MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Dying sod

Question: Hello, we had an Ash tree removed last Fall. Had the stump ground out, added top soil to make it level and this spring, we put sod over the dirt. In some areas the dirt was only an inch deep. Now the sod looks like its dying in the middle. Is there any nutrients we can apply to help the sod recover.


Thank you

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied August 01, 2024, 9:27 AM EDT
response: The section probably needs more water if it is trying to grow on an inch of dirt. An inch of soil is going to dry out quickly. If the grass is over decaying roots it might green up with a little nitrogen. I highly recommend checking soil moisture any day it hasn’t rained and water if the dirt is dry.Overwatering will also kill the grass so monitor for that too. Grass cannot grow in standing water.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 01, 2024, 10:33 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your quick, informative response.  We appreciate it.  -----Original Message-----From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>Sent: Aug 1, 2024 8:27 AMTo: Judy Landis <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Dying sod (#0149560)

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied August 01, 2024, 11:17 AM EDT
response: Thanks for your note.
Lawn seed

Question: We need to replace our septic system. The contractor who will be doing that will also put in the new lawn after. He plans to put down "2-6" of top soil, and a "contractors seed mix". Apparently it has a variety that comes up quickly and another that grows more slowly. 

Are you familiar with what this contractors mix might be and how nice it would be in our lawn? It will be in our front yard. 

Also, how is that amount of top soil? I assume the 2" is not so great, and the 6" would be pretty good ..??

responder: Dick M.  Replied August 03, 2024, 3:17 PM EDT
response: I am not familiar with a "contractor's seed mix"  but apparently Home Depot and TSC sell such a mix (https://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Garden-Center-Lawn-Care-Grass-Seed/Contractors-Mix/N-5yc1vZbx62Z1z1p9rc).  Make sure it is the northern mix.  Looking online, I couldn't find out what grass species it contains, so I suggest going to HD to get the detail on grass species and % from them.  If the contractor's mix contains the same grass species as your lawn it should blend fairly well.  Regarding topsoil, you don't want a layer of different soil on top of your soil.  The topsoil should be mixed in a bit so there is not a distinct layer between the soils.  Read the following article: Shocking Truths About Topsoil-MSU Some starter fertilizer should also be mixed into the soil before seeding.  More info on good lawn seeding practices in the attached links: Establishing A New Lawn Using Seed (E2910)-MSU Seeding & Sodding Home Lawns-UMN Lawn Establishment Steps-PSU MSU Extension does not endorse any retailers or brands.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 04, 2024, 2:06 AM EDT
response: Thank you very much for your response!  On Sat, Aug 3, 2024, 3:17 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Bluberry issues

Question: Our Rubel bluberries are starting to ripen. I'm noticing that most berries that have ripened so far (not to many) have one side with a brown spot or deformed indentation. When I cut the berry open or eat one, that spot is brown, hard inside, and Obviously doesn't taste great.

Some kind of disease obviously but which and what to do at this point? I did not notice sign for diseases on foliage. Very little spots or damage on the leaves.

These plants were 20+ years old from a Bluberry farm and I acquired them last year in August. This will be our first harvest. The bushes are absolutely loaded.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 03, 2024, 9:04 PM EDT
response: Hello Jessica, Thank you for attaching the photos of the blueberries.  It would be helpful to me if you would also send a couple of close ups of the leaves.   It is possible a fungus that has overwintered on the surface of the stems is the problem but I need to see more of the plant to make a determination.  Also, what area is the blueberry farm in that you got the plants from? Thank you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 04, 2024, 1:03 PM EDT
response: After further investigation, I've found worms in some of the deformed berries. So I'm assuming now that it's bluberry maggot. Majority of the foliage looks good. I do have e a few spotted leaves here and there but I've now pulled back on our watering. I'm actually in Washington not Oregon, but the bluberry farm in darrington that I got these from said you guys are the best source of information. She's sent samples from her farm to gmyou guys years back. Attached are a few photos of my pest and the leaves.     Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone      -------- Original message -------- From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>  Date: 8/3/24 6:04 PM (GMT-08:00)  To: Jessica sowell <<personal data hidden>>  Subject: Re: Bluberry issues (#0149550)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 05, 2024, 1:26 PM EDT
response: Good work on your further observations!  Thank you for sending the second set of photos, they helped confirm the problem.  You have an infestation of Cherry fruitworm which also attacks blueberries.   Attached is information that will be helpful to you in the control of your fruitworm.https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/small-fruit/blueberry/blueberry-cherry-fruitworm Thank you.
creatures on purple coneflower

Question: Can you help me identify two caterpillar-like creatures I found on my purple coneflower today? One is pretty normal looking, the other, of which there are about a half dozen, is really strange looking.Thanks!

responder: Lori N. Replied August 06, 2024, 3:27 PM EDT
response: Shelley, you do have some interesting critters on your purple coneflowers.  I cannot identify them, but you can send these pictures to Bugguide.net where a community of experts will ID the bug, although it often takes a long time for them to do so. If you have an account with Reddit, you might find an answer through r/whatsthisbug.   Images from the Xerces Society took me to How to Identify and Respond to Pests at Home by Emily May on July 29, 2020, which may be helpful to you.   In any case, you should knock the insects into soapy water so they do not continue to damage your plants.  It is not a good idea to spray the plants because pollinators might also be affected. In any case, I'm glad you're looking at your plants so carefully in order to forestall further infestations. Lori

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 06, 2024, 4:53 PM EDT
response: Lori,  Thanks for your response. Just yesterday I was able to narrow things down a bit. I think those are both the same kind of caterpillars. It's fascinating! The wavy lined emerald moth chews off little pieces of whatever plant it's on, then sticks the pieces to themselves with silk for camouflage. They can make themselves look like all kinds of things. Too cool!  Here's an article: https://www.insectidentification.org/insect-description.php?identification=Wavy-Lined-Emerald-Moth   Thanks, Shelley    Virus-free.www.avast.com     On Tue, Aug 6, 2024 at 3:27 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Honey Locust -- pest or over/underwatering?

Question: Hello,  We have a Sunburst Honey Locust in front of our Philadelphia home. It was planted there last year and is around 5-6 years old now. I was away for a week and came back to find that the lower branches had yellowing leaves with some rust colored spots. From the attached photos, can you determine if the tree has a pest, or if it is suffering from over- or under-watering?  Thank you for your help! Rebecca

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 29, 2024, 2:11 AM EDT
response: Bronzing of leaf due to honeylocust spider mitePlatytetranychus multidigituli

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 29, 2024, 11:29 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your reply. I shook the affected leaves over a white piece of paper and didn't see anything drop. Is there another way to diagnose spider mites? And do I need to apply an insecticide to the tree, or will the mites die off in winter? What insecticide do you recommend for mites? --R

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 29, 2024, 3:57 PM EDT
response: "One reason that spider mites become a problem is insecticides that kill their natural predators".  https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/spider-mites-5-507/ "Hose plants periodically with a forceful jet of water, which may also physically remove and kill mites, as well as remove dust collecting on foliage that may interfere with the efficacy of mite predators"  https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/publications-resources/insect-mite-guide/platytetranychus-multidigituli
Black Nightshade

Question: Is this deadly/black nightshade?  If so, I heard it is deadly to dogs.  It has really spread around my acreage.  How do I get rid of it?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 01, 2024, 1:22 PM EDT
response: Hello! This appears to be hairy nightshade (Solanum physalifolium). Members of the nightshade family are toxic to people and livestock. The level of toxicity depends on serval factors, including plant maturity and growing conditions. For more information about hairy nightshade refer here: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/WEEDS/hairy_nightshade.html  For more information on the toxicity of nightshades, refer here:  https://poisonousplants.cvmbs.colostate.edu/plant/90

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 01, 2024, 3:27 PM EDT
response: What is the best way to get rid of it? Sent from my iPhone On Aug 1, 2024, at 11:22 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 01, 2024, 3:27 PM EDT
response: What is the best way to get rid of it? Sent from my iPhone On Aug 1, 2024, at 11:22 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 01, 2024, 4:13 PM EDT
response: Hairy nightshade is a summer annual, meaning after the plants have produced fruit, they will have completed their lifecycle and die. The goal now is to prevent any new seeds from entering the weed soil seedbank.  If possible, pull any plants with mature fruit, bag them, and remove them from the property. Plants that have not produced fruit yet can be pulled or mowed/cut down.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 01, 2024, 4:42 PM EDT
response: Thank you!! Sent from my iPhone On Aug 1, 2024, at 2:13 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
What squash is this?

