Summer Garden Problems: Insects, Fungus, and Plant Diseases
Hello, again!
I hope everyone is enjoying the World Cup being hosted by North America this summer. With matches being held in Kansas City, it was a treat to watch the Netherlands vs Tunisia last week. The day was filled with Oranje all around; having 36,000 fans in the parade was a highlight of the experience. With the Netherlands moving on from group play to the knockout round, the match with Morocco had our friend Piet Stuifbergen nervous. Morocco would be a tough opponent.
If you stayed up late Monday for the match, I know you were nervous watching the Netherlands try to hold on to their 1-0 lead, only to have Morocco tie the score in the 91st minute of play. After overtime with no teams scoring, the match came down to penalty kicks. Both the Netherlands and Morocco traded costly misses and saves, but Morocco held its composure when it mattered most. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made the save on the Netherlands' final kick, taken by Crysencio Summerville, before Ismael Saibari buried the winning kick to give Morocco a 3-2 shootout victory. Tonight's match between Team USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina will be exciting to watch as well.
As we get into summer, we are starting to see more pests in our landscape. Recently, we have seen bagworms on both conifers and deciduous plants. I've had very good results controlling the hungry worms with ferti•lome Green Spinosad Ready-to-Spray. This organic treatment also helps control spider mites, tent caterpillars, and other chewing insects. It is OMRI rated for use in the vegetable garden, lawn, or flower beds.
While recording our Johnson's Garden Time show recently, Jeremy and I were going over fungi controls. As usual, I got the segment started and pitched it to Jeremy. He mentioned that ferti•lome has a new fungicide, Fungicide 5. He explained to me that it's a biological fungus control containing Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. It can be used on vegetables, fruits, nuts, ornamental trees, shrubs, flowering plants, houseplants, and even tropical plants. It's made to control many diseases, such as anthracnose, leaf blights, black spot of roses, downy mildew, fruit rot, powdery mildew, scab, and more. He went on to explain that the fungicide colonizes plant roots, putting it in a prime position to outcompete pathogens for growth on the plant. These beneficial bacteria fertilize the plant by providing nutrients that are in short supply and produce chemicals that induce plant growth. What an innovative way to control damaging fungi! The treatment may be used up until the day of harvest.
We're here to help with whatever is bugging you in your garden or landscape this summer. Bring a sample of your plant in a ziplock, and we'll help identify what's going on and get you a safe and effective control for it.
We've restocked our greenhouses with fresh annuals and perennial plants to brighten up your area for the summer. With Independence Day this weekend, stop by to plant a bit of color to enjoy. Also, don't forget, Friday, July 3rd is the last day to spend your Mania Money until this Fall. So don't let those dollars gather dust. Turn them into something green.
Your friend in the garden,
Marty Johnson
Owner - Johnson's Garden Centers
