What’s wrong with my Stargazer lily?

Q: How do I remove ivy vines from siding?

A: Cut the vines away from the siding. Don't pull because that might damage the siding or masonry. Clean the area immediately with laundry detergent using a stiff brush. If you wait, it'll make the leftovers ('hold fasts”) impossible to remove. If you want the look of vines, you can use a trellis hinged at the base. It can be laid down without damaging the vine so you can get behind it and maintain the siding.

Q: I have moles in my lawn and I'm using 'sonic spikes” to contain them. Will that hurt the earthworms?

A: Research says there's no scientific proof of control with those devices. If you don't want to kill the moles (which might be the only way to contain them), you should find the active run and put the 'sonic spikes” there (no guarantee it'll work).

Q: What is eating my rose bush?

A: Probably Japanese beetles. It won't kill the plant unless it's already heavily stressed. You can hand pick off the bugs, drop them in soapy water, or use a systemic insecticide. They'll be active for a few more weeks. You can deadhead the plant and remove the blooms. It should rebloom when the beetles are gone.

Q: I have an overgrown lilac I'd like to trim. Is it too late?

A: Yes, if you trim it now, you'll sacrifice next year's blooms. Prune it after it blooms next year.

Q: I have tomatoes in a container. The leaves are curling. It looks healthy otherwise. I water once a day. They're in a black plastic pot.

A: When leaves curl that usually means it's too wet. You may want to back off on the watering.

Q: My Stargazer lily has leaves at the top that are turning yellow and brown. It doesn't look like the blooms will open. What should I do?

A: We've had extreme heat lately and they like some shade. Make sure to give it lots of water.

Q: Is it too late to treat for the grubs in our lawn?

A: The recommended time for white grubs is June and July. You can buy a treatment from a local garden center. If it doesn't rain, the treatment (usually granules) will need to be watered in well to work.

Q: I need help with the landscaping at my home. Do Master Gardeners make house calls to help me decide what to do?

A: No, we can't come out and help you at your home. Contact a local nursery, they may have someone they can recommend.

Call Master Gardeners with questions at (319) 447-0647 or to linncountymastergardener@gmail.com.