MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Container tomatoes

Question: I am growing tomatoes in 15 gallon nursery pots like you see in the picture and wonder if I need to protect the pots from sunlight? Mats

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 30, 2023, 1:40 PM EDT
response: Hello again,  I think we talked about growing tomatoes in these 15 gallon pots with your last question. Yes, I think you should provide some afternoon shade. The black pots will retain heat, plus they are sitting on brick which retains heat and you do not want the roots to become too hot. Since you have the structure behind the tomatoes you could carefully drape some shade cloth over the tomatoes or provide a temporary structure for the shade cloth. You do not want to block all the sunlight though. It might also help to raise the pots up from the brick to get air circulation under the pots.   From your picture the tomatoes seem to be doing well.  I hope you have continued good luck with your tomatoes.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 02, 2023, 4:51 PM EDT
response: Thanks you! Yes, my question was a repeat but I wanted to show what it looked like. I quickly made some screens in front of the pots from left-over material as you can see in the picture. With just a day's history and "only" 84 degree temperature, the screen keeps the soil 10 degrees cooler than the surrounding air (at 7" depth). I also added some mini-bark mulch on top of the soil, which I have never done before. We'll see how it works at 100 degrees. Mats

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 03, 2023, 11:57 AM EDT
response: Hi Mats,  Wow you have been busy. Thank you for sending new pictures and giving me the details of how this working. One note: CSU does not recommend wood mulch in the vegetable garden. You can use a thin layer of untreated grass clippings, untreated straw or even newspaper to cover the soil to retain moisture.   If you have any further questions, please reply to this email. Good luck with your tomatoes!
mystery eggs on base of plant

Question: Hello, I have not been able to identify whether these dots are white fly eggs or eggs from another insect and if I should take any steps to remove them. I believe these appeared on a lobelia transplant fairly quickly.

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 June 28, 2023, 9:58 AM EDT
response: Hi,  This is actually a slime mold and not eggs. It is naturally occurring and generally happens in warm, humid, and wet weather, what we have been having recently. It won't harm the plant so no need to control it. Other than looking a bit off, it will just go away when the conditions are not favorable. You can read about it on our webpage for more information. It is about slime molds that are present in turf grass but it is a similar instance.  Let us know if you have further questions about this.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 28, 2023, 10:09 AM EDT
response: Hi, I just wanted to say thank you. This service has been such a great help to me and I really appreciate the indepth answers provided. I'm learning a lot and am grateful for your help.Thank you!Gosia BOn Wed, Jun 28, 2023, 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 June 28, 2023, 12:33 PM EDT
response: You're welcome, we are happy to help!
Japanese Maple bark peeling

Question: I live in Lane County and have a Japanese Maple tree that seems to have some bark peeling that I'm guessing is by some kind of critter.  It seems to be pretty extensive and I wonder if I need to do something to stop the critters and what if anything I should do to treat the treat. Perhaps I need to contact an arborist?  If there is something I can do to treat it that would be great.  I've attached (hopefully) a couple of pictures) Thank you!

responder: Patricia Patterson Replied June 27, 2023, 12:29 AM EDT
response: This is most likely due to squirrels. The maple sap is much liked by them and they strip to get access to it. Usually as the bark thickens and the sap is not rising, they become less desirable. If you look closely at the edges you should see the tooth marks. If this does not fit, please contact me again.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2023, 11:42 AM EDT
response: So is there anything I should do to deter the rodents?  And what about treating the tree?  Should I wrap it, spray it with something, or just leave it alone and hope it repairs itself?

responder: Patricia Patterson Replied June 27, 2023, 12:52 PM EDT
response: It is unlikely that you will be able to prevent access to the tree by the squirrels. If the tree is the only one in that area, some have put aluminum flashing on the trunk for 6' high. However, this is rarely successful if there is access for jumping from other points (roof, other trees etc.) or if the tree canopy is less than 6' off the ground or if the tree is multi-trunked. Sorry.
Potato disease question in Manistee

Question: Within the last week,the potato plants in our home garden began to show a few leaves with dry, rusty colored and or blackish spots on them. (See attached pictures)
It’s only a few leaves here and there, the rest of the plant seems quite healthy, even the rest of the affected leaf appears normal. The discoloration and drying out happens fast, in a matter of hours.
The weather has been warm and dry, the soil was a little on the dry side, but as you can see from the pictures, the plants were not showing any signs of dehydration. They have not been sprayed with anything.
Please let me know what you think it is and what course of action (if any) I should take.

responder: Thank you for your question! and have a great gardening season.  Replied June 26, 2023, 9:09 PM EDT
response: It looks like you have a minor infestation of Potato Leafhopper insects. Potato Leafhoppers have piercing-sucking mouthparts, and feed on the sap within plant phloem. Unlike other leafhoppers, this species repeatedly probes host plants and lacerates cells. While feeding, potato leafhoppers inject a watery saliva that includes an enzyme that reduces plant photosynthate movement. Yield loss occurs through reductions in intermodal length and stem height and decreases in crude protein content. Initial feeding injury can result in discoloration, sometimes called “hopperburn” that shows up as v-shaped yellowing on leaf tips. Plants can also be covered with sugar-rich honeydew, and result in shiny and sticky plants. Sometimes potato leafhopper feeding injury is misdiagnosed with herbicide injury or nutritional deficiencies. Prolonged feeding will cause wrinkling, cupping, and stunting. Eventually, leaf tips can turn brown and fall off the plant. Moisture-stressed plots can magnify the feeding injury from potato leafhoppers.  Remove and destroy the few plants that appear to be affected. You may be able to control this minor infestation with insecticidal soap or Neem Oil. For a more severe infestation you may have to use an insecticide. When using any insecticide make sure to read and follow all label directions, with any spray make sure to coat the top and bottom of the potato leaves. This article from the Illinois Extension can provide more information on Potato Leafhoppers. The article can be found here: Leafhopper | Illinois Extension | UIUC  Thank you for your question and have a great gardening summer.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2023, 5:46 AM EDT
response: Thank you very much for your email,  it was very helpful.I actually did see  some leaf hoppers on the plants recently but didn’t connect them with the leaf problem.- Steve On Mon, Jun 26, 2023 at 9:09 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Pruning figs grown in containers

Question: Hello, I purchased figs things to grow in containers here in Vermont. I purchased some from two different companies and both arrived about 1 foot tall in 1 gallon containers and have 2-4 main stalks.  One has new growth from the bottom as well.

1) I am aware that fix and be prunes either to take on a tree or shrub shape. Which is preferable for container figs that I plan to overwinter in my basement?

2) Is it possible to convert these shrub like fig plants to look like trees at this point? How?

3) What size should I begin pruning? What time of year?

4) When should I fertilize these plants and how? I repotted these with a mix I made composed of compost, sand, coco coir, perlite, and Osmocote pellets.

Thanks for the help!

responder: Gina, UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline Volunteer  Replied June 26, 2023, 9:24 AM EDT
response: Hi Rebecca,  Pruning your fig plants to shrub shape or tree shape is a matter of personal choice. However, since you are growing them in pots and will need to bring them indoors to overwinter, my suggestion would be to prune for tree shape to make it easier to find a suitable location indoors and to make it easier to move them.  Here is a link to article that has a video at the end showing how to prune a fig plant.  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/growing-figs-maryland  Here are a couple of links to articles/fact sheets that will provide information on general care, fertilizing and overwintering.  https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2021/01/it-possible-grow-edible-fig-container  https://extension.psu.edu/winterizing-your-fig-tree  https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/growing-hardy-figs-iowa  Have fun growing your figs!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2023, 10:31 AM EDT
response: Hi,The articles you sent are great, but none of them comment on how to prune my existing plants that look more like shrubs so they will look like trees. How do I do that and when? Thanks!On Mon, Jun 26, 2023 at 9:24 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Gina, UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline Volunteer  Replied June 26, 2023, 12:37 PM EDT
response: Hi Rebecca,  I apologize as I thought that video was going to show both. Based on what I've researched, you definitely want to prune the lower leaves suckers and branches so they don't take root in the soil as that would promote shrub growth. I found one article/fact sheet that will provide you with information on how and when to prune.  This link talks about pruning an older outdoor fig tree, but many of the same principles apply.  https://depts.washington.edu/hortlib/pal/fig-tree-pruning-and-care/  And I found one video from OSU, also with regard to an older tree. Again, the same principles apply.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jKXn4wByz4  Prune when the tree is dormant. Remove any dead, diseased, damaged or crossing wood. Trime upwards to a 45 degree angle to shape it to look like a tree. Your plants are new and probably won't need much pruning or shaping for a while.  I hope I've answered your question this time.
Hachonoclea question

Question: Hello,
I had planned to transplant a hachonoclea earlier in the season because it's in the way of a marching column of pachysandra. I was delayed and never accomplished it. It's now in full bloom and too big to move - I'll have to move the pachysandra instead.

The hachonoclea looks a little weird, however. See the photo. It's like it has gotten TOO big for its own good. Should I be taking some sort of action with it? In fact, would it be a good idea to split it in two and transplant half of it?

Thank you.

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 June 26, 2023, 7:56 PM EDT
response: Hello; Thanks for sending your garden and landscape questions to the University of Maryland Ask Extension Service.  Transplanting or dividing garden plants at this time in summer is difficult for the plants because their water needs during hot and dry weather. It would best if dividing or transplanting be delayed for cooler weather in autumn. If you must move plants do it when rain is forecast, and apply water to soak the soil two or three times per week during the first week and then once or twice per week, for a month, afterwards. Count soaking rains as one of your watering efforts.  Good luck in your gardening efforts. Thanks; Christopher

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2023, 9:33 PM EDT
response: Thanks Christopher. Yes, I was afraid it was a bad idea to transplant now.     -- Jack
tomato leaves curling

Question: are a few curling leaves and cause for concern?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 25, 2023, 8:52 PM EDT
response: typo correction - are a few curling leaves any cause for concern?

responder: Janet  Replied June 26, 2023, 7:17 PM EDT
response: Hi, Thanks for contacting Ask Extension.  The short answer is no, a few curling leaves is not a concern.  We have had a sudden increase in temperature and moisture over the last week.  During summer when this happens it is not unusual for tomato leaves to curl in this way.  It should not damage yield.  The link below includes a photo of leaf curl on tomatoes. While there are other causes of leaf curl, the photo you sent, and  current environmental conditions suggest suggest simply heat and moisture increase.  See second link for other causes and photos. https://extension.umd.edu/resource/leaf-curling-vegetables https://vegcropshotline.org/article/tomato-leaf-curling/
What type of fruit/nuts are these?

Question: These two nuts/fruits were found in the forest in two different spots in St Mary's Co.. Could not tell which tree they came from. Can you identify?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 26, 2023, 10:41 AM EDT
response: Hi, These appear to be hickory nuts.  Based on the size and the clear quadrants on the husk, the one on the left may be Bitternut hickory. The thick neck, smoothness of the green husk and small size may point to the nut on the right as Pignut hickory.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2023, 7:34 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much, will look for the trees next time walking there. Sent from AOL on Android  On Mon, Jun 26, 2023 at 10:41 AM, Ask Extension<<personal data hidden>> wrote:
What type of plant is this?

Question: These individuals plants volunteered under my deck. I put them in this pot and they have some small lavender flowers. Is this plant a weed? Invasive?

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 June 26, 2023, 5:10 PM EDT
response: Plant ID is challenging without flowers as bloom traits weigh heavily on determining plant identification. Since it sounds like it's already bloomed for you earlier this year, it might be finished flowering (or it might rebloom, it's hard to tell), so we can only make an educated guess for now based on foliage shape and growth habit. Virginia or Asiatic Dayflower look similar, as does several Persicaria species (some of which are native, some are not). The flowers between those two genera are very different in shape and color, though, so if you explore those linked pages and neither looks close in bloom shape, we may need to wait for the plant to bloom again before we can make another guess.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2023, 7:33 PM EDT
response: Thank you! I will study any new blooms. I think it is Virginia dayflower. It came up in a damp area under where birds feed on the upper deck. Sent from AOL on Android  On Mon, Jun 26, 2023 at 5:10 PM, Ask Extension<<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 27, 2023, 9:14 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 06, 2023, 11:23 AM EDT
response: Here is the bloom!   Virginia daylilly? Sent from AOL on Android  On Mon, Jun 26, 2023 at 2:10 PM, Ask Extension<<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 06, 2023, 11:27 AM EDT
response: Thank you for the photos. Indeed, this is Dayflower (Daylily is quite different), though it appears to be the invasive species rather than the native one due to the lack of a large and blue third petal. (This is not unexpected, as the native species is not commonly found in home landscapes.) As such, despite being an attractive blue hue, the plant should be removed so it doesn't spread further.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 15, 2023, 3:55 PM EDT
response: Thank you!!!! I disposed of it!!!!Patricia Sent from AOL on Android  On Thu, Jul 6, 2023 at 11:27 AM, Ask Extension<<personal data hidden>> wrote:
What is this?

