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All Landscape and Garden Alerts

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Fall and Winter Watering

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Posted on: November 18, 2019 by Maria Held

With no rainfall for a few weeks and none in the forecast make sure to water you landscape at least one more time before winter. It is important for anything planted this year especially trees and shrubs. This will give your plants the best possible start next spring and make them less susceptible to pests and diseases.

Canyon County Master Gardener Program 2020

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: October 30, 2019 by Maria Held

The Canyon County Master Gardener Program is now accepting applications for the 2020 Master Gardener Class! See the links below for an application packet and Horticultural Brochure. For more information contact the Canyon County Extension Office at 501 Main St., Caldwell, ID 83605; 208-459-6003; or ccmg@uidaho.edu

Fall spray for shothole disease and peach leaf curl

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley

Coryneum blight (shothole disease), Taphrina deformans (peach leaf curl)

Posted on: October 22, 2019 by Maria Held

Prevent new coryneum blight (shothole) infections this fall by applying copper to trees when 50% of the leaves have fallen. The disease affects all stone fruits but is mainly a concern in apricot, nectarine and peach.

As peach trees lose their leaves you need to spray for peach leaf curl if you experienced the disease this spring.

Freeze Alert

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley

Frost

Posted on: September 28, 2019 by Maria Held

Sunday to Tuesday morning temperatures are forecast to dip near or below freezing. Harvest or cover you sensitive plants to protect them from the low temperatures.

Treasure Valley Tomato Taste Off & Information Tables

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Posted on: September 16, 2019 by Maria Held

Third Annual FREE Tomato Taste Off Saturday, September 21, 2019 at the Indian Creek Festival in Caldwell.
Entries can be dropped off at the Canyon County Extension Office,
501 Main St, Caldwell on Friday September 20 from 1:00 PM-4:30 PM
or bring them to our festival booth from 9:00 AM-10:30 AM on Saturday. Enter 4 cups of cherry tomatoes or 3 (larger) to 5 (smaller) slicers or paste tomatoes to compete for prizes. Tasting and voting will be from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM

Fruit Field Day at Parma Research & Extension

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Posted on: August 29, 2019 by Maria Held

The University of Idaho Pomology and Viticulture Fruit Field Day is taking place on Friday, September 6th from 8:30 am to 1 pm at the University of Idaho Pomology Research Orchards and Vineyards
31727 Parma Rd, Parma, ID 83660. This is a free event for anyone interested in fruit production.
Please RSVP to maurineb@uidaho.edu or call 208-791-6228 with the number in your party.
See the attached flyer for directions.

Tomato Fruit Issues

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Posted on: August 19, 2019 by Maria Held

Are you experiencing issues with you tomato fruit like blossom end rot, catfacing, splitting, zippering and such? Below are some links to help you determine what is going on with your tomatoes. Remember that variety selection and consistent watering are important in preventing some of these problems.

Blossom End Rot on Summer Squash and Tomato

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley

Blossom End Rot on Squash and Tomato

Posted on: July 31, 2019 by Maria Held

Blossom end rot is showing up on summer squash. Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and even watermelon may be affected. It occurs in the first fruits formed on the plants and is caused by a lack of calcium in the fruit. Most garden soils a sufficient supply of calcium; refer to your soil test results. However, uneven watering may cause symptoms in fast growing plants.

Blossom Drop on Tomatoes and Peppers

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley

Blossom Drop

Posted on: July 29, 2019 by Maria Held

Gardeners are experiencing blossom drop on their tomatoes and other vegetables. This is due to high daytime > 90 F and low nighttime <55 F temperatures we have been experiencing. Pollen becomes sterile during hot weather. Fertilizer high in nitrogen and lots of water lead to growth of leaves instead of fruit set.

Beet Leafminer in Gardens

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: July 20, 2019 by Maria Held

Are you noticing papery areas or tunneling on you beets, Swiss Chard or spinach? The leafminer fly lays white eggs on the underside of leaves. The resulting larvae burrow inside the leaves to feed. See the links below for management options.

False Chinch Bug Migration

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley

Nysius raphanus

Posted on: July 19, 2019 by Maria Held

The Caldwell Extension office has received multiple calls of masses of false chinch bugs. They may aggregate in large numbers on buildings or driveways especially if hosts are harvested or managed with herbicide. See the attached photo of a false chinch bug aggregation on a driveway.
Insecticides will have little, if any, effect for limiting this situation and are not recommended. False chinch bug migrations resulting in nuisance problems in buildings usually are of short duration and rarely last more than a week.

Earwigs Everywhere

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley

Forficula auricularia

Posted on: July 12, 2019 by Maria Held

Garden plants commonly injured by earwigs include annual flowers (especially marigolds, dahlias and zinnias), herbs (especially basil), roses, raspberries, strawberries, apricots, peaches, sweet corn tassels and silks. Because earwigs are beneficial due to their predaceous and decomposer feeding habits, they should only be controlled when causing harm. Earwigs are nocturnal. If chewing injury to plants is apparent but no culprit can be found during the day, check the plants at night with a flashlight. If shiny, slime trails are present, snails or slugs are the culprit rather than earwigs. Trapping is an effective way to control the population.

