Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common gardening questions provided by nationally recognized gardening expert, Melinda Myers.  With more than 30 years of horticulture experience, she is wealth of knowledge and we are pleased to share her frequently asked questions with you here. Come back each month for answers to a new set of questions that will help you in the garden.

Current tag: insects and pests

The stems of my asparagus have marks, some stems wilt and others turn brown. I have found a few beetles crawling on the plants. Are they causing the problem?

Yes. Both the common and spotted asparagus beetle can cause the damage you describe. They begin feeding as the plants emerge in spring and produce a second generation that feeds on the greenery and causes defoliation. Control these pests by handpicking and dropping the beetles and their worm-like larvae into a container of soapy water. Use insecticides as a last option. These chemicals also kill the parasitic wasp that helps control these pests. Handpicking along with weed control and fall cleanup is usually sufficient to minimize damage.

End FAQ

Also tagged: herbs and vegetables
 
 
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