the summer and winter.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 08, 2024, 11:20 AM EDT
response: Hi Jay, Thanks for this info.  I just wanted to make sure that you saw the photos that I sent with the lesions on the branches? Is that also possibly from the transplanting?Emily   On Thu, Aug 8, 2024 at 5:42 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Jay W. Pscheidt, PhD, Professor  Replied August 10, 2024, 8:43 AM EDT
response: Emily - Those are natural formations on the side of branches as they get older and more mature. We tend to see them on the sun side of the branch first. Make a little cut on top of them or use your finger nail and see if the tissue is green underneath as it should be. A canker would be brown and dry.
Unhealthy skip laurel

Question: One of my skip laurel bushes is recently showing a number of brown and drooping leaves, of which I have trimmed some of the branches.  I have uploaded a picture.  Do you believe the condition of the skip laurel is due to recent hot weather or something else?  How might I help it to recover?  Thank you for any assistance you can provide.

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 August 07, 2024, 1:55 PM EDT
response: Hi,  It could be a number of factors affecting your skip laurel. You can refer to our diagnostic page for common cherry (and skip) laurel problems to see if you can notice any specifics in person.  Was it recently planted? If so were the roots loosened out of the container or the burlap removed from the balled root mass? Have you been irrigating through the dry weather last season and this season? Is the drainage in this immediate area not as good as the plants next to it?  You can prune out the dead or dying branches and see if that helps. It could also be a disease called Botryosphaeria canker which can be introduced and exacerbated in dry conditions. The link explains how it affects Rhododendron species but it can cause die back in many trees and shrubs. It can't be reverse but it you prune out the dead branches and then water as needed it can help prolong or rejuvenate plants.  If you notice anything specific feel free to send additional photos.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 08, 2024, 10:00 AM EDT
response: Hello,   Thank you very much for your thorough and helpful reply. The shrub in question is at least five years old. Our French drain system is constant for each of our six skip laurels aligned one to the other.  The other Iaurels all appear to be healthy. I will keep my eye out for the disease that you have indicated. My hope is that with a return to more seasonal weather, the shrub will regain its full vitality. Thank you again.   Best,   Alban

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 August 09, 2024, 10:48 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
catepillar

Question: Hi,

I have 10 black swallowtail catepillars on this tiny fennel.  I did not know they liked fennel or I would have planted more.  I am concerned they will run out of food.  Is it okay to move them to a parsley or supplement their diet with store bought herbs?

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 August 07, 2024, 9:58 AM EDT
response: Wow! Look at them! What cuties!  Parsley, fennel, dill, carrots and similar plants in the Apiaceae family. they seem to love. Store bought herbs may not be safe due to pesticides or other preservatives that could be on them. They will most likely find a food source they need or by natural selection become food for a bird or another predator.  You could scour a local garden center for any discount herbs, not that they will be very large but could give you some additional food sources to get going for next year. Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 07, 2024, 11:02 AM EDT
response: Emily,   Thank you for the great suggestion! The second local garden center I called has five fennel plants. I bought them over the phone and will pick them up this afternoon. This is my second batch of black swallowtail caterpillars. The first time, they were on dill.  I planted dill and parsley for them.  I bought the brown fennel plant because I thought it looked neat. I did not realize they liked fennel too.  Next year my garden will have plenty of fennel.   Andrea  Sent from my iPhone  On Aug 7, 2024, at 9:58 AM, 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 August 07, 2024, 11:14 AM EDT
response: The bronze leaf fennel re-seeds easily and can be a little difficult to control and pull as it gets bigger because of the tap root. If you want to control spread you can snip off the flowers before they go to seed or pull seedlings when they are young. Caterpillars, and many other insects love it!  Happy gardening!
Is it too late for my Cauliflower to form a head?

Question: I bought two cauliflower plants back in April, and put them in a fabric raised bed. They've gotten very big, and at one point I had a caterpillar problem with them, where many of the leaves had holes. After that, there was an ant problem, where ants liked to gather/cluster on the stem of the plants. I used natural things like pepper, cinnamon to keep them off. Eventually that problem with the pests stopped, but at this point I'm wondering if I'll even get a head out of the cauliflower since it's become pretty vertical and leafy. I'm sending pictures. Should I just pull them up? I think cauliflower is more of a fall vegetable to grow, but since I had only seen the plants in stores in April, I figured I could still grow them, especially when I placed the bed under a garden cover to help against intenst heat. I also planted some mint behind it to help keep away other pests. Aside from mint, the other plant that was in the bed with the cauliflower was brocolini, which got big as well. That made me wonder if it got too crowded since I underestimated how big the plants would get.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 09, 2024, 12:15 PM EDT
response: I think you will do much better growing cauliflower as a cool weather crop.  I'm emailing a vegetable planting guide.  it recommends planting cauliflower about now or in early spring. Rick Coke

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 10, 2024, 1:46 AM EDT
response: Okay. Do you think I should go ahead and dig up those cauliflower plants? And I'm assuming that guide is to plant cauliflower seeds, right? I may try it. Like I said, I bought the cauliflower when they were small plants, so I've barely tried any plant from seeds as I've often had no luck with seeds.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 12, 2024, 10:13 AM EDT
response: Pull up the plants as they are not edible now. It is almost time to plant cauliflower transplants.  Nurseries will have them out from around the end of August to mid-September.  I have not had much success with growing cauliflower from seed, as the soil stays too warm for them to germinate properly until the end of September, and they don't have time to form a head before the freezes come.  All of the cool season plants like cauliflower do better in the fall.  They grow when it is warm and mature when it is cooler.  Stephanie