Squash Bugs are here!

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Anasa tristis

Posted on: June 27, 2019 by Maria Held

Squash bugs and eggs have been found yesterday at the IPM scouting walk at Idaho Veterans Garden in Caldwell. The insects affect cucurbits and vine crops sucking sap from the plants. Check the underside of leaves for egg masses and destroy them. The adults are hard to control. Always follow label instructions.

Peach Twig Borer 2019

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley

Peach Twig Borer Anarsia lineatella

Posted on: June 17, 2019 by Maria Held

Peach twig borers have been found in a trap in the Payette area. Peach twig borer is the “worm in the peach”.
Peach twig borer larvae prefer to bore into succulent twigs. Later in the season, when twigs become hardened off and unpalatable, larvae feed inside the fruit.

Squoia Pitch Moth

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley

Synanthedon sequoiae

Posted on: June 6, 2019 by Maria Held

Spitch moth has been found in traps.
The sequoia pitch moth (SMP) is the primary insect that causes large pitch (resin) masses on Austrian, Scotch and other ornamental pines.
SPM is not typically considered a serious pest of pines, but may cause limb dieback, unsightly resin masses, tree stress or tree death in severe cases.
There are no recommended insecticide control options for SPM.
SPM should be managed using cultural controls such as removing resin masses and larvae, proper timing of pruning, eliminating mechanical damage and proper irrigation. Avoid pruning/injuring trees April through August.

Western Cherry Fruit Fly 2019

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley

Rhagoletis indifferens

Posted on: June 3, 2019 by Maria Held

Western Cherry Fruit Flies have been detected in Boise. Once your cherries are starting to blush (turning from green to yellow to light pink) it is time to protect them. At that stage the cherries are soft enough for being penetrated. Spraying with Surround (kaolin clay) creates a physical barrier that prevents females from laying eggs into the developing fruit.
See the links below for more options.

Powdery Mildew on Ornamentals

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley

Sphaerotheca pannosa var. rosae

Posted on: June 1, 2019 by Maria Held

Powdery mildew continues to be a problem with all the rain we have had. It has been reported on roses and peonies. Powdery mildews are characterized by spots or patches of white to grayish, talcum-powder-like growth.
When available choose resistant or tolerant varieties. The disease is common in crowded plantings where air circulation is poor and in damp, shaded areas. Avoid overhead irrigation once symptoms occur. Do not compost infected plant debris. Temperatures often are not hot enough to kill the fungus.

Apple Codling Moth First Generation

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 22, 2019 by Maria Held

The first Apple Codling Moths have been trapped at the beginning of May (Biofix on May 2nd). However, flight activity has been slow because of rain and low temperatures. We are currently at 197 Degree Days (DD) and treatment is indicated at 220 to 250 DD expected no sooner than this weekend depending on weather conditions.

Be prepared, because this is a pest that you need to prevent all season long for clean fruit. Whether you are growing organic or conventional, the only non-spray option for clean fruit is to bag them.

Aphid Damage

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley

Aphid

Posted on: May 16, 2019 by Maria Held

Aphids have been found on trees (ash, plum) and ornamental plants (roses, daisies). Look for sticky sap and curled distorted leaves. A stream of water is often all that is needed to dislodge the insects from the plant.

Cabbage Looper

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley

Cabbage Looper Trichoplusia ni

Posted on: May 13, 2019 by Maria Held

Cabbage looper adults (moth) have been caught in pheromone traps.
Cabbage looper larvae feed on all cole crops (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, kohlrabi, kale) and leave behind frass. Cover you cole crops with row cover or insect barrier to keep out the loopers.

Lilac/Ash borer

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Lilac/Aash borer Podosesia syringae

Posted on: May 10, 2019 by Maria Held

Lilac/Ash borers have been caught in traps. Trunk treatment of ash trees is indicated in 10-14 days when the eggs hatch.

Peach Leaf Curl Detected

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley

Peach Leaf Curl

Posted on: May 7, 2019 by Maria Held

If you are experiencing symptoms of peach leaf curl make sure to spray this fall when most of the leaves are off the tree. Since it is a fungus there are no management options after infection has occurred.

Weekend Weather Favored Fire Blight Development

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Fire Blight

Posted on: April 23, 2019 by Maria Held

Weather conditions over the past weekend (rain and higher temperatures) were favorable for fire blight as pear and apple trees are blooming. This bacterial disease affects the rose plant family (Rosaceae ).
Temperatures over 70 F and moisture (rain, dew) foster fire blight development.
Monitor trees closely starting two weeks after full bloom (which is when infections start to become visible). Prune out new infections immediately (on a dry day).
Refer to the references below for additional information:

Spring Garden Festival and Plant Sale

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: April 22, 2019 by Maria Held

The Canyon County Master Gardeners Annual Spring Garden Festival and Plant Sale takes place on Saturday, April 27th from 9 am to 3 pm at the Canyon County Extension Office in Caldwell on 501 Main St.
A free Gardening 101 class is scheduled for 10 am and 1 pm. Informational tables on tomato trellising, transplanting, composting and more will be offered. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer your questions.
A variety of vegetables (lots of tomato and pepper plants), herbs, annual and perennial flowers including succulents and pollinator plants, houseplants and a few shrubs and conifers are available for sale. Prices start at $1 up to $10 depending on type and size of plant.
All proceeds go to Master Gardener Scholarships.

Dormant oil spray

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: March 15, 2019 by Maria Held

Despite the fact that we call it “dormant oil”, the timing of a horticultural oil spray is not when trees are still dormant. A better term would be a “delayed-dormant” application, because the oil should be applied after bud swell. This coincides with the increasing activity of the overwintering insect, such as aphid eggs, scale nymphs, and peach twig borer larvae.

Idaho Horticulture Expo

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Posted on: December 11, 2018 by Maria Held

INLA Conference:
The Idaho Nursery & Landscape Association conference will be held January 16-18, 2019 at the Boise Centre.

Peach Leaf Curl Spray

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Taphrina deformans

Posted on: October 31, 2018 by Maria Held

If you experienced peach leaf curl on your trees this spring it is time for treatment when most of the leaves are off the tree. Resistant varieties are a good option for home gardeners.

Freeze Warning

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: October 13, 2018 by Maria Held

There is a freeze warning for the lower Treasure Valley for tonight. Protect tender plants and be sure to cover them. Information on season extension and frost protection is found in the links below.

Treasure Valley Tomato Taste Off & Classes

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: September 10, 2018 by Maria Held

Did you grow an awesome tomato this summer?
Enter it in the 2nd Annual FREE Treasure Valley Tomato Taste Off at the Indian Creek Festival in Caldwell on Saturday, September 15, 2018!

Entries can be dropped off at the Canyon County Extension Office, 501 Main St, Caldwell on Friday September 14th from 1:00 PM-4:30 PM or bring them to our festival booth from 9:00 AM-10:30 AM on Saturday, September 15, 2018. Questions? Contact the Extension Office @ 208-459-6003
Tasting and voting will be from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
There will be prizes for the best Slicing, Cherry, and Paste tomato!

Classes will be held in the afternoon
2:00 PM Pollinators: More than Bees
3:00 PM Tomato Basics: From Seed to Salsa
4:00 PM Growing Tomatoes on a Trellis
5:00 PM Canning Tomatoes

Powdery Mildew Outbreak

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley

Powdery Mildew

Posted on: September 6, 2018 by Maria Held

Powdery mildew has been observed on squash, zucchini and carrots. It affects almost any type of plant including ornamentals such as peony, lupine and pansies.
Powdery mildews are characterized by spots or patches of white to grayish, talcum-powder-like growth.
It grows readily in our warm and dry climate. When available choose resistant or tolerant varieties. The disease is common in crowded plantings where air circulation is poor and in damp, shaded areas. Avoid overhead irrigation and late summer application of nitrogen fertilizer once symptoms occur. Remove and destroy all infected plant parts (leaves, etc.). Do not compost infected plant debris. Temperatures often are not hot enough to kill the fungus.
Chemicals are most effective when combined with cultural controls.

Sunscald in peppers and tomatoes

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: August 20, 2018 by Maria Held

Due to high sun exposure on peppers the fruit may develop areas that go from green to yellow and sunken, then become dry and brown. In the case of cucumbers the green bleaches out to white and the tissue becomes soft. Because of extreme temperatures this is occurring more than usual this season. Sufficient leaf cover is the best prevention. Shading the affected plants especially on the west side with shade cloth is helpful.

Herbicide Damage to non target plants.

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Herbicide damage

Posted on: July 3, 2018 by Rich Guggenheim

We are seeing considerable damage to plants consistent with broad leaf herbicides being misapplied. Always read and follow all label instructions. It is against the law to use pesticides in a manner inconsistent with label instructions.
Click the links below to learn how to diagnose and prevent herbicide damage.

Curly Top Virus in Solanacea Plants

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

BCTV

Posted on: July 2, 2018 by Rich Guggenheim

BCTV affects Beets, tomatoes, peppers, beans, potatoes, spinach, cucurbits, many ornamentals, and weeds such as Russian thistle (tumbleweed) and mustard. It is spread by the Beet leafhopper (Circulifer tenellus). There are no chemicals available for controlling the virus. Management foci include:
Plant virus-free transplants
Control weeds and insects
Remove infected plants
Cage young plants in home gardens. Good sanitation practices, such as weed and insect control, are also essential in limiting the occurrence of the disease. Home gardeners may also consider planting susceptible hosts, such as tomatoes and peppers, in a slightly shaded part of the garden, as leafhoppers prefer to feed in sunny locations

Squash Bug confirmed in 2018 squash.

