Once autumn leaves have fallen, mistletoe becomes highly visible on large trees throughout Kentucky. Phoradendron, the scientific name for this parasitic plant, means tree thief. You can commonly find these small leafy plants on twigs and branches of many hardwood species in the southern two-thirds of the United States. Mistletoes extract water, mineral elements and food from their host tree by way of a parasite
nutrient-uptake organ; hence the name, tree thief. Continue reading
Hopefully, you had a chance to mulch your strawberry plantings before the early winter cold.
Mulch helps reduce the freezing and thawing of the soil that breaks off the small roots and in some cases can lift the plants partially out of the ground, translating into smaller berries and reduced yields. Continue reading
When you bring houseplants indoors before temperatures get too cold, be sure to leave pest problems out in the cold.
A rule of thumb is to bring plants in before night temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit to allow plants to adjust to warmer indoor temperatures. It’s a good idea to inspect plants for pest problems several weeks before you plan to bring them inside. This precaution gives you ample time to take care of any insect or disease problems. Continue reading
You can reduce the risk of some common problems next year by getting rid of leftover plant debris in vegetable, flower and fruit gardening areas this fall.
Several disease-causing fungi and bacteria spend the winter on plant debris, and can cause diseases the following growing season. Proper garden sanitation can combat such diseases as early blight, mildews, gray mold fungus and various root rot and wilt problems. Continue reading
Most lawns in Western Kentucky have fescue as their preferred grass and September is the best time of year to establish a new lawn or renovate an existing lawn. The heat and drought of Kentucky summers often take a toll on fescue lawns so here are some important steps to take before you begin. Continue reading
Trees and shrubs add beauty and value to a home’s landscape. But as few as 50% of planted trees do not survive beyond one or two years. Why? Improper installation is the leading cause of failure of newly planted trees. You can grow trees successfully if you are aware of a few important planting guidelines. Continue reading
Spring flowering bulbs such as crocus, daffodils, and tulips require a cold period during the winter in order to flower. These bulbs are planted and develop their root system in the fall and bloom during the spring. The variety of bloom color, plant height, shape, and timing of flowering provides seasonal interest in the spring for many Kentucky gardens and landscapes. Continue reading
One of the most potentially damaging problems facing sweet corn producers is controlling insects that feed on the ear. During the summer months, if you grow sweet corn, you need to watch for corn earworm. Continue reading
Numerous infectious diseases can occur on lawns in Kentucky. Unless diagnosed and managed, these diseases can sometimes cause extensive damage. A sound lawn management program provides benefits in two ways: it reduces the severity of lawn
diseases; and improves the lawn’s recovery should a disease outbreak occur. You can control diseases of turfgrasses most effectively by using as many of the following lawn management practices as feasible. Continue reading
If the leaves of your trees or shrubs are turning pale green, yellow, or white, but have much darker green veins, they may be experiencing iron chlorosis. Iron is a necessary element for the development of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is what gives leaves their green color and is the source for the plant’s food and energy. When iron is insufficient for normal growth, yellowing leaves may occur. These symptoms may appear over the entire tree, on one side only, or be limited to an individual branch. Iron chlorosis is common in pin oak, white oak, silver maple, crabapple, white pine, magnolia, holly, sweet gum, dogwood, azalea and rhododendron. Continue reading
Kentucky Hort News 
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