THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 2, 1996 TAG: 9605310080
SECTION: HOME PAGE: G2 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: GARDENING
SOURCE: ROBERT STIFFLER
LENGTH: 80 lines
For the last few years, my cucumbers have done badly. They start out OK, but then the leaves begin to get yellow spots and soon die. I spray with Sevin, but they die anyway. What should I do this spring to prevent this problem? Also I can never start a new crop once the weather gets hot. They just come up and then shrivel and die. Why?
Nancy Peisel, Chesapeake
Virginia Tech vegetable experts say your cucumbers most likely have wilt carried by cucumber beetles. Check the seed catalogs and see if you can find a variety resistant to wilt. Rotate where you plant them, and as soon as they come up, start dusting the undersides of the leaves in the evening with Sevin. You might try malathion as an alternative spray. Do this at least twice a week. This may prevent the problem.
Organic gardening books say the only organic control is to cover the vines with net row covers. But they list more than a half dozen wilt-resistant varieties to grow.
The reason for your failure to start plants in the summer is most likely because beetles are so thick that they sting the new plants, causing them to die at once.
I have an erosion problem on my muddy clay ditch bank. Our extension agent recommended weeping love grass as a possibility. The highway department uses it, he says. Not being into highway landscaping, I do not know how or where to purchase it. Can you help?
Irene Francis, Williamsburg
Over the years, I've had several inquiries about love grass, but I don't know a source. Perhaps a reader can help, or you can call the highway department and ask. Another user is the North Carolina Zoo, so perhaps they'd be a good source.
If you can't find it, don't overlook bermuda grass or fescue, and just don't mow either of them. Virginia Tech experts say to use hard fescue, because it looks a lot like love grass, but it won't live in full sun. If all those sources fail, try this Peninsula number to see if they can help: 898-4100.
I enjoy your garden tips every Sunday, and I love flowers. They are my hobby in God's beautiful world. I would appreciate any flower seeds any of your readers have to share. Thanking you in advance, I am 76 years old.
Irene Small, Hertford, N.C.
If any readers have seeds to share, mail them to Irene at Route 3, Box 392, Hertford, N.C. 27944.
I am offering Goldenrain tree seedlings at no cost on a first-come basis to your readers. What a wonderful way to start a young child or grandchild to care for plants. They can plant it in their special place and watch its rapid growth year after year. Originally from China, this highly disease- and drought-resistant flowering tree grows to a height of 40 to 60 feet.
Alan Pocta, Virginia Beach
Pocta lives at 2945 Bray Road in Virginia Beach where he sells yellow daylilies, variegated hosta and liriope that he has grown himself. For directions, call 340-4414.
A few months ago, you mentioned a daylily similar to Stella d'Oro but with more profuse blooms. I usually cut info like this out and place in my garden book, but I slipped up on this one. Can you advise its name and where to purchase?
Maureen Vlack, Chesapeake
The daylily you refer to is Forsythe Lemon Drop, which is so much better than Stella d'Oro that they shouldn't even be compared. Forsythe Lemon Drop is yellow and blooms practically until frost. It's available from Sterrett Gardens for $6 per fan, plus shipping. Owner Richard Sterrett also recommends Lemon Lollypop and suggests you try them both. It is $9 per fan, plus shipping. For a Sterrett Garden catalog, write to Sterrett Gardens, P.O. Box 85, Craddockville, Va. 23341
I recently moved to a new house and am interested in planting one or two trees in my backyard which is 20 feet by 54 feet. I would like to try a fruit tree but am not sure what will grow well in this area. Do you have suggestions?
Mary Jane Vendel, Virginia Beach
If you plant only one tree, you need to make sure it does not need a mate for pollination. Many apple trees need partners; peach trees do not. Plant only a dwarf variety in a small yard. They also bear fruit earlier. I like Criterion apple for one that does well here. As to peaches, Redhaven is preferred. Put mothballs or mint in the soil as you plant to try to prevent borers.
by CNB