August 26th 2010
Danger, danger, there is a humongous fungus among us. Just kidding, but we have been getting more and more reports of various types of fungi and blights from our customers lately. Thanks to the heat and wet weather we have been experiencing, different fungi and blights have been given prime growing conditions. We have seen many different problems including tomato blight, apple scab, and powdery mildew.
Some of the fungal problems that you may be experiencing in your garden have no real “cure” at this time during the growing season. You can stop the fungi from spreading, but you are not going to be able to fix what damage has been done.
A good example is apple scab, a common fungus found on apple and crab apple trees. The best time to treat this disease is in spring, just before the tree buds, by using a dormant oil or liquid sulfur spray. This is when fruit trees are most susceptible to primary infection. After the tree has blossomed apply a systemic fungicide. If your tree continues to be infected, applying a regiment of dormant oil in fall, and again in the spring in combination with a systemic fungicide may help clear the problem up. This regiment may have to be followed for a couple of years to completely treat the disease. Note that systemic fungicides are to be used on ornamental plants, using a systemic fungicide on fruit bearing trees may lead to human consumption which may be harmful. On fruit bearing trees consider using a natural product such as neem oil for similar results.
Blossom end rot on tomatoes is another problem many customers have been experiencing this growing season. The application of a yield booster before the plant begins to fruit is often the most effective solution. Another good prevention technique is to whenever possible keep the foliage dry and have enough room between plantings to promote good air circulation.
Powdery mildew is also very common problem this year. This white powdery fungus is most effectively handled by applying a copper liquid soap. With proper application copper soap will control this disease quite effectively. If at all possible it is best to be proactive next year and treat your affected plants by applying three applications of copper soap before you notice signs of powdery mildew next season.
When applying any fungicides in the garden read all application directions thoroughly, certain fungicides may cause damage to your plants if it is over 80 degrees Fahrenheit, also many fungicides are not intended for human consumption. If you have any questions or problems not mentioned today please come on down to the shop where any of our experienced sales staff will help you find a solution to what ales your garden. Don’t forget to bring fresh samples and pictures if possible for an accurate diagnosis.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Japanese Beetles, Ugh!
August 12th, 2010
Welcome to our new blog! It isyet again been a busy year for us at Piala’s Nursery & Garden Shop. This summer we have made a few user friendly changes to our website and blog that we hope you enjoy. Those of you who are familiar with Dr. Tom’s gardening tips do not worry, he will still be a regular contributor to our blog.
Summer is almost half over and our construction division is still going strong and is busier than ever! Quinn felt his attention to detail and quality control required him to spend more time in the field so we added an additional designer to the staff this year. To be able to keep up with the work load, we also brought additional staff to our construction crews.
The retail division also is having a great year. The Shop got a facelift this past winter to help display our new product lines, and it looks better than ever so stop by and check it out. We also added some new staff that have been helping us out with product displays but there are still some very familiar faces working throughout the nursery. If you still find that you have those hard to answer questions lingering in the back of your mind our knowledgeable sales staff is always available to help.
Now for the topic of the week Japanese Beetles!!
Ugh, they are back, I am sure all of you with roses, birch, linden, and vegetable gardens know that yet again the Japanese Beetle has emerged from the soil and is now devouring your favorite trees and plants. Never fear there are many remedies for this problem. If you really, really, hate these little guys mark your calendar today for a spring time regiment that your favorite Piala’s sales associate can get you on. The unfortunate truth is that you might be a little late for the most effective treatments; however you still have some options available. An application of pyrethrins to your vegetable garden will treat the Japanese Beatles on your plants but this may only be effective for a short period of time. Also be aware that spraying any chemical, if it is over eighty degrees Fahrenheit, could cause damage to your plants, so please read all application directions thoroughly. For plants that you are not going to consume such as shrubs and trees, the application of a systemic insecticide is the most effective treatment. Since it takes some time for it to become effective, it is best to apply this product earlier in the season. Your last line of defense is the infamous trap. They do work! They work very well actually, but can be a little messy. Be sure to place the trap an adequate distance from your trees or beds as directed on the packaging. One of the most common mistakes of placing it in, or too close to the plant the Japanese Beetles like to consume.
Well, that is all we have for today. Thanks again, and I hope you enjoy our new blog. Any questions or comments can be forwarded to sales@pialasnursery.com or feel free to stop by, we are open seven days a week.
Welcome to our new blog! It isyet again been a busy year for us at Piala’s Nursery & Garden Shop. This summer we have made a few user friendly changes to our website and blog that we hope you enjoy. Those of you who are familiar with Dr. Tom’s gardening tips do not worry, he will still be a regular contributor to our blog.
Summer is almost half over and our construction division is still going strong and is busier than ever! Quinn felt his attention to detail and quality control required him to spend more time in the field so we added an additional designer to the staff this year. To be able to keep up with the work load, we also brought additional staff to our construction crews.
The retail division also is having a great year. The Shop got a facelift this past winter to help display our new product lines, and it looks better than ever so stop by and check it out. We also added some new staff that have been helping us out with product displays but there are still some very familiar faces working throughout the nursery. If you still find that you have those hard to answer questions lingering in the back of your mind our knowledgeable sales staff is always available to help.
Now for the topic of the week Japanese Beetles!!
Ugh, they are back, I am sure all of you with roses, birch, linden, and vegetable gardens know that yet again the Japanese Beetle has emerged from the soil and is now devouring your favorite trees and plants. Never fear there are many remedies for this problem. If you really, really, hate these little guys mark your calendar today for a spring time regiment that your favorite Piala’s sales associate can get you on. The unfortunate truth is that you might be a little late for the most effective treatments; however you still have some options available. An application of pyrethrins to your vegetable garden will treat the Japanese Beatles on your plants but this may only be effective for a short period of time. Also be aware that spraying any chemical, if it is over eighty degrees Fahrenheit, could cause damage to your plants, so please read all application directions thoroughly. For plants that you are not going to consume such as shrubs and trees, the application of a systemic insecticide is the most effective treatment. Since it takes some time for it to become effective, it is best to apply this product earlier in the season. Your last line of defense is the infamous trap. They do work! They work very well actually, but can be a little messy. Be sure to place the trap an adequate distance from your trees or beds as directed on the packaging. One of the most common mistakes of placing it in, or too close to the plant the Japanese Beetles like to consume.
Well, that is all we have for today. Thanks again, and I hope you enjoy our new blog. Any questions or comments can be forwarded to sales@pialasnursery.com or feel free to stop by, we are open seven days a week.
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