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Anasa tristis

Posted on: June 30, 2018 by Rich Guggenheim

Squash bugs have been confirmed in the Treasure Valley.
It attacks all cucurbits and vine crops but is most damaging to squashes and pumpkins. The insect has a disagreeable odor when crushed and is one of many insects known by the nickname "stink bug."
They may be difficult to see because their color matches the soil and because they are usually hiding under the vines, leaves or clods of dirt. The adults feed on sap from the plant leaves as they lay clusters of a dozen of more, large, brick-red to yellow-brown eggs on the lower sides of the leaves.
Handpick and discard egg clusters and nymphs as they appear. Use garden insecticides such as Sevin, permethrin or insecticidal soap according to label directions. Sprays are generally more effective than dusts, but must be reapplied frequently. Avoid spraying plants in bloom. If spraying during bloom is necessary, spray at night after honey bees have quit foraging for the day.

Peach Tree Borer 2018

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Peach Tree Borer

Posted on: June 29, 2018 by Dian Roberson

We have been finding Peach Tree Borers in our traps! They will attack peach, cherry, plum, and other stone fruits. It is the larva that does the most damage, feeding on the tree roots. Check out the information below!

Spider Mite Warning

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Spider Mite

Posted on: June 22, 2018 by Dian Roberson

As temperatures rise in June be on the lookout for spider mites. They can attack a wide variety of crops and ornamentals. Look for bronzing of leaves or mite webbing. Dry, hot conditions favor all spider mites, this is why they are so important in more arid regions like the Treasure Valley. They feed more under dry conditions, as the lower humidity allows them to evaporate excess water they excrete. At the same time, most of their natural enemies require more humid conditions and are stressed by arid conditions. Plants stressed by drought can make them more nutritious to spider mites so check your irrigation systems to make sure they are functioning properly.

Scale on Honeylocust (Nampa)

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Pulvinaria innumerabilis

Posted on: May 30, 2018 by Rich Guggenheim

Cottony maple scale occasionally builds up in large numbers on branches and leaves of honeylocust, becoming quite conspicuous as egg sacs swell in June and July. The overwintering stage of this scale (mated female) can be controlled with dormant oil applications made before new growth in spring. These treatments also can help suppress spider mites, eriophyid mites and plant bugs that overwinter on trees.

Newly hatched crawlers generally appear in late June through July and can be controlled at that time with Sevin, Orthene or various pyrethroids. Imidacloprid (Merit) applied as a soil systemic treatment should also be effective, provided sites are irrigated. Natural controls generally maintain cottony maple scale at nondamaging levels and sustained infestations lasting more than one season are very rare.

Growing a great lawn! Free workshop!!!

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Green lawns!

Posted on: April 10, 2018 by Rich Guggenheim

Growing a GREAT Lawn is a free workshop being held from 9-12 at Nampa's Lakeview Park on April 14th from 10-12. Register online at the Nampa Parks and Rec website. This workshop will be taught by University of Idaho Extension horticulture professor and state Master Gardener Coordinator, Rich Guggenheim. You will learn how to grow a healthy, green lawn while cutting the need for fertilizer, pesticides, and reducing your water consumption.
Call 468-5890 for more info.

Billbugs/Lawn grub proper treatment protocols.

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Lawn Grubs

Posted on: April 10, 2018 by Rich Guggenheim

Billbugs (Sphenophorus spp) can be a problem in lawns planted with Kentucky Bluegrass (KGB). Proper timing of pesticide applications is *critical* for controlling this pest! The most common type of lawn grub found in the Treasure Valley is the Denver Billbug, although in some areas of Boise there is the Japanese Beetle, which is of special concern. Proper identification of grubs is important so that proper treatment may be applied. Management using chemical pesticides need to coincide with certain life cycles of the insect in order to be effective. You may bring a sample of the grub or adult to your local University of Extension office where they may be identified and you may obtain information on proper management of this pest. Properly fertilizing, watering, and mowing of your turf can eliminate the need to apply chemicals to your lawn to control grubs.

Boxelder bugs

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Box Elder Bugs

Posted on: March 30, 2018 by Rich Guggenheim

Boxelder bugs are active. Management is extremely difficult. Management techniques include:
Exclusion- sealing cracks and around windows, doors, and other entry points.
Eradication of female box elder trees.
Vacuuming- cleaning up the bugs with a shop vac.
Diatomaceous earth can create an effective barrier along with certain contact insecticides. However, repeated insecticide applications have been shown to quickly create resistance and will dramatically reduce natural enemies. Therefore, insecticides should not be used unless necessary to prevent substantial fruit damage. Always read and follow all label instructions.

Clover mites

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Mites

Posted on: March 20, 2018 by Rich Guggenheim

Spider and clover mites have been confirmed in landscapes throughout Canyon County. They are especially problematic on the south and west facing yards where temperatures are warmer and drier. They can invade homes, where they become a nuisance. Control can be obtained with diatomaceous earth as a barrier. Do not use insecticides to control mites. Always read and follow label instructions.

