We know yard problems can be tricky. So we’ve solicited the help of the green thumbs at the Maui Master Gardener program of CTAHR, an educational outreach program dedicated to providing research based information on sustainable garden and landscaping practices.
Email us your yard or garden woes, and we’ll make sure you get the answers you deserve.
See what queries have already been answered:
Dear PRO,
I’ve got ants! They are crawling up and down the stems of my plants. What should I do?
Signed, I GOT CRITTERS
Dear I GOT CRITTERS,
Unfortunately you might have more of a pest problem than ants, since ants can be a sign of other pests. Aphids, scales, and white flies produce a honeydew (sugary sticky liquid) when they feed on plant sap, that ants simply can’t resist. One way to avoid this problem from the get-go is to make sure you don’t over-fertilize with nitrogen. Aphids love to attack rapid new growth.
Signed, Maui Master Gardener
Click here to learn more about proper fertilizing techniques.
Dear PRO,
My poor papaya tree isn’t looking so good. The leaves are yellow and one whole section of the plant is wilting. What do you think?
Signed, PAPAYA ON MY MIND
Dear PAPAYA ON MY MIND,
The symptoms you describe could be a sign of root rot from fungal disease as a result of overwatering. While it is difficult to differentiate between the signs of over and under watering a plant, papaya requires well-drained soil, making it more susceptible to root rot from overwatering. When trying to determine if a plant is overwatered, always check the soil. While symptoms on the leaves and stems can be helpful indicators, the answers really lie in the soil. Is the soil dry, damp, or soaked in the root zone, (which can be as much as 36 inches deep)? Take note and go from there.
Signed, Maui Master Gardener
Click here to learn more about proper watering techniques.