Question: Do you know what squash this is?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 31, 2024, 2:49 PM EDT
response: The one squash is about 4 inches in diameter and the plant has many vines on it

responder: Jacki D., Master Gardener Diagnostician Volunteer (Washington, Multnomah and Clackamas Counties) Oregon State University Extension Service Volunteer Metro Master Gardeners (http://metromastergardeners.org/) Replied July 31, 2024, 5:48 PM EDT
response: If this isn’t a squash you planted, then it is considered a volunteer squash. I don’t recognize it, and it might be a hybrid of plants you have grown before. Does this article answer your questions?
Sad looking lilac

Question: Hi there, I am wondering if you have any advice for my lilac bush. I planted it in spring of 2023 and it has been super happy. I relocated it this May, as it was a little too close to the sidewalk (if it grows as big as I hope it does!) and it has seemed happy until now. Is it just the heat? I was out of town this past week and I don't know if it got any water. Thanks in advance!

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied July 31, 2024, 2:15 PM EDT
response: Thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension. I could not open your picture of the lilac.   if you can send another I can look at it.  There is a blight that is affecting lilacs all over the state.  The leaves turn brown and crispy.  You can google lilac blight to get a picture if you want to. If that is what is wrong, there is nothing to be done right now.  In the spring you can get a copper-based fungicide.  It needs to be sprayed when the weather is cooler. For now, be sure to dispose of any debris that falls and not in your compost pile.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 31, 2024, 2:44 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much for the quick response, and sorry about the photo.  Upon googling lilac blight, that does look like what is happening. Thank you for the advice. I will put that on my spring gardening to-do list.  Have a great rest of your week.  Lucia   On Wed, Jul 31, 2024 at 1:15 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Aphids on pumpkin flowers, sweet corn and Indian corn

Question: Noticed yesterday that we have aphids on pumpkin flowers ( have about an acre of pumpkins), sweet corn stalks and Indian Corn stalks. We have not dealt with this before. Will they damage the crops? If so, how do I get rid of them?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 04, 2024, 10:28 PM EDT
response: Hi Kathy, thanks for the question. It appears that these corn leaf aphids may have blown in from the south The pumpkins are probably safe since it is not a host plant for these visitors.  Corn, on the other hand, can suffer some problems such as reduced photosynthesis from reduced light due to sooty mold. Check out the following links for more information: Corn Leaf Aphid in Post-Pollinated Corn | Purdue University Pest&Crop newsletter Corn Leaf Aphid on Field Corn (psu.edu) https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/michigan-vegetable-crop-report-july-31-2024#:~:text=produce%20safety%20efforts!-,Corn%2Dbelt%20aphids%20head%20up%20to%20Michigan,-Michigan%20attracts%20many I hope this helps.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 06, 2024, 10:49 AM EDT
response: Thank you for the response. Sent from my iPad On Aug 4, 2024, at 10:28 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
Problem with Baptisia

Question: Hi Extension,

I planted this blue false indigo about six years ago. It has grown into a beautiful plant, flowering every year and staying green until fall. However, I just noticed that it looks terrible and I wonder if it has a disease or if the extreme heat is causing it to die back two months early? I've taken some photos that I hope will help you figure this out. This plant was all green (except for the seed pods) until a couple of days ago--this black, shriveled look has come on very quickly.

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 August 02, 2024, 1:04 PM EDT
response: The extreme heat and drought conditions are challenging most of our landscape plants, but an established Baptisia should be able to take it. We wonder if this is not a disease called Southern blight which is cropping up now. Here is our page on it where you can learn what to look for:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/southern-blight-disease-flowers/  They get fungal stem rots, too but those can't be detected without lab testing.   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 03, 2024, 11:37 AM EDT
response: Hi Christine,    I looked at the plant and see white mycelium at the base of the stems, which are starting to lift off, but I don’t see any of the spores. Maybe it hasn’t reached that stage?    I can see a green shoot coming up among the dead branches, so I’m hoping the roots are okay. I’m going to cut the plant down completely at the soil level, even the stems that still look healthy, but Baptisia has a deep taproot, so I don’t think I can dig it out or remove all the soil. Would solarizing the patch of diseased soil work to sterilize it? Would that hurt the taproot?    Pat

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 August 05, 2024, 3:36 PM EDT
response: We consulted with our plant pathologist who said you don't have to worry about digging out the taproot. It is o.k to leave it because the infection attacks stems and does not go beneath of the crown of the plant.  Solarizing isn't going to help.    Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 05, 2024, 6:31 PM EDT
response: Hi Christine,    Thank you! I’m very glad I don’t have to tackle that taproot. I hope the fungus can die out this winter and that the plant can come back ok.   Regards, Pat

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 06, 2024, 9:22 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Plant ID

Question: I am trying to identify a plant/weed that has come up all over my property.  With the lack of rain our field has not been cut in weeks and this plant has come up and seems to thrive in these adverse conditions.  Could someone please identify?

