My e-mail in-box is filling up quickly with your questions, so it seems a good idea to devote this week's column to answering some of them. I'm always happy to try and help you, and often I'll get back to you via e-mail before your question is answered here, so feel free to send me questions, comments and suggestions for column topics. My e-mail address is steve@landsteward.org
QUESTION: "I started some very disease resistant tomato seeds from a commercial source (not home saved) in Jiffy 7 peat pellets. The seedlings are sick. The lower leaves are turning brown and dying. The stems neck down very thin just below the top cluster of baby leaves. The plants are very unthrifty and I planned to throw them out except that now, some wild violets that I had on another windowsill are showing similar symptoms. The edges of the older leaves curl under before turning brown and the petioles of the younger leaves are normal sized then neck down just before the leaf which is bent sharply downward. I have some ladybugs that managed to get into the house and are overwintering on the windows so I am reasonably sure that it is not insect damage but what disease could spread from tomatoes to wild violets?" Chris Warren.
ANSWER: I can think of a couple of possibilities. The problem could be caused by over watering or it could be that you brought in a disease with the wild violets. You (or rather, the plants) might have a fungus. Try putting Captan (a fungicide) on your plants, but put them outside on a porch or something first, and let them site for a few days and see if they are not to far gone. Let me know what happens to them.
QUESTION: "Can you tell me any info about a tree that will get fishing worms on it every year? I can't seem to find it on the net because I can't spell it... something like fatoga, or phatogga tree. My dad had one when I was growing up and I transplanted it to my house. I understand that I have to purchase worms and place them on the tree the first year then they come back to lay eggs every year from then on..... Help!" Barb.
ANSWER: I believe you're thinking of a Catalpa tree. The ‘official' name is catalpa speciosa and is often known as Northern Catalpa, Western Catalpa or Hardy Catalpa. There's also a Southern Catalpa, sometimes called the Common Catalpa or Indian Bean. Catalpas will grow quite quickly, reaching 15 feet in the first seven or eight years. They can reach a height of 40 to 50 feet, although in the wild, Catalpas can grow as tall as 100 feet. Interestingly, the timber was often used for railroad ties as it is extremely resistant to rot. They like a sunny exposure and rich, well-drained soil. Not sure why fishing worms like them, though.
QUESTION: "I live in Franklin, Tn. My back yard is on the east side of the house and is separated from a golf course by pines that are 40 to 50 feet high. The pine limbs have been dying for the last two years - from the ground up. I hope that the limbs will not all die since they keep golf balls and golfers out of my back yard. The trees are probably between 20 and 30 years old. Do you have any idea why the limbs are dying and how can I help the trees? Secondly, the area under the trees gets afternoon sun for a couple of hours on summer afternoons. What kind of ground cover would you suggest and when should it be set out?" John Davis.
ANSWER: First of all, John, you might want to cut the lower branches on the pines to let them air out. I know that you won't have the same cover from the golf balls but it will help the trees. As far as ground cover you could use the space for any of the plants like ajuga, pachysandra, or vinca. Or you could use ferns since you will have a nice shady area. You can find some links to information about suitable plants by going to my website www.landsteward.org and clicking on this column in the "Plant Man" section. Good luck!
The Plant Man is here to help. Send your questions about trees, shrubs and landscaping to steve@landsteward.org or mail to: Steve Jones, "The Plant Man", P.O. Box 686, McMinnville, TN 37111.
