9/4/10

Question:
We have balck spots on our variegated dogwood. We watered often and put mulch down. How can I correct it. Deb, Kewanee, IL
Mort's Answer:
You have a fungus on the dogwood. Rain splashing up on the plant spreads the disease from the mulch. Remove the mulch and put it into a compost pile for ther winter. It should sterilize itself with a heavy frost. Benlate will arrest the fungus. Follow directttions on the label.Cart away all the fallen leaves this fall. A handful of 5-10-10 fertilizer will help boost your plant.

Question:
We have a gray mold and green moss on our tulip tree? What can I do to get rid of it? Rita, Westerly, RI
Mort's Answer:
The gray lichen is an algae feeding on the green moss. Stale milk or hydrated lime solution will eradicate it temporarily. It will do no harm to the tree, if you leave it. Lime will leave a white stain for a while. Sunlight will also dry it up, if you are willing to cut out some other trees and branches on the south side. Since shade is progressive, this may also result in eventual remorse.

Question:
We used vinegar on our patio with more success than herbicide. Is there a down side? Harry, Stonington, CT
Mort's Answer:
When applied in the sun, any acid will be effective in killing weeds. Over time it could erode some of the blocks. If you have brick, it would be negligible. Patio block made from cinder would erode quicker. There is no harm to the environment on the patio.

Question:
Our Jade plant has little white eggs in the soil. The leaves are limp. Can I save it? Pat, Clinton, CT
Mort's Answer:
It will not be easy. You should put the plant in a new clay pot. Shave off any brown or black roots. Cut it back until you have all white roots. Place the plant outdoors any spray with malathion. Spray down wind with a handkerchief over your face. Repeat this application in 10 days as proportioned on label. Your new soil mix should be two-thirds potting soil and a third sand. Place your jade in a sunny window for the winter. Your plant should survive this procedure but do not feel jaded otherwise.

Question:
This season I had wasp worms on my tomato plants and was told to apply the Sevin-5 powder on them , we did see the worm and after putting on the powder the problem did stop. What can I do at the start of next year to prevent this from happening again? Someone told my nephew it was a moth eating his tomatoe plants , is this one of the same? 2) What causes the boxwood to have such a foul oder and why ? Wayne and Phyllis
Mort's Answer:
You should not use pesticides as a preventive, especially on vegetables. Sevin works because it lasts a day. Rotating your crops is beneficial to both soil and plants. Caterpillars do change to moths as adults. Boxwood has its own peculiar scent. Many other plants have distinctive scents.

Question:
Can you tell me how to care for a Sensitive plant? Don, Beckley, WV
Mort's Answer:
Mimosa pudica is not hardy in zone 6. As you know, it will collapse when touched. This makes it an interesting plant for children. Mimosa is Greek for mimic. Although it is a woody perennial, I would treat it as a house plant for the winter. It has become naturalized in Florida and can be seen in woody areas. It roots relatively easy with cuttings. You could cover the plant with leaves outdoors, if you have extra. It may not survive the winter. M. spegazzini grows to six feet outdoors in zone 6 with the same orchid flowers. M.spegazzzini is not as sensitive as M.pudica ( Sensitive plant).

Question:
How can I get your book? "A Face Made for Radio"
Mort's Answer:
You can purchase my book, "A Face Made for Radio".
This autobiography is 14.95 per copy including S&H. It chronicals my first 25 years and the history of radio. Just mail check or money order to:

Whitehouse Productions
484 Wellington Ave.
Cranston, RI 02910.

Allow two weeks for delivery.