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Chives, Flowering Onion (Allium schoenoprasum) | Today's Featured Plant Chives, Flowering Onion (Allium schoenoprasum)
Read the full profile of this plant | | Q&A: Asparagus Foliage Balled Up Question: Last year my asparagus plants were stunted and the foliage formed tight balls instead of the regular ferns. What was the problem, and how can I prevent it from happening again?
Answer: Balled asparagus foliage is a sign of the asparagus aphid. The pest overwinters as small, black eggs on dead asparagus stalks and foliage. In spring, when new stalks begin to emerge from the ground, the eggs hatch and the young begin feeding exclusively on the stalks and young volunteer asparagus seedings. During feeding the aphid injects a substance that causes the asparagus foliage to grow into balls, and heavy infestations can reduce production. The aphids feed until fall, when they mate and lay eggs. To control the aphids, remove asparagus foliage after it dies in the fall. This reduces the number of overwintering eggs. Weeding your patch of the small volunteers, which young aphids feed on first in spring, will also reduce the damage. For heavy infestations, spray insecticidal soap when the spears begin to send out branches and the fernlike leaves. Repeat the spraying a few times during the growing season, whenever you notice damage to the leaves. | | Q&A: Growing Willow for Crafts Question: I'd like to plant willow bushes that I can harvest for small craft projects such as wreaths. I have a site along the border of my property that gets full sun, but I don't have room for a full-sized willow. Can you recommend some relatively small varieties?
Answer: The smallest willow is Salix caprea, or goat willow. This is a small tree growing 15'- 20' high with a 12'-15' spread. Most other willows reach heights of 60'-100' with an equal spread! If you cut branches for crafts, you can keep the goat willow on the smallish side. Willow roots will actively seek water, so, just to be on the safe side, plant well away from septic systems and drainfields. | | Tip: Preserve Gourds To dry hard-shell gourds wash fruit with a mild bleach solution and dry. Leave in a 50F dry, well-ventilated room out of direct sun. The skin dries in 2 weeks, but the internal flesh can take up to 6 months. | |
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To dry hard-shell gourds wash fruit with a mild bleach solution and dry. Leave in a 50F dry, well-ventilated room out of direct sun. The skin dries in 2 weeks, but the internal flesh can take up to 6 months. |
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