Idaho Veterans Garden

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Free Gardening Classes

Posted on: February 21, 2018 by Rich Guggenheim

Join us each Thursday for a series of free classes for the whole family. These classes will be offered at the Idaho Veterans Garden, weather permitting. Otherwise, they will be at the Caldwell Library at 6PM

February 22: Raised bed design and layout- space utilization for maximum yield (At Caldwell Library)
March 1: Gardening for cool/ warm season (succession planting)
March 8: Seed starting
March 15: Spring weed management
March 22: Irrigation system design (focusing on drip)
For more info, call 208-459-6003 and register

Weeds and insects

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Early emergence of weeds and insects.

Posted on: February 14, 2018 by Rich Guggenheim

With unseasonably warm temperatures this winter, weeds and insects have already begun to emerge. It is predicted that weeds and insects will be severe this year. In addition to trapping and monitoring, application of dormant oils, pre emergent herbicides, and other preventative pest management measures should have already begun.

One of the most effective ways to manage weeds in the landscape is to apply a 4-6 inch layer of arborist chips.

For more information on controlling pests, including weeds and insects in your landscape, contact your local University of Idaho Extension office.

2017 Survey

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Surveys

Posted on: October 23, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim

We are looking for your feedback on the 2017 Pest Alert Network. Please take a few moments of your time to help us improve. Thank you for your time.

Curly Top confirmed in Peppers and Beets!

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: August 4, 2017 by Dian Roberson

We have confirmed cases of Beet Curly Top Virus in both peppers and sugar beets. It also infects a wide range of crops such as tomatoes, beans, beets, cucurbits, spinach, and squash. The virus is spread by the beet leafhopper, Circulifer tenellus. Read the articles below for identification and control information!

Apple Aphid

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Aphis Pomei

Posted on: April 17, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim

Nymphs of the Apple aphid, which overwinters as an egg has been detected on ornamental landscape varieties of apple and crabapple. Although they rarely cause economic loss to trees, control may be desired in the home landscape for cosmetic purposes.

The best timing for woolly apple aphid control is petal-fall with a systemic insecticide, or during the summer with an effective contact insecticide. Application of dormant oil plus an insecticide at delayed dormant stage (half-inch-green) may
provide season-long control of green and rosy apple aphids.

Red band needle blight

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Dothistroma Mycosphaerella pini

Posted on: April 6, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim

Red Band Needle Blight of pines is caused by Mycosphaerella pini. Austrian pines are most susceptible, followed by ponderosa and mugo pines.
Symptoms include brown needles (often the base of needles remain green), premature needle drop, loss of vigor, and a slow decline. Needle injury may resembling winter injury or scorch, however, diseased needles will also show gumming and sometimes broken tips that are an ashy-gray color. In addition, dothistroma infections usually occur on the lower and/or inner branches, where moisture is greatest.
Infections occur anywhere on a needle, leaving a “red band” (another name for this disease). The disease often works its way from the bottom of the tree up. In spring and early summer, an infected tree will have brown interior needles, and infections on the current season’s needles will not show browning until fall.
For severely infested trees, fungicide treatments should be applied soon, before budbreak. In Utah’s dry climate, infection rarely gets to the point of necessitating chemical treatment, however.
Treatment: Although infections can occur throughout the season, only spring treatments of fungicide (when necessary) are necessary. Three applications of either copper hydroxide (Kocide), copper hydroxide+mancozeb (Junction, Mankocide), or other copper (Bonide, Camelot) may be necessary, starting at budbreak and twice again at 10- to 14-day intervals.

Degree Days for 2017

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Degree Days

Posted on: March 28, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim

Degree days for 2017:
Caldwell has reached 101 degree days. Estimates and forecasts are calling for estimated biofix 175 DD to be April 20. Easter week would be a good time to put traps out and begin monitoring for insects.

Biting flies

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Diptera spp.

Posted on: March 18, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim

Biting flies are expected to hatch and emerge soon.

Yellow Jackets

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Vespula spp., Dolichovespula arenaria

Posted on: March 16, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim

Female Yellowjackets, the queens, who overwintered will be flying about looking for areas to establish new colonies. Now is the time to treat and prevent.

Dormant oils

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Posted on: March 15, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim

Dormant oils should be applied when temperatures are cool and plants are still dormant, before bud break. Dormant oils can be used to control insects on multiple varieties of landscape plant material as well as fruit.

Vole Damage to Landscapes

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Voles - Microtus

Posted on: February 20, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim

Vole Damage is currently being seen throughout the area. As snow melts, the damage and tunneling caused by voles is evident.

Springtails emerging

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Springtails -order Collembola

Posted on: February 20, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim

Springtails are a small insect which you may notice on warm, dry sides of buildings. As temperatures rise and the ground begins to dry down, you may notice them congregating in said areas and invade human dwellings.

