Questions/Answers for August

A. Safer's one of the safer sprays to use, but it isn't the strongest. If your whitefly problem is a major infestation, you may have to go to the harder stuff like chemical insecticides. However, no matter what you spray, be aware that whiteflies disspiate into a "white cloud" as soon as you spray. That's why it's important to spray right at nightfall. That's when whiteflies are usually resting on the underside of leaves. There's much less of a chance they'll fly off when sprayed at dusk.

Q. I live in the Hollywood hills above Los Angeles. Behind my house is a steep slope with wild weeds. Do you think I can plant iceplant on the slope? I've seen iceplant near the freeways and beaches.

A. Hey, even at the risk you might be a Dodger fan (I'm a Giants' lover), I'll answer your question. Iceplant will indeed make a fine groundcover for your steep slope. It wil add lots of color during the spring and summer, and also help prevent erosion. A couple things, however. I would definitely place jute netting on your slope before planting. The netting will help stabilize the slope until the iceplant gets established, which may be several years. Also, since it doesn't sound like you have irrigation possibilities for the slope, don't plant until September or October. That way, normal fall/winter rains will help the iceplant get established. Iceplant belongs to the succulent family, meaning it is very drought tolerant. Finally, you can save money by taking yur own cuttings of iceplant. I wouldn't recommend stopping on any L.A. freeways and cutting away, though.

Q. Every year I have problems with those green earworms that eat my corn. What can I do?

A. An old method that still works is to place 20 drops (about a teaspoon) of mineral oil on the tip of each ear when silks appear. This deters the egg-laying moth. You can also pinch the top of each immature ear with a rubber band to keep caterpillars out. Biological controls include spraying with Bacillun thiringiensis (Bt). Chemical controls include carbaryl. One of the keys is to target spray directly onto the silks as long as the silks are still green.

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