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 July 31, 2024, 2:21 PM EDT
response: We wonder if this might be a type of Elephant's Foot. For instance, Carolina Elephant's-foot (Elephantopus carolinianus) which is native to Maryland and good for the environment. You can see it here:  https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/view/4261 Seeing the bloom will help with identification. You can learn more about it here:  https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277426&isprofile=0&n=1   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 31, 2024, 3:58 PM EDT
response: ChristineThanks for your speedy reply.  It certainly looks like it may be Carolina elephants foot.  Most of these plants are in areas that my husbands mows regularly and during recent dry spell the grass died hence no mowing but these plants have thrived. I’ll have to see if I can find one that gets opportunity to bloom as most will be felled by the zero turn Thanks again for your help Best regards  Alex  Sent from my iPad On Jul 31, 2024, at 2:21 PM, 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 July 31, 2024, 4:11 PM EDT
response: You're welcome. We're happy to help.
Aucubas with black ends of their leaves

Question: Please let me know if this is something we need to take care of, or it will go on its own. The uploaded Aucubas have dark black spots on their leaves, thanks,

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 July 31, 2024, 4:36 PM EDT
response: Darkened leaves on Aucuba can be difficult to diagnose, as there can be several potential (or overlapping) causes. There might be root issues (if the plant's roots got too wet earlier this spring, when the weather was quite rainy), and if some dieback occurred, then the remaining roots might be struggling to keep the foliage hydrated during this drought. The dying leaf tips could also be due to a fungal leaf spot or stem blight.  In either case, no intervention can cure existing symptoms, so you can selectively trim off damaged leaves if you prefer. Fungicide is not needed for the rest of the season, and would be difficult to apply anyway while we experience stretches of hot weather, as most pesticides should not be applied while temperatures are above 85 degrees (or else they risk injuring the plant tissues themselves). For now, just continue to monitor the plant for watering needs, and if any of the discolored leaves fall off, collect and dispose of them so they don't harbor spores for re-infection in the spring.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 01, 2024, 11:23 AM EDT
response: Thank you Miriam!:)Susy

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 01, 2024, 12:35 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Hibiscus pest

Question: What is this bug? It is all over my hibiscus and is sitting in the middle of the leaf on the top side. there are no holes eaten

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 31, 2024, 2:55 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Andrea.  The photo is too unclear to be certain.  Are you able to place it on a sheet of white paper, and get it clearly in focus?  I suspect that it is a spotted lady beetle, which is attracted by aphids which suck on the undersides of leaves.  If you can't get a better photo, you can take the insect to the Washington County Extension office for id.  https://extension.oregonstate.edu/washington  Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 04, 2024, 7:11 PM EDT
response: Here is a better picture.  This is actually only an empty pupa or shell.    On Wed, Jul 31, 2024 at 11:55 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 05, 2024, 7:06 PM EDT
response: Thank you, Andrea.  I have researched without success; I've tried to find another expert, one with insect expertise, without success; and the person who assigned this to me is on vacation.  Argh!  I'll keep trying.  Sorry for the delay.

responder: Bill Gerth  Replied August 07, 2024, 10:42 AM EDT
response: Hi Andrea,  Nice photos! Those will actually do no harm to your hibiscus and may even help them. That is a pupa and a cast pupal exoskeleton (after the adult emerged) of a ladybug (Family: Coccinellidae). Since ladybug larvae and adults eat aphids and other soft-bodied insects that can be plant pest, they are considered beneficial insects.  Does your hibiscus plant have aphids or has it had aphids recently? Or perhaps does an adjacent plant have aphids? If so, that could explain why you have a number of ladybug pupae on your plant.  Best wishes!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 07, 2024, 6:16 PM EDT
response: Hi Bill,Yes, I just discovered not too long ago that the hibiscus has aphids and some sort of spider,  I also saw a whole bunch of ladybugs flying around the plant not long ago. More than usual. They must have laid their eggs on my hibiscus.  I treated the hibiscus with a water based chemical (BioAdvance) and I will leave the pupa's alone.  I love Ladybugs, but never knew where they actually come from. Very interesting! Thank you for taking your time to reply!   andrea      On Wed, Aug 7, 2024 at 7:42 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: