Landscape & Garden Alerts
Showing 25 most recent Landscape and Garden alerts
Swipe Left or Right to navigate Alerts
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!
» http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/snow-mold08.pdf
» http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/snow-mold08.pdf
Houseplants class still has room!
Announcements Treasure Valley - Idaho
Horticulture Classes
Posted on: January 13, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim
Join us at the Canyon County Extension Office on Saturday, January 14th from 10 am to noon at 501 Main Street for a class on how to care for and enjoy houseplants. You will even have an opportunity to make your own and take it home. The cost is $15 and you can register through the Caldwell Parks and Rec. Department online at http://www.cityofcaldwell.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/527/246
Or call the UI Extension Office to register 459-6003.
Other upcoming classes which you may want to register for include:
Houseplants, January 14th 10 AM
Making Sense of Seed Catalogs January 28th 10 AM
Planning you Garden (Where do I plant the Tomatoes?) February 11th, 10 AM
Weed Control February 25th 10 AM
Companion Planting March 11th 10 AM
Backyard Chickens March 25th 10 AM
Landscaping for season color and year round interest. April 8th 10 AM
Edible Landscapes April 22nd 10 AM
Pesticides 1 May 13th. 10 AM CEU for those holding a license available*
Pesticides 2 May 27th 10 AM. CEU for those holding a license available*
» http://www.cityofcaldwell.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/527/246
Storm Damage to Trees and Landscapes Possible
Landscape and Garden All Locations
Storm Damaged Trees
Posted on: January 7, 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
» http://extension.illinois.edu/icedamage/
» http://www.extension.umn.edu/environment/trees-woodlands/storm-damage-to-landscape-trees/
» http://static.colostate.edu/client-files/csfs/pdfs/FINAL_Storm_Damage_Quick_Guide.pdf
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.
» http://idahomastergardener.blogspot.com/2016/12/plant-and-animal-friendly-deicers.html
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.
» http://ucanr.edu/datastoreFiles/268-607.pdf
» http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/snow-mold08.pdf
The deadline to apply to become an Idaho Master Gardener is December 16!
Announcements Treasure Valley - Idaho
Master Gardener Volunteer Training
Posted on: December 12, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim
The December 16th deadline to apply to become an Idaho Master Gardner in Canyon County is quickly approaching. If you've ever wanted to to learn more about horticulture, be sure to apply today! For more information, call 208-459-6003
» https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/county/canyon/horticulture
Become an Idaho Master Gardener Volunteer.
Announcements All Locations
Posted on: November 22, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim
Become an Idaho Master Gardener Volunteer. Applications are due December 16th. Classes will be available beginning January 17th and volunteers may choose from either a Tuesday evening class from 6-9 PM or on Wednesday morning class from 9am to 12 Noon. The cost is $165 which includes the 40 hours of course training and 40 hours of practicum. For more information contact the University of Idaho Extension Office in Canyon County at 459-6003.
» https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B88K2B0J0jApSi1YTm8xYTJFSFU
» https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B88K2B0J0jApTjhzV2FhRldiUEU
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.
» https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/peach-prunus-persica-leaf-curl
» http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7426.html
» https://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/factsheet/peach-leafcurl.pdf
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.
» http://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1002.pdf
» https://www.uky.edu/Ag/CCD/introsheets/extension.pdf
» https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVpO-3s9aZA&index=93&list=PL1964BF0FA26DF728
» https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7fSZrYLeWk&index=9&list=PLDB718A3689D44722
Powdery Mildew Control for Grapes
Grapes All Locations
Powdery Mildew in grapes.
Posted on: August 30, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim
Powdery Mildew is being seen on grapes. The time to control this fungus is early in spring. See attached links or contact your local University of Idaho Extension Office for more information.
» http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/r302100311.html
» http://articles.extension.org/pages/31529/powdery-mildew-of-grapes
» http://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/grape-vitis-spp-powdery-mildew
» https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/catalog/files/project/pdf/em9067.pdf
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.
» http://web.cals.uidaho.edu/idahogardens/2012/08/when-to-apply-fertilizer-to-turfgrass/
» http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/lawn-care-7-202/
» https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/catalog/files/project/pdf/ec1278.pdf
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.