Question: Is this a weed, or what?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 26, 2023, 11:02 AM EDT
response: Hi Carol, Identification of  herbaceous plants can be very difficult without many more data points because there are a number of plants that have similar leaves or growth patterns but we don't know the size of the plant, whether it appeared in a flower or veg garden or in some random spot. We can't see the stems or undersides of leaves, etc.   There are some similarities to Echinacea leaves and to an Aster but honestly, it will be future flower or fruit/seed development that would be the best route to identification. If you care to resend a photo when it flowers, that would definitely help.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2023, 12:48 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the quick reply!Next time I will certainly get more specific information.I really do appreciate this service! Sent from my iPhone On Jun 26, 2023, at 11:03 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
White thread-like substance  on shrub?

Question: Hello, there are several bare branches of our sweetbox shrubs that have a white thread-like substance on the edges of the branch.  Photos attached.  Is this a pest or fungus that we need to treat?  Thank you!

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 June 27, 2023, 10:45 AM EDT
response: Hi,  The webbing is not a problem, probably just some spiders taking advantage of a good perch. The black tips and bare branches could be a disease though. You can cut them back and discard and pick up are leaves that have fallen or are dead. Keep an eye on it and water when needed. Feel free to send in additional photos if any symptoms worsen.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2023, 12:31 PM EDT
response: Thank you!!On Jun 27, 2023, at 10:45 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Why do my plants die?

Question: Why do my plants die after one to two weeks in this planter?  It drains properly and I have changed the soil twice.

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 June 27, 2023, 10:45 AM EDT
response: It's hard to say from the photo alone but watering frequency is probably a factor, either too much (over-watered) or too little (under-watered). The plants in the photo appear to be pansies, which do not thrive and can die back in our summer heat; have you tried a summer-loving annual like geraniums, lantana, marigold, etc.? To gauge when watering is needed, it's best to feel the soil about two inches deep (more or less, for a container this size) to make sure the soil has become somewhat dry to the touch at that depth before watering. Some potting mixes retain moisture longer than others, so it's hard to give any guidelines about how often a container that size will need watering. Even so, in high summer once we routinely stay hot, a need for daily watering would not be unusual.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2023, 10:52 AM EDT
response: I have a window box made by walpole( I believe is artificial wood), All plants die a week or two. I changed the soil. Then I made a liner.I plant healthy flowers like Pansies and begonias. A week or two they die. I still wish to know the problem

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 June 28, 2023, 2:12 PM EDT
response: The container material is probably not a factor in this case, and artificial wood or a wood composite should be fine to use. If you installed a liner in the container, make sure it allows excess water to drain out (you did mention the container does drain, but we wanted to make sure because we don't know what the liner material is). How often are the plants being checked for watering needs after they are planted? Every other day or so, once a week, or not at all and just relying on rain? Watering is still our main suspect with regard to why the plants keep failing, and dying quickly at that. An infection (aside from root rot) is not suspected, and an insect pest will also not cause these symptoms on pansies and begonias. If this happens again to replacement plants, please send us photos of their symptoms as soon as they appear because diagnosing plants this far gone is difficult because we can't assess any patterns of where the damage first appears and how badly it begins.  Miri
Fungus around ash tree

Question: Each year I get a couple of line of these fungi along the tree roots. I have been unable to confirm if these require attention or treatment or are just a condition of the soil. Any direction would be appreciated.

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied June 25, 2023, 6:24 PM EDT
response: The fungi are there as a result of dying and decaying wood. Dits a natural phenomenon. Was your ash tree removed or is it still there?  Having the fungi present does not necessarily indicate a problem tree. The decaying would that it is feeding on could be from a number of sources.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 25, 2023, 7:43 PM EDT
response: Thanks Deb,The tree is still in place. I have a row of five trees and this is the eastern tree and only one with the fungi.In the last  couple of years the roots have become more pronounced at grade so it seems healthy. Thanks again.On Sun, Jun 25, 2023, 5:24 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: