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Union County Extension Master Gardeners
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Q:  My cucumber vines are now wilting, mushy and oozing.  What could be wrong?

7/19/2013

 
A:  Sounds like bacterial wilt.  There is really nothing that can be done other than remove the infected plants.   If you want, there is still time to plant another crop. 

Q:  My house has recently been treated for termites using a chemical called adonis.  Are garden vegetables, planted close to the house, safe to eat?

7/18/2013

 
A:  The key ingredient in adonis is imidacloprid.  Although, it is used on vegetable crops, we are providing you a link so you can read and make your own determination: www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/pests/plant_pests/shrubs/hgic2059.html

Q:  What do I do when small worms are eating my cucumbers?

7/16/2013

 
A:  Sounds like you could have pickleworms.  Use a product with BT, which is good for any caterpillar problem and safe for beneficial insects.  Read the instructions carefully.  The Label is the LAW!

Q:  What are the lime green caterpillars on my tomatoes?

7/16/2013

 
A:  Sounds like it could be the tomato horn worm.  To get rid of them, find a product that contains BT, which will not harm beneficial insects or birds that eat the worms.  If any of the caterpillars appear to have white raised rice spots on them, leave those alone.  These rice spots  indicate parasitic wasps' larvae, which are good guys.

Q:  How can I become a Master Gardener?

7/10/2013

 
A:  There is a fall Master Gardener class we can send you information on.  We'll contact you with the email information.  Thank you!

Q:  How do I get rid of fire ants around my vegetables?

7/9/2013

 
A:  Suggest you go to two different sites to research the method that is best for you.  Both are recommended extension sites.  (1) www.growingsmallfarms.ces.ncsu.edu/growingsmallfarms-fireants (2) www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/vegetables/gardening/hgic1263.html

Q:  Can I use Malathion spray on squash blossoms?  I've read that Sevin kills bees so I didn't want to use this.

7/8/2013

 
A:  Malathion is also very toxic to bees.  You didn't mention why you were spraying but, if it's because of the squash vine border, here's an extension link that will provide you with biology and management of these pests:  
www.extension.org/pages/65684/biology-and-management-of-squash-vine-borer-in-organic-farming-systems#.Uhy3J5Kkoj4

Q:  When should I trim my blueberry plants?

7/5/2013

 
A:  You should prune in the winter when the plants are dormant.  Depending on the harshness of the weather, it is safer to do it in January rather than in earlier months.  Bear in mind, next year's harvest might be slightly less.

Q:  My green beans are cut off around base of their stalks. I don't have rabbits, deer or voles but have had fire ants in the past.  What could be doing this?

7/1/2013

 
A:  Believe it or not, sounds like the fire ants are the culprit.  They can chew the stalks in two.  Suggest you try to organically treat the fire ants.  You can read more at this link:
www.growingsmallfarms.ces.ncsu.edu/growingsmallfarms-fireants/ 

    Previously Asked Questions & Answers


    The Union County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers and the Horticulture Agent are happy to assist the community with their gardening questions.

    To ask us a question, please click on this link:
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    Jeff Rieves

    Union County, NC
    Cooperative Extension
    Horticulture Agent

Union County Cooperative Extension 
​Horticultural Agent

Union County Ag Center
3230 Presson Road 
Monroe, NC 28112             
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  • Home
    • Calendar
    • Master Gardener Application
    • NC Dept of Agriculture: Soil Testing
    • UCEMGVs >
      • New Project Proposal
      • Growline
      • MG Forms & Documents
      • MG Guidebook
  • Plant Sales
    • Tree & Fruit Sale
    • Spring Plant Sale
    • Fall Plant & Bulb Sale
  • Teaching Gardens
    • Events in the Gardens
    • Heritage Trail
    • Teaching Gardens History >
      • Our Garden: Plant Identifications & Images
  • Gardening Ed
    • Garden Q&A >
      • Growline
    • Blog >
      • Around the Garden ...
      • Gardening in NC
      • Trees & Shrubs 101
      • Article: Hellebores
      • Gardening for Pollinators
      • Seasonal "Tips & Tasks"
      • Seed Saving
      • Article: Canker Worms
      • Article: Garlic!
      • Article: Getting Dirty
      • Article: Drought Gardening
      • Article: Native Vines
  • Contact