» http://sweetcorn.illinois.edu/Common-smut/Recipes.htm
» http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/vegetables/corn-smut/
» http://www.apsnet.org/edcenter/intropp/lessons/fungi/Basidiomycetes/Pages/CornSmut.aspx
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
» https://www.mastergardeners.org/publications/powderyMildew.html
» http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/r116100711.html
» http://vegetablemdonline.ppath.cornell.edu/factsheets/Cucurbits_PM.htm
» http://articles.extension.org/pages/30604/managing-cucurbit-powdery-mildew-organically
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.
» http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/WEEDS/goosegrass.html
» https://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/e233/
» http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/lawn-care-7-202/
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.
» https://bspm.agsci.colostate.edu/files/2013/03/Cicada-Killers.pdf
» https://utahpests.usu.edu/schoolIPM/htm/pest-id-guide/stinging-insects/sand-wasps-cicada-killer
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.
» https://www.cals.uidaho.edu/edcomm/pdf/CIS/CIS1218.pdf
» http://extension.uidaho.edu/clearwater/files/2014/11/Homeowner-Guide-to-Minor-Stinging-Insects2.pdf
» http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/nuisance-wasps-and-bees-5-525/
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.
» http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/tobacco-geranium-budworm-5-581/
» http://www.colostate.edu/Dept/CoopExt/4dmg/Pests/budworm.htm
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.
» http://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/garden/02949.pdf
» http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/factsheet/curly-top-tomato08.pdf
» http://entoweb.okstate.edu/ddd/diseases/curlytop.htm
» http://cals.arizona.edu/yavapai/anr/hort/byg/archive/curlytopvirus2013.html
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.
» http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/billbugs-and-white-grubs-5-516/
» http://ipm.ucanr.edu/TOOLS/TURF/PESTS/inbill.html
» http://utahpests.usu.edu/htm/utah-pests-news/utah-pests-news-fall-2014/billbug-management/
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.
» http://insect.pnwhandbooks.org/hort/landscape/common/landscape-pests-spider-mite
» http://insect.pnwhandbooks.org/hort/landscape/common/landscape-pests-spider-mite
» http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/spider-mites-5-507/
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.
» https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFMDcGDQOTY
» http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/factsheet/ENT-120-08.pdf
» http://www.colostate.edu/Dept/CoopExt/4dmg/Pests/sqshbug.htm
Peach Twig Borer
Tree Fruits Treasure Valley
Peach Twig Borer
Posted on: June 15, 2016 by Dian Roberson
It is time to spray for Peach twig borer. This is a major pest of apricots, peaches, plums, and prunes. There are no known hosts outside the orchard. The larvae injure fruit and trees. Feeding on the buds and twigs occurs early in the season, after which the larva bores into the shoots, causing a characteristic "flagging" or wilting of the new growth. Later generations of larvae feed on shoots or fruit, disfiguring the fruit. Flagging of twigs indicates an infestation.
» http://insect.pnwhandbooks.org/tree-fruit/peach-and-nectarine/peach-and-nectarine-peach-twig-borer
» https://climate.usurf.usu.edu/includes/pestFactSheets/Peach-Twig-Borer.pdf
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.
» https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aje4g4S_sY
» http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/factsheet/ENT-120-08.pdf
Clarification on “New strain of Tomato Late Blight detected in Idaho”
All Crops All Locations
late blight
Posted on: May 26, 2016 by Phillip Wharton
A point of clarification on the announcement that a “New strain of Tomato Late Blight detected in Idaho”: Late blight has NOT been found in Idaho this year yet in either tomatoes or potatoes. The strain of late blight referred to in the announcement is not new as it has been found in tomatoes and potatoes in 2013, 2014 and 2015, with a widespread outbreak in potatoes throughout SE Idaho last year. The purpose of the leaflet linked to in the previous announcement is to make home owner’s and growers aware of the potential threat of tomato late blight in home owners tomatoes to commercial potato fields. This is because the risk of an outbreak of late blight in potatoes this year is high due to the current cool wet weather and the potential that the late blight pathogen was able to over winter in volunteer potatoes due to the very mild winter conditions. For more information see http://bit.ly/1XSWHsS
