ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, May 12, 1996 TAG: 9605130153
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: D3 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: Dear John
SOURCE: JOHN ARBOGAST
The past several weeks have been the time in our area that termites swarm, and a word of warning about a new "natural" control might be in order.
Based on recent termite-control evaluation done for the United States Department of Agriculture at Gulfport, Miss., special nematodes sold for termite control just do not work sufficiently as a control method at this time.
Consumers should be wary of advertisements or reports of good results regarding the use of these microscopic worms.
Don't transport skunks
It has been brought to my attention that it is illegal to do what I recommended that a homeowner do to eliminate nighttime visits from skunks.
I said he should trap the skunks in a box trap and then transport them elsewhere for release. Even though this has been recommended for years, Jim Parkhurst, Extension Wildlife Specialist at Virginia Tech, explained to me that it violates state regulations to transport any critter considered to be a "wild animal" off one's property.
Q: The Roanoke Times printed an article about growing tomatoes around a ring. This article said to plant only four plants around a 5-foot diameter ring. It seems to me that there would be plenty of room for six plants around a ring this large. It seems that there would be adequate room for four tomato plants around a 40-inch ring. Please give your comments. J. K. B., Rocky Mount
A: Tomato spacing is dependent on how the plants are to be supported to keep the fruits off the ground. This means that tomatoes in a good, sunny spot that are to be suckered and tied to a stake can be planted as close as 18 inches apart. However, tomato plants that are not to be supported but will be left to ramble on the mulched ground will require wider spacing. There are variations of tomato culture between these two examples. Since I did not see the article you referred to, I can't be more specific in this reply.
Q: My Kalanchoe plants drop their leaves and they have mold on them. The plants are located in different parts of the house, planted in clay and plastic pots, and are watered once a week from the bottom. A Kalanchoe plant will be growing just beautifully, but then the mold appears and it must be cut back to start again.
Also, I have 35 violets that have been blooming continuously. The problem is that suddenly white specks will appear on the leaves and the leaves will curl. This is unsightly but does not kill the plant. The violets are located, watered and potted like my Kalanchoes. Is this a fungus or an insect-caused problem? Mrs. P. M., Roanoke
A: My initial reaction is that the plants have a fungus disease called "powdery mildew," which could be causing the mold you mentioned, coupled with insufficient light, which would explain the leaf droppage and is often the condition that leads to powdery mildew on Kalanchoes. The bottom line is that something is keeping your Kalanchoes in a weakened condition. Since your letter said that this is happening in different parts of the house, which implies differing amounts of sunshine, I must suggest that you take one of the affected Kalanchoes to your local Extension Office for an accurate diagnosis.
Bring a sample of your spotted violet leaves as well. No obvious diagnosis comes to mind based on your letter. However the culprit could be anything from accumulation of fertilizer residues in the soil to a mild case of powdery mildew.
Send short questions about your lawn, garden, plants, or insects to Dear John, c/o The Roanoke Times, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010-2491. We need your mail, but this column can't reply to all letters. Those of wide appeal will be answered during the weeks That the subject is timely. personal replies cannot be given.
please don't send stamps, stamped envelopes, samples, or pictures.
Gardener's checklist
Jobs for mid-May:
Pinch back young annual flowers when 4 inches to 6 inches tall, including bedding plants, to promote bushy growth.
Remove garden debris such as excessive mulch and timbers, upturned pots and other items that provide damp hiding and breeding places for slugs.
If you are lucky enough to have young peaches on your trees, thin the little fruits to 4 inches to 6 inches apart for large, high-quality fruit.
John Arbogast is the agricultural and natural resources extension agent for Roanoke.
LENGTH: Medium: 85 linesby CNB