Horticulture "Hot Topics"

The telephones in the Horticulture Information Center continue to be very active. Here is a sampling of the most frequently asked questions being answered by the Master Gardeners on telephone duty.

The "BUZZ" on stinging insects

It's the time of year when wasps, hornets and yellow jackets become more active. Check out the following fact sheets for information on how to get along with these insects without getting stung.

Stinging Insects

Carpenter Bees

Bee, Wasp & Hornet Collectors

Insect Problems & Lawn Diseases

Scale insects were the number one reported insect problem in 2002, probably because of the mild winter that we had. There are many types of scale. Some can cause damage to plants while others do not pose a problem.

The stage of life that an insect is in is critical. It makes a big difference in determining when (or if) to treat the problem. This cannot be done over the telephone. In order to accurately identify the type of scale (or any insect for that matter) you will need to bring a sample of the insect to the HIC for an extension agent to examine.

Proper identification of an insect requires a well preserved specimen. Carefully collect the insects (5 to 10 if possible), place them in a pill bottle or other small container being sure not to crush them. Place the bottle in the freezer until you're able to bring them to the HIC. Be sure not to put tape on the insects.

Diagnosing lawn diseases poses the same problems. A sample of the lawn must be examined at the HIC to accurately identify a disease. Our fact sheet, "How to Select a Sample for Lawn Trouble Diagnosis", will assist you in collecting a lawn sample for an extension agent to examine. 

Until you can bring the sample to the HIC, check out our fact sheets on specific insect and lawn problems. 

 Click here for directions to the HIC Critter Control

Are squirrels driving you nuts? Are raccoons outsmarting you? Check out these links and perhaps you'll be able to regain your dignity!

Squirrel Fact Sheet  from the Cornell Cooperative Extension Wildlife Damage Management Program

Raccoon Fact Sheet  from the Cornell Cooperative Extension Wildlife Damage Management Program

Wildlife Information (University of Nebraska-Lincoln) - publications on wildlife and wildlife caused damage

Moss In Lawns

So, you thought your moss problem would disappear because there hasn't been much rain? Well, guess again. Poorly drained, compacted soil may be your problem. Check out this Fact Sheet to learn how to control your moss problem.

Know Your Soil's pH

When should you add lime to your lawn? Well, it can be done at anytime but Autumn is the best time of the year. However, before you get carried away, the first thing you should do is check the pH of your soil. It may turn out that you don't need to add lime. A pH test will give you an indication of the soil's relative acidity or alkalinity. Knowing your soil's pH (and adjusting it if needed) will benefit your lawn by allowing the fertilizer to be taken up more readily by the turfgrass. Our Soil Sample Fact Sheet guides you through the process of gathering a soil sample for testing.

Lawn Renovation & Repair

Autumn is the best time of the year to start a new lawn or renovate an existing one. Small areas can be reseeded in the Spring as long as the process is started early in the season - as soon as the ground is workable. These links will help you in your quest for the perfect lawn.

Steps to Successful Lawn Renovation Fact Sheet

Shape Up Your Turf from Cornell University