Question:
I have recently purchased and planted several different species of Heirloom tomatoes. I am having trouble finding anything on proper care of these special night shades. Can you help me with a name of a book and or website that could tell me about Heirloom vegetable care?
Answer:
Heirloom tomato care does not differ from any other tomato care. See http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/tomato.html for more information. Most heirlooms are going to make larger vines than the hybrids and will need more room to grow. Also, they will produce less fruit than the hybrids, since many of them do not have of heat setting attributes.

Question:
I have found little bore holes on two of my four year old Live oak trees. The holes are approximately the size of an ink pen cartridge, and they are lined up in a straight line going around the tree trunk starting about two foot from the ground. What is doing it and how do I treat it?
Answer:
I feel quite sure that these holes were made by a Woodpecker like bird called Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. The bird drills these holes to cause sap to seep out. The bird then feeds on this sap and the insects that are attracted to it. It is cosmetic damage only and should not affect the health of the tree.

Question:
What can I use now for controlling Dollar weed?
Answer:
I doubt that the weed you have is Dollar weed (Hydrocotyle umbellata). Dollar weed normally grows in continually wet soil which doesn’t exist in many spots here. For identification, the petiole (leaf stem) attaches to the center of the leaf. It is more likely that it is Dichondra (Dichondra repens). Its petiole attaches to the edge of the leaf, albeit in a deep scallop. The best herbicide for controlling Dichondra after it is up and growing is probably one containing atrazine. This is sold in a liquid as High Yield Atrazine Weed Killer. This herbicide is safe to use in St Augustine grass but it is very nonselective and can kill or damage trees, shrubs and ornamental plants if sprayed on them. Apply it in strict compliance with the label instructions.

Question:
Can a Meyer lemon tree get too much water? Mine are dropping leaves. They are in large containers and receive full sun. Also, do you have to pick all the lemons when they get ripe or leave them on for awhile?
Answer:
Yes, too much water can cause leaf drop. However in a container, if when you water it thoroughly and water drains from the bottom, it should not be getting too much water. Check to be sure that your container drains well and that the drainage holes are not stopped up. The fruit will normally keep longer on the tree than if picked. So just pick them as you need them.

Question:
I have oak trees in my yard and have a hard time growing grass. I was told by a friend last night that the oak tree drops acorns and make the soil acidic? How can I correct this so grass will grow?
Answer:
The acorns have nothing to do with the growth of the grass. More likely the grass has too much shade from the oak trees and is in competition for nutrients and moisture.

Question:
I recently bought and planted a crossvine plant at the base of a stone wall. Everything I read says it will cling to anything. Mine is not clinging. What can I do? It is in full sun.
Answer:
You may have to help it by giving it something easier for its tendrils to grab on to – maybe a short trellis or such to get it started in the right direction.

Question:
I have a friend that has a beautiful Pride of Barbados plant. She has collected many seeds from the plant over the past few years and has not had any luck germinating them. Is there any trick that I can tell her to do? It is the most gorgeous plant I have ever seen!
Answer:
If the seed are not from last year they should be discarded. Have her soak the seed in warm water for at least 24 hours. Then plant them no more than 1/4 inch deep in a moist potting mix. Put in a shady location and keep soil barely moist. When the plants have germinated, move them to a location where they receive more sunlight.

Question:
What do you think about Pandora vine (bower vine) for our area? Is it going to be hard to control?
Answer:
I do not think it will be hard to control. It most likely will freeze to the ground each year. Depending on the severity of the freeze, it may come back from its roots.

Question:
How do I keep the squirrels from digging up my plants?
Answer:
There are commercial products that are advertised to keep squirrels out of your beds but I cannot vouch for the effectiveness of any of them. Trapping is always a good option.

Question:
Why is it hard for plants or turf to thrive under an oak tree?
Answer:
There are two main problems – light and moisture. Oak trees have vast, shallow root systems that will consume most of the moisture that is applied there by you or by rainfall. The oak trees create shade which limits the choice of plants that will grow there.

Question:
Are there any foliage diseases that attack okra in the garden?
Answer:
Several foliage problems occur on okra. One commonly observed is Ascochyta, a disease normally found on cotton, a close relative to okra. Losses from this disease are minimal and do not warrant a control program.

Question:
I have long funny-looking insects running around my okra stalks. Do they hurt the plant?
Answer:
These insects are sharpshooters. They suck juice from the plants causing buds to shed. Control with Liquid Sevin®. Use as directed on the label.