Spraying and buckets of water can combat Japanese beetles
Posted on Sunday, July 13, 2008
Question: How can I get rid of the Japanese beetles that are all over my tree ?
Answer: The Japanese beetle entered the United States without its natural enemies and found a favorable climate and abundant food supply. You are seeing the adults now. The grubs are in the ground. The adult beetles fly, feed and mate from June to August. To control the adults, spray with Sevin. Re-spray 10 days later if damage continues.
If you choose to try a less violent method, try the following. The beetles are sluggish in the morning. Fill a bucket with water and shake the beetles into the bucket. They do not swim.
Question: Can you tell me why my cabbage is not forming heads ?
Answer: Cabbage grows best when planted in time to head while daytime temperatures are less than 80 degrees. Overfertilization, improper watering conditions and heat can cause loose, puffy heads.
Question: As my watermelons begin to set fruit, the leaves around the crown of the plant develop necrotic lesions and die rapidly. How can I prevent this ?
Answer: Many foliage diseases that attack watermelons can cause this condition and the most often observed is anthracnose. Alternaria and downy mildew cause similar lesions. Control all of these with a fungicide. Begin applications at the first sign of the disease and continue at seven- to 14-day intervals as long as weather conditions are favorable for disease development.
Question: Squirrels are taking bark from my cedar tree. Will the tree be hurt because of this ?
Answer: The squirrels are stripping your tree trying to find sap for nourishment. The tree is not likely to be damaged. Nevertheless, it is better to make them stop. Try putting something sticky around the lower part of the tree. Vaseline is one suggestion.
Question: I just planted a maple tree. The leaves are drooping. Will it recover ?
Answer: Planting is always a shock to the tree. Watering is likely the most important thing. Check the condition of the soil at least once a week increasing it to every three days during midsummer.
Note: A big thank you to the special gardener who found the Sevin that was an insecticide and not a fungicide.
Send your gardening and landscaping questions and tips to Washington County Master Gardeners, 2536 N. McConnell Ave., Fayetteville AR, 72704. You may also call 444-1755 for answers to your questions.
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online