The key to managing springtails is to reduce moisture and excess organic matter in gardens, plant pots, and around building foundations. Also screen or caulk cracks that provide entryways for springtails into homes. Pesticides should not be necessary and won’t provide long-term control by themselves.

Insecticide sprays are generally not recommended for springtail management.

Apply pre-emergent herbicide

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Weeds

Posted on: February 11, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim

As the snow melts, some fall germinating weeds will be visible. Spring germinating weeds will begin to germinate as soil temperatures rise. Pre-emergence herbicides and corn gluten can be effect in preventing the seeds from germinating. To control already germinated seeds, it is best to pull, hoe, or use herbicides formulated to control the type of weed you are targeting. Always read and follow all label directions!

For more information, contact your local Extension Office.

Snow Mold in lawns

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Typhula incarnata

Posted on: February 11, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim

Now that the snow is melting off the grass, you may be noticing snow mold. Here is what you need to know to manage it:
Rapid drying and warming will lessen the outbreak of disease.
Remove snow to allow better drainage and remove the mycelial crust on infected turf by raking. This will help recovery of the grass.
Lightly applying a low dose of nitrogen fertilizer in the spring will promote new growth.
When applied in the fall, fungicides can be useful in controlling disease, but are not effective when applied in late winter or early spring!
Additionally, for pink snow mold it’s important to maintain low soil pH and balanced soil fertility.
Aeration of your lawn will help remove thatch and allow for oxygen to penetrate the soil and reach the roots. This will help your lawn recover more quickly. This is also a good time to reseed any areas which may need to be reseeded.
For more information, contact your local county extension office!

Storm Damage to Trees and Landscapes Possible

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Storm Damaged Trees

Posted on: January 6, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim

There is a high likelihood that the forecasted ice and snow will cause storm damage to trees which will need proper pruning. Storm damage to trees can be prevented through proper structural pruning while the tree is young. For more information on pruning storm damage trees, contact your local Extension Office or a certified arborist.

If your trees are damaged as a result of snow, wind, or ice, here is what you need to know:

First, Check for hazards. Before approaching a tree, examine your surroundings to avoid making contact with downed utility lines or standing under broken, hanging branches.

Contact city officials if necessary. Trees between the street and a city sidewalk may be the responsibility of city crews.

Assess the damage. If a tree is healthy overall and still possesses its leader (the main upward branch), most of its major limbs and 50 percent or more of its crown, the chance is good for a complete recovery.

Be careful knocking snow off branches. This may cause the branches to break. If you must remove snow, gently push up on branches from below to prevent adding additional stress.

Remove broken branches. This minimizes the risk of decay and insects or diseases entering the wound. Prune at the branch collar - the point where a branch joins a larger one - and be mindful of
potential pent-up energy if the branch is twisted or bent.

Don't over-prune. With the loss of some branches, a tree may look unbalanced, but most trees quickly grow new foliage that hides bare areas.

Don't try to do it all yourself. If the job requires running a chainsaw overhead, sawing from a ladder or removing large branches or entire trees, contact an insured, certified arborist.
Professionals often are listed in the phone book under "tree service"

If you decide to prune your own tree you need to know how storm-damaged trees should be pruned.

First, focus on cleaning (removing broken and damaged limbs) keeping in mind
the structural integrity of the tree. Realize that you may have to accept less than
ideal pruning techniques by “Mother Nature”.

Second, focus on thinning and/or reducing to restore the tree’s structural integrity
and shape to the extent possible. This may take place over a period of years.
The maximum amount of tree canopy that can be removed without putting the tree
and its root system under stress includes the live wood/foliage removed by the
storm. When Mother Nature removes too much live wood/foliage, limit pruning to
cleaning. On storm damaged trees where excessive live wood and foliage was removed by storm damage, wait until the roots and crown stabilize (as measured in canopy
growth) before doing thinning, reducing, or other structural pruning. This may be
a multi-year period.

Keep the tree if it can be pruned back to structurally sound wood and will be
aesthetically pleasing. Often when one side of the tree is gone, the best option is to
remove the entire tree

Salt Damage to Plants from Deicers.

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Plant and Animal friendly de-icers.

Posted on: December 16, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Many deicers contain various formulations of salts which can be damaging or toxic to plants, animals, and structures. Consider plant and pet friendly alternatives for de-icing agents in and around your homes if this is a concern.

Prevention of Snow Mold in Lawns Starts Now

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Snow Mold

Posted on: December 15, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Snow Mold, which can impact lawns in the spring, may be avoided by not piling snow on lawns now, or by applying fungicides before snow accumulation.
Proper fertilization and aeration of turf in the fall and winter can aid in creating stronger lawns that are more resilient to snow mold.

For more information on Turf Management, contact your local University of Idaho Extension Office.

