Soil Info

[watercolor]

I am looking for the website for around the county that shows different ideas for problem solving with soil. There is a website out there somewhere that my mother heard about that you can ask questions- along with find out info on native plants for around this area and other such information. Even where you can send in questions to be answered. Anyone know of this? she said they have a booth at the earth day fes every year. Something like the MD Outreach program that has to do with planting and soils. Will even do soil testings.

Reason I am asking is that she has a fungus of some sort on her shaded area of plants. It is a white piles of fungus or mold- almost as she descibes it as "someone has thrown up" in that particular area- which is not possible- but yeah. She has about 4 areas of the stuff. Again- it is in her shaded areas of her planting beds.

Jazz, you know anything?

 

[kwillia]

Is it on mulched areas?

 

[watercolor]

She says yes

 

[kwillia]

Too Much Mulch Is Harmful
Mulch should be applied no more than 2 inches thick to provide a 1 - 1 1⁄2 inch blanket after settling . Building a volcano around a tree is an example of excessive mulching and it will cause more harm than good. It should never be placed against the bark of your woody plants, such as bushes and trees, it could cause disease. Mulches, especially hardwood mulch, compacts after a few rains. This compaction causes a dry condition under the mulch, which starves the soil and plants of air and water, promoting the growth of fungus and can cause disease to your plants. We recommend occasionally aerating or cultivating to reduce compaction.

 

[kwillia]

also from that website...

10. Fungus – if present, remove it with the surrounding mulch. Rake existing mulch to cover the area, then water thoroughly. Fungus is a sure sign that your mulch has compacted and your beds have dehydrated, cultivation and watering may be necessary.

 

[watercolor]

Thank you very much!! I will pass the info along.

 

[watercolor]

Another couple questions..


One- what would make raspberries become hard on the cane? Meaning- they are not producing fruit properly? should these just be cut back and wait for the cane to flower again?

And what can I do organicly to kill Aphids?? My poor potted tomato plant is getting attacked. They are not touching the basil leaves that are planted with the tomato's, but- the actual leaves on the plant are getting attacked. I was told to spray it with a hard spritz from the hose- but I dont want to knock off my producing flowers. Any ideas?

 

[Ken King]

Another couple questions..


One- what would make raspberries become hard on the cane? Meaning- they are not producing fruit properly? should these just be cut back and wait for the cane to flower again?

And what can I do organicly to kill Aphids?? My poor potted tomato plant is getting attacked. They are not touching the basil leaves that are planted with the tomato's, but- the actual leaves on the plant are getting attacked. I was told to spray it with a hard spritz from the hose- but I dont want to knock off my producing flowers. Any ideas?

Ladybugs for aphids.

 

[greyhound]

Another couple questions..


One- what would make raspberries become hard on the cane? Meaning- they are not producing fruit properly? should these just be cut back and wait for the cane to flower again?

And what can I do organicly to kill Aphids?? My poor potted tomato plant is getting attacked. They are not touching the basil leaves that are planted with the tomato's, but- the actual leaves on the plant are getting attacked. I was told to spray it with a hard spritz from the hose- but I dont want to knock off my producing flowers. Any ideas?

Raspberries are rock hard at first. Give them time to grow.

 

[watercolor]

Ladybugs for aphids.

how funny- I have ladybugs on my peppers- but they arent on my tomato.. hrm.. I will transplant some of them over there. Thanks!

 

[watercolor]

Raspberries are rock hard at first. Give them time to grow.

*nods* Thanks! I will pass on the info to her! I just wasnt sure because of where she lives (nebraska) if she was in the correct zone.

 

[kom526]

Cooperative Extension Office does soil testing.

 

[fttrsbeerwench]

You can get a soil test kit from somewhere... Southern States I believe..

WC, are you sure you wouldn't rather take Enviro classes with me instead of all that fluff and frill?

We can get dirty together!!

 

[jazz lady]

Another couple questions..


One- what would make raspberries become hard on the cane? Meaning- they are not producing fruit properly? should these just be cut back and wait for the cane to flower again?

Raspberries grow on two-year old wood so cutting them back will do nothing this year. Wood that has produced during the year needs to be pruned off at the end of the season and the new growth from the year left alone.

And what can I do organicly to kill Aphids?? My poor potted tomato plant is getting attacked. They are not touching the basil leaves that are planted with the tomato's, but- the actual leaves on the plant are getting attacked. I was told to spray it with a hard spritz from the hose- but I dont want to knock off my producing flowers. Any ideas?

Spraying with water knocks them off but doesn't get rid of the problem. Safer Insecticial Soap is great for killing aphids. Safe for people, pets, and the environment if used properly. You can get it just about everywhere, including Wal-Mart, Target, Lowe's and the like.