Q: What is the difference between determinate and indeterminate tomato plants?

In light of the recent ice storms that have ripped through our area I thought that this would be a good time to discuss what to do about damaged trees.

Viticulturist Bob Dewitt gives advice on sprays for grapes

Q: The bark on a young tree in my yard is peeling away from the trunk and splitting from the bottom up. The tree also has stress fractures running up the trunk. What can I do to save my tree?

Q: What is the Master Gardener program and when will one be offered in the Rolla area?

Q: I have some early garden plants out that have been damaged by the cold weather. Should I re-plant my potatoes if they die back to the ground? The leaves of the broccoli and cabbage are damaged at the tips. Should I replace these plants? Is there any special care that can be taken with fruit trees that loose their flowers?

Q: What can I do to get rid of wild onions in my yard? Are wild onions edