WSU Extension Q&A: Cutworm larvae may be culprit for cut-off plants
Q. Last year, all my bean plants were cut off at the ground level. What could have caused this?
A. Beans or other vegetables being cut off at the ground level is most likely caused by cutworm larvae. The cutworm is a juvenile moth that takes refuge under debris during the day, and feeds on plants in the evening. To avoid this, control weeds and grasses in and around the garden, remove possible shelter for the worms around the plants and pick them off the plant at night when they like to feed.
Q. I have landscape shrub roses that produce lots of small blooms repeatedly during the summer. Do I need to deadhead or prune off each and every flower after the blooms fade?
A. It would certainly be a big task to prune off all the little flowers from landscape shrub or hedge-type roses, such as the members of the Carefree, Knockout, Proven Winners, Oso Easy or Meidiland series. Many of these are considered self-cleaning, dropping petals when the blooms are spent. They do not require deadheading to keep them blooming, although some deadheading will keep them tidier and blooming more profusely. These roses only require minimum pruning to shape the plant in early spring, pruning back the height by one-half to one-third. Hedge shears can be used for shaping and for deadheading.
Q. What is the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program?
A. It is a national program that is funded by the Beef Checkoff, and geared toward raising consumer confidence and reassurance that there is a commitment to quality throughout the beef industry. The BQA program offers education to beef producers in proper care and management techniques to achieve the goals of safe and wholesome beef products.
Q. My peach tree has lots of peaches on it, but my neighbor said the tree has too many. How do I thin them?
A. Early in the season when the peaches are small, simply pluck them off. Too many peaches may prevent them from ripening well, so it is better to not carry too heavy a crop. The sooner you thin, the more effect it will have on the remaining crop.
To submit a question for this column, please call the WSU Extension office in Kennewick at 509-735-3551.
This story was originally published July 24, 2016 at 7:32 AM with the headline "WSU Extension Q&A: Cutworm larvae may be culprit for cut-off plants."