Seedlings for Conservation

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Seedlings for Conservation

Posted on: November 23, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

We are announcing our &amp;quot;Seedlings for Conservation&amp;quot; program! We have trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses for sale. You will find a wide assortment of plant material to help you conserve energy, water, soil, and attract wildlife and pollinators! These plants make great windbreaks, snow fences, and sound barriers. Order soon though, popular varieties of trees sell out very quickly. Trees will be available to pick up from the UI Extension Office in Caldwell in late March/early April!
Download our order form now.
Call 208-459-6003 for more information.

Peach Leaf Curl Treatment

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Taphrina deformans

Posted on: October 12, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Peaches are really close to leaf fall and the need for an application to prevent peach leaf curl. Lime sulfur or Ziram work great for commercial growers. Home grown trees will need something but avoid Monterey Liqui-Cop as it did not work. Ortho MAX Garden Disease Control was a little better than nothing. Bottom line for home growing - replace with a resistant tree after the current ones dies.

Frost Alert

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Frost

Posted on: October 11, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Frost is forecasted for much of the Treasure and parts of the Magic Valley Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Protect tender plants. Be sure to cover tender plants. Information on season extension and frost protection is found in the links below.

Apply First Application of Fall Lawn Fertilizer Now.

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Turfgrass lawns

Posted on: August 29, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

It is time to aerate and apply fertilizer to your lawn. Application should be
at 1 lb N per 1,000 sq ft. Unless lawns are very weak, avoid early-spring
applications since grass normally grows vigorously by itself at that time.

Corn Smut

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Corn Smut (Ustilago maydis)

Posted on: August 5, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Corn Smut has been spotted on sweet corn in gardens.
Corn Smut is edible.
There are no chemical controls for infected plants. Control is limited to a few cultural practices. Remove and dispose of smut galls before they rupture and release the black sooty spores. Remove and destroy all plant debris in the fall and practice crop rotation the following year. Avoid plant injury during cultivation, as this promotes disease development.

Powdery Mildew on Cucurbit crops

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Powdery Mildew

Posted on: August 5, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Powdery Mildew has been spotted on cucurbit crops. Applications of fungicides are preventative, not curative. Best management practices include:
Plant in a sunny location wherever possible
Make sure there’s good air circulation (through plant spacing and pruning)
Promote steady growth with moderate application of nitrogen fertilizer (or use a time release fertilizer)
In a sunny dry location, an occasional spray of water can be used to wash the PM from the plant
Remove and discard infected material, take special care in the fall to reduce the amount material available for over wintering

Grassy Weed Control in Turf

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Grassy weeds in lawn

Posted on: August 4, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Weeds of various types in turf and laws are being brought in for identification and control. Proper control will require identification of the weed, a service provided for free by your local University of Idaho Extension Office.
Non chemical control methods including mowing your lawn as high as practical for your turf variety- usually 3-4 inches, deep watering of your lawn, proper fertilization usually in the fall, and core aeration can be very effective at aiding in control of weeds in your lawn.

Cicada Killer (Sphecius grandis)

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Cicada Killer (Sphecius grandis)

Posted on: July 29, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Cicada Killers are being brought into local Extension Offices. Cicada killers are very large wasps, ranging 3-5 cm in length and resemble a very large yellowjacket wasp. Control of cicada killers is rarely recommended and can be difficult to achieve. The insects are not aggressive and have a beneficial role in managing cicada populations.

Wasps, Hornets, and YellowJackets

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets

Posted on: July 29, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Wasps, hornets, and Yellowjackets are being seen in numerous yards and gardens this year.
Different methods, including non-chemical are available. Click the links below for more information.

Tobacco Budworm in Roses, Petunias, Geraniums.

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Tobacco/ Geranium budworm (Helicoverpa virescens)

Posted on: July 21, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

The Tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens) causes damage to roses, petunias, geraniums, and the flower buds of other ornamental garden plants. Control methods include scouting and hand picking at dusk, roto-tilling, and planting less susceptible plant material.
On geraniums, insecticidal control is difficult because caterpillars are protected from applications inside the flowerbuds and stems. Consider planting ivy geraniums instead of standard geraniums.
On petunias pyrethrin insecticides can provide good control. Look for products containing the active ingredients permethrin, cyfluthrin, or bifenthrin. Always read and follow all label direction.

Annual Fruit Field Day in Parma! Mark your calendars!

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Posted on: July 18, 2016 by Dian Roberson

The University of Idaho Annual Fruit Field Day will be held on Friday September 16; 2016, 8:30 am to 1:00 pm at the U of I Parma Research and Extension Center Pomology Orchard and Vineyard site, about 4 miles north of Parma, Idaho. The registration will start at 8:30 am and program will start at 9:00 am (sharp). Several cultivars of new table grapes, peaches, nectarines, apples, plums, quince, Asian pears, and other alternative fruits will be presented during the tour. See the attached document below!

Curly Top Virus in Tomatoes

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Curly top Virus

Posted on: July 15, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Curly top virus has been spotted in tomatoes.
Visual symptoms of tomatoes infected with Curly top virus are leafs curl up and turn yellow wth purple along the veins.
Curly top virus is transmitted by the beet leafhopper. There are no effective chemical controls. Use row covers to protect tomato plants from leafhoppers.

