Question: Some crepe myrtles in our garden have lots of bark washed away. Is this normal?
Answer: Not only is it beautiful, but it’s not only beautiful, but also beautiful, it’s not only beautiful. Often under the outer layer of old bark from a year ago, new bark with a cream, brown, cinnamon, or pinkish tinge brings great interest in the local landscape. Replenishing the bark every year may be a way for myrtle shrubs and trees to protect the trunk from insects and diseases. In addition to the bark, lichen and moss have also been removed, leaving the trunks clean and attractive.
Q. Is there a black coating formed on the surface of my gardenia shrub leaves? I tried to wash it off with soap solution but it’s still there. What else should I do?
A. Growing on the surface of gardenia leaves is suu Kyi-shaped and fungal. And yes, it sticks firmly to the surface of the leaves. Black coatings are usually formed when they are present on top of the staining from insects on the stems of the leaves and on the lower scales. Part of your control is treating insects. A great control for both scale and souty molds is the gardening oil spray available from your local garden centre. Use as instructed to spray the leaves and stems. Try finding insects and smashing them in treatment. The insect gradually fades away and the black coating begins to fall off. Another great control is the whole body pesticide found in the garden center. Some apply to soils that are featured by plants and insects as directed on the label.
Plant Doctor: Bees cutting foliage in the garden cause minimal damage and are uncontrollable
Q. Crab grass or similar fine bladed grass is creeping up into my garden. I pull it out, but this only gives temporary control. Is there anything that is easy to do?
A. The grass creeping up between your garden is a problem and can be difficult to physically remove. Some finer types, like Bermudagrass, have underground runners that stay on the ground when removing the top. Pulling is a hassle, but it’s just one control. Luckily, herbicides can be sprayed on top and around planting in many desirable gardens. They are available in garden centers under several brands and are usually labeled for excessive use. For spray-resistant plants, carefully check the label and follow the instructions to use it. Usually these products only control grass and take about a month to be perfectly effective. Some require repeated treatment.
Q. When we sit under an oak tree, we are sometimes bitten by horn-like insects. What is this pest, and can it be controlled?
A. Meeting with a thin twig ants, also known as elongated or Mexican twig ants, can be a painful experience. These pests are native to Mexico, but are now popular in the southern states. They are true ants, but they don’t look either. Often they are stabbed only when they touch when they land on your naked skin. Still, some outdoor visitors are more likely to arouse ants than others, and are stabbed as soon as they land. It’s annoying, but twig ants are beneficial by eating spores from other insects and fungi. They form small nests in areas of trees that are normally invisible. Maybe you might trim your tree to make sure there are no dead twigs or parts of your limbs. Sprays are not practical. Gardeners tolerate these pests and appear to flick them as soon as they reach their clothes or skin.
Q. I love fire spike shrubs, but ours are tall and wide. Will heavy pruning of plants at this time of year be harmful to the plants?
A. Shave these shrubs to prune them. Trimming during the summer removes many red flowering shoots, but the plant should soon begin to develop new growth. The flowers will bloom by the end of summer. Perennial fire-resistant shrubs are very active and are pruned in late February and recommended as needed throughout the growing season.
Q. The sunny area of my garden requires a lot of grass. Can I install it during the summer rain? Do I need to apply a disinfectant?
A. Summer is a good time to add new grass to the sunny areas of the landscape, but avoid shade spots. It helps water because it rains frequently, and the stars grow rapidly during hot weather. Rain, which can make your new lawn too wet, is best absorbed during dry seasons where water can be better controlled. A good rule is to water new grass as needed to keep it moist. With daily rain, you can avoid the frequent irrigation required until the grass is established in about four weeks. Leaf spots and root rot are very common in new SODs due to frequent watering and rain, so applying turf fungicide is recommended.
Q. I know it’s time to plant tomatoes, but do I actually need to get the plants on the ground?
A. Don’t delay planting after the first few weeks of September. Don’t forget that the days will be shorter and the weather will be cooler during autumn. Under these conditions, the tomato plant may need more than 90 days to produce the first harvest. If you’re slow to get tomatoes on the ground or in the container, choose a large transplant that should bloom by early October when the flowering and fruit sets are best.
Tom Maccubbin is an honorary urban gardener at the University of Florida Cooperative Expansion Services. Write him: Orlando Sentinel, PO Box 2833, Orlando, Florida. 32802. email: tomac1996@aol.com.
August in the gardens in Central Florida
