Right spray should help harvest of nectarines
And add to these retired leisure, that in trim gardens takes his pleasure.
— John Milton
Q: My nectarines did so well the second year after planting. The last three years have been awful.
The fruit falls to the ground before maturing. What can I do? I used Neem oil last year. Did that help?
— Karen, Townsend, Mass.
A: You should use a dormant oil spray each year in the fall. In addition to this, you need to apply a fungicide and an insecticide. Last year, all peaches and nectarines were affected by a spring thaw followed by a frost. You have bores in the stems near the flowers. Cut back all branches about a foot this year and start a complete spray program, if yom want fruit. If you rely on Mother Nature, you will disappointed. Home Orchard sprays can be effective when applied on time. If you can find Bordeaux Mix, this will work as well. Follow directions on all labels. You cannot spray when trees are in flower.
Q: Is there a remedy for loam laced with herbicide? We purchased this from a farm and learned they used it on their corn. My cucumbers and melons look sick.
— Jesse, Ledyard, Conn.
A: It will eventually dissipate. Let me suggest that you start some new seeds in peat pots and plant the entire pots after germination either indoors or outdoors. You should have plenty of time and heat this year.
Q: My cucumbers are not doing well this year. I have killed a lot of squash bug and we have had too much rain.
— George, Boaz, Ala.
A: Almost all of the East Coast have shared this excess of rain. You could add hydrated lime to absorb a lot of the moisture. I would check for squash bug larvae in the stems. You can see them through the translucent stems about an inch from the ground. You need cut a thin line with a razor knife perpendicular to the ground in the stem. Pull out the little bug with a tweezer.
Wrap scotch tape around the slit when done.
Q: I have mouse eating my tomato leaves. What can I use to get rid of them. I see the hole that they come from.
— Sandy, Lebonan, Conn.
A: You can use D-Con in the holes. If you are squeamish about poison, you can use mouse traps.