White Grub control methods need to be applied now.

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Lawn Grubs

Posted on: July 5, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

July and August is the time to apply control methods for white grubs and June beetles.
One way to control them is to simply grow a vigorous lawn. Healthier plants have fewer pests and are more tolerant of infestations. Aerate lawns in the spring and fall, and apply fertilizer in the fall. Proper irrigation and mowing at a height of 3.5 to 4 inches will help establish and maintain a vigorous lawn.
Other options include insecticides such as imidacloprid.
Organic methods include Heterorhabditis spp. nematodes and or Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes.
Proper timing of insecticides is critical for effective control of lawn grubs.

Spider Mites!

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

spider mite

Posted on: June 27, 2016 by Dian Roberson

With the hot dry weather in the forcast, be on the look out for spider mite damage. They attack evergreens, deciduous trees, and many other ornamental plants. They even like your veggies occasionally. You will probably not see the insect as they are as small as tiny specs of dust. They damage plants by rasping the cell surface so look for stippling or browning of needles. If you shake the plant over a white piece of paper and look closely you may see them moving around.

Aphids on Cole crops

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Aphid on Garden Crops

Posted on: June 24, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Aphids have been observed on numerous cole and other garden and ornamental crops in the Treasure Valley. Look for sticky residue and curled, distorted leaves. As fields of alfalfa and wheat are cut in the next few weeks, aphids and other insects can move from fresh cut fields into home gardens. Options for control include streams of water to dislodge the insect. See the attached for further information on aphid control.

Squash Bug Alert

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Squash Bug

Posted on: June 24, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Squash Bugs have been observed in home garden locations throughout the Treasure Valley. Control method options are attached.

Squash Bug

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Squash Bugs

Posted on: June 8, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Squash Bugs have been spotted in area home gardens on squash plants. To control, hand picking can be effective if done early. There are chemical control options as well. What works best for nymphs are products that contain spinosad. Adults can be controlled with pyrethrins. When using any pesticide, always read and follow all label instructions.

New strain of Tomato Late Blight detected in Idaho.

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Late Blight in Tomatoes.

Posted on: May 25, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Late blight in tomatoes will likely be seen again this year in Idaho. There is a new highly infectious strain in Idaho this year, US23 which is pathogenic both to tomatoes and potatoes, and some research suggests even petunias.
Application of fungicides in the home garden are preventative only and not curative. Best management practices include avoiding water on leaves of plants and removing infected plants which may spread the disease.
Some varieties are resistant to late blight.

For more information, contact your local County Extension Office!

Codling Moth at 310 Degree Days

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley

Codling Moth

Posted on: May 2, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Codling Moth Degree Days have reached 310 DD

The peak egg hatch period has begun. Chemical sprays loose effectiveness quickly on expanding fruits . It is important that your fruit is protected with insecticide to prevent larval entry. Keep track of when your first treatment was applied and how long it lasts. If it is waning during the period of peak egg hatch, consider applying your second application sooner (by 1-2 days).

Insecticides that target both larva and egg stages are recommended. Such as: Altacor, Assail, Calypso, and Intrepid. Homeowners should use horticulture oil with a product such as sevin for their first spray. The oil will smother unhatched eggs and the sevin will protect the fruit from hatched larva. Good residue coverage on your fruit is vital during the first generation.

Read and follow all label instructions when applying pesticides. If you use a pyrethroid based insecticides, chose a different class pesticide for your second spray, such as Assail, Calypso, Intrepid, or Imidan. Insects develop resistance to pyrethroids very quickly.

Aphids

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Aphid

Posted on: April 28, 2016 by Dian Roberson

Aphids are being reported on succulent new spring growth of a variety of landscape plants from Apple trees to Lupine. Remember, a stiff spray of water could be all it takes to reduce or eliminate populations. Check plants closely for Ladybug Larvae and other predators before taking action with chemicals. Nature may already be on the job!

Beet Leafminer in Spinach, Swiss Chard and Garden Beets

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Posted on: April 27, 2016 by Ariel Agenbroad

Notice small white clusters of eggs on the backsides of your spinach, beet and Swiss Chard plants? Or are the leaves showing damage that looks papery or like winding trails? Then you're probably hosting the tiny fly Beet Leafminer.

You have several options, prevention, cultural management, and both organic and synthetic chemical treatments.

See http://insect.pnwhandbooks.org/vegetable/vegetable-pests/hosts-and-pests/beet-table-leafminer for more information on how to identify the damage and manage this pest.

Exclusion Methods BMP for Elm Seed Bug

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Elm Seed Bug

Posted on: April 15, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Elm seed Bug (ESB) is a nuisance pest that may invade residences. The best management practice is to pest proof your home. Elm seed bugs may begin migrating from overwintering sites to their host plants now. Elm Seed bugs emit a foul odor when crushed.

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