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Union County Extension Master Gardeners
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      • Article: Canker Worms
      • Article: Garlic!
      • Article: Getting Dirty
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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 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:  My large Bradford Pear tree has round holes in it's trunk.  What could be doing this?

5/20/2013

 
A:  Sound like it coul be Shothole Borers.  We'd suggest you get an arborist to take a look at it to see exactly how much infestation you have.  Also, there is usually something else that has weakened the tree before they attack.  Here's an extension link that should provide more information:
www.extension.psu.edu/plants/tree-fruit/insects-mites/shothole-borer 

Q:  What do I do about a major mosquito issue on my farm?  I have a pond, animals and vegetables.

4/17/2013

 
A:  You will get some help by creating bat purple marlin homes.  The attached extension link will give you more information and additional options. www.extension.purdue.edu/waterquality/resources/mosquitoes1.htm

Q:  Need suggestions for controlling voles.

4/8/2013

 
A:  Suggest you purchase a product called Perma-Till.  You'll need to pull mulch away from the base of the plants you think they are eating.  Best organic method is getting a cat to help control them.

Q:  How do I get rid of kudzu bugs that are eating my green beans?

9/3/2012

 
A:  We recommend reading the information on the following link:  http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/Urban/kudzubug.htm

Q: How do I get rid of whiteflies?

2/8/2012

 
A:  You have several options:  1. Spray with insecticidal soap; 2. Use traps; 3. Use Malathion; 4. Use horticulture oil in the spring .. NEVER in hot weather.

    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.

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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