Q: I have raised garden beds for my vegetables. They range from six inches to 24 inches high. I have considered using a type of copper tape thing for slug control. Where would I put the tape, on the outside of the beds at ground level, at the top of the boxes, or on the inside of the boxes at soil level? You can see I don’t have a clue. I guess the plan is to keep the slugs out of the boxes.
A: My first question would be where are the slugs coming from? If they are already in the boxes and hide somewhere in the boxes overnight the tape would be of little use. If they are coming up from outside the boxes. I would put the tape as low to the ground as possible. You don’t want them leaving their slimy trails all over your nice planters.
Q: We have had trouble with cutworms in our vegetable garden for several years. Is there any way to control them other than digging around the fallen plant until you find the cutworm? I planted late this year, hoping the worms would have starved or eaten the weeds. They have taken down several beans, dill and gladiola shoots, and in previous years they have taken down a row of carrots and beets.
A: There are several ways you can try to attack cutworms. Yes, handpicking works, simply head out into the garden with your flashlight after dark. This is a very satisfying way to control them. You can also sprinkle diatomaceous earth or coffee grounds around the base of the plants. Coffee grounds might not be a scientifically proven method, but many gardeners swear by it.
Q: I’m hoping that you can give me some advice regarding a landscaping situation. We had a large mountain ash tree (probably 40 years old) removed from our yard due to rot three years ago. The stump was ground down and we have not done anything with this spot since then. We are contemplating working the soil and perhaps putting another tree, shrubs, or rock garden on the site, but there is still a heavy root system present. Can these roots be removed and if so how, or would it be better to just smooth the surface over and plant grass? Any advice that you can provide would be appreciated.
A: The roots of the mountain ash can be removed by hiring a company that does stump grinding. It is an effective and relatively inexpensive way of getting rid of the roots. It can be a bit messy but some companies will even do the clean-up for you. Search for tree services online in the Edmonton area.
Q: We have a maple (silver cloud?) that is about 15 years old. This is the first year that I’ve noticed red bumps on the leaves. Is there anything to do? Is it a concern?
A: Thank you for your kind words and I’m glad you find the column helpful. The problem sounds like maple gall mites. The red bumps are abnormal cell growth in the leaves caused by the mites feeding on developing plant tissues. As they feed, the mites produce chemicals that interact with plant hormones, causing the abnormal cell growth. This growth forms the galls that you are seeing as red bumps. Over time those bumps actually enclose the mites, which are then protected from pesticides.
The good thing is that these mites and galls do not harm the tree even if there is a large number of them. Control is not recommended, as this is a cosmetic issue.
One of the pleasures of writing this column is the gardening fellowship. I just received an email from a reader suggesting the following: “A lot of people made a garden for the first time this year and I am sure many are considering it for 2021. Would you please write an article giving these people advice about things they could do this summer and fall to increase their success and satisfaction next year?
“For example, how to identify the best locations for the garden, how to kill off the sod in the fall so you will have less grass in your garden next year, or perhaps buying some resources on sale at the end of season this year that they will need next spring. I have gardened all my life and would like people who are new to the experience to have the benefit of your guidance and suggestions so they will be pleased with how it works out for them.”
I could not agree more, and advice for first-time gardeners will be coming later this season. Good luck and happy gardening!
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