Problems in the Garden
This week, Buggy Joe Boggs (OSU Extension) is reporting some trees showing early fall colors on older leaves mainly as a response to the heat and lack of water (those will probably fall off which is a way the tree is cutting its losses – natural self defense reaction), early reports of spider webs appearing in the lawns and landscapes (very noticeable when there is a morning dew) to which we need to remind everyone that spiders are the good guys / they are our friends helping us by catching and reducing insect populations –for free, and that spraying to get rid of them is not recommended unless they are an issue indoors, blister beetles are being observed feeding on an assortment of annuals and perennials (they actually can cause blisters on your skin from a chemical inside them – and can be toxic if ingested) ands fortunately they’re usually only around for a few weeks, dogbane beetles are out feeding on dogbane, squash vine borers damages starting to show as lush healthy vines wilt quickly and die, horseflies becoming a major nuisance (yes they will actually attack cars – just ask Buggy Joe!), oak leaf blister showing up on a range of oak leaves (some leaf drop may occur but not a serious issue), maple tar spot showing up (black spots on leaves) which can cause leaf drop but again not a serious issue, cherry leaf spot causing cherry leaves to drop, downy mildew on cucumbers –also on melons, pumpkins, and squash (once you see the checkerboard patterns of yellow and green on older leaves it’s too late for controls), lawn diseases galore, and for an Asian Longhorned Beetle update from Tate Township / Clermont Co, 10,150 trees have been surveyed with 381 infested with ALB. www.beetlebusters.info
A quick reminder about the upcoming ‘Gateway Garden Jubilee’ in Clark County Sat. August 2 from 8:30am till 1:30pm (OSU Extension office in Springfield, Ohio – home of the one and only Pamela J. Bennett) – this is a 5 acre learning garden with over 800 different types of plants on display, theme gardens, container gardens, turf research plot, etc – Master Gardeners on hand to answer questions – and free hot dogs, drinks, popcorn, along with vendors, live music, kids activities, and more! Free and for the whole family! (http://clark.osu.edu/news/gateway-garden-jubilee-2011)
-Catch The Buggy Joe Boggs Report at 8:42am Saturdays on 55KRC.
