Question:
Where do tomato worms come from? I check my plants daily, but I haven't seen any.Answer:
- The Tomato Hornworm is the larvae stage of the Hawk Moth. It's also known as the Sphinx or Hummingbird Moth.
- It overwinters in the soil as dark-brown pupae that emerge as an adult moth in the late spring. The female moth lays a smooth, single, green egg(s) on the underside of the tomato leaf, and her life span is about a week.
- Tomato Hornworms are voracious eaters, munching entire leaves, small stems, and even parts of immature fruits. They do get quite large, and the horn-like structure on their posterior is where the name 'Hornworm' originates.
- After three to four weeks of feeding, they will drop to the ground and enter the soil, changing into a two-inch-long pupa.
- Depending on the weather, there may be one to four generations yearly. While they're most commonly associated with tomatoes, hornworms are also common pests of eggplants, peppers, and potatoes.
- You'll most likely notice the damage before you notice the hornworms because their color helps them blend well with the plant foliage. You can also look for their black droppings on the foliage and around the base of the plant. Since you haven't seen any yet, they may not be a problem this year.
- The Hornworm season runs through September, and checking the plants weekly is sufficient
Question:
I have several roses that are not looking their best. I was told that I could revive them by adding new topsoil. I'd like to add new soil, but do I have to remove the old soil completely first?Answer:
- I wouldn't recommend significantly raising the soil level to revive them, as roses are very resilient plants. Instead, they should bounce back with the addition of nutrients and water.
- Covering up some exposed roots would be okay, but you don't want to bury the bud union. The bud union is where a desired variety is budded onto a rootstock. This is a large knot near the soil line. Modern garden roses such as Hybrid Teas, Grandifloras, and Floribundas do not grow on their roots; hence, it's important not to raise the soil level significantly.
- The additional soil should be cultivated around the plants. The soil microbes will then break down the organic matter and supply additional nutrients to the plant(s). Also, don't be concerned with the surface roots, as you'll find plenty.
- Roses are heavy feeders and need lots of moisture. Organic Rose Food is suggested as it contains the basic nutrients plus additional microbes. Monthly applications are recommended, and always water your plants the day before or at least four hours before feeding and immediately afterward.
- Roses are watered at least three times a week during the summer and more often when the temperatures are over ninety degrees.
- You should see a marked difference in your roses within six weeks.