Question #1: Several years ago I planted a mapleleaf viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium) close to my house. It has outgrown this space and I want to transplant it. When is the best time to do this?
Answer #1: Mapleleaf viburnum is a beautiful native shrub. They grow to 4-6 ft. tall and wide and can sucker from the rootstock. Providing space for this shrub is advisable. Early spring is a very good time to transplant woody shrubs. Before digging make sure the soil is not too wet. If it clumps together you should wait until it dries out. Prepare the site ahead of time in an area with well-drained, slightly acidic soil in sun or shade. Plant it no deeper than it was originally planted; dig the hole wider than deeper. Save the native soil to use as backfill. Do not prune the shrub too severely but it may help to loosely tie up the branches to make it easier to move. Have a piece of burlap or heavy plastic available close by to wrap around the root ball during the move. Dig as large a root ball as possible and use a pruner to clip through any stubborn roots. Fertilizer is not necessary at this time but keep the shrub watered as needed from spring through fall for the next two years.
Question #2: Please help me solve a very annoying pest problem I have been having in my family room for the past week. Every day I have been seeing these tiny dark, winged bugs flying and landing near the lights in the evening and the windows during the daytime. They are beetle-like and have a hard shell. I moved the couch away from the wall and found what I believe to be larvae along the baseboard. What are they and how can I get rid of them?
Answer #2: We believe you have an infestation of carpet beetles, a very common pest found in homes.
There are several different species of carpet beetles. The two most common in this area are the varied carpet beetle and the black carpet beetle but control for both of these beetles is the same. What you found behind the couch were indeed the larvae. Inspect for and properly launder or dry-clean any infested items such as clothing, woolen items, carpets or rugs. Thoroughly vacuum carpeting, along baseboards, under and behind furniture and in closets. Then dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag when you are finished. It probably will be necessary to repeat the vacuuming process at least a couple more times and in the future do not allow pet hair or dust particles to accumulate in the area. For additional information see publication “HG 80 Fabric Pests” found on the HGIC website.
Question #3: It is getting to be the time to start some of my vegetable seeds indoors. The date on some of the packets indicates that some of my tomato seeds are several years old. What is the best way to check to see if the seeds are still viable?
Answer #3: Tomato seeds, if stored properly, should be viable for at least three years. But, it is a good idea to check the germination rate of these seeds before you plant them. Place 20 seeds on a moistened paper towel, roll up the towel, and place it in a plastic bag. Put the bag on top of the refrigerator or other warm location and check after 5-7 days to see what percentage has germinated. Discard seed lots with less than 75% (15 out of 20 seeds) germination.
“Ask the Plant and Pest Professor” is compiled from phone and email questions asked the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), part of University of Maryland Extension, an educational outreach of the University of Maryland. To ask a home gardening or pest control question or for other help, go to www.hgic.umd.edu. Or phone HGIC at 1-800-342-2507, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
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Robert Stanley says
I loved the Ask the Plant and Pest Professor, nicely done.
I have a request for you; I am a licensed Maryland Tree Expert, Consulting Arborist, an International Association of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified. I would be interested in offering my expertize in a similar format. I have developed a program I call “The Body Language of Trees” and walking tours of communities focused upon their outstanding / champion trees. Please contact me if you have any interest in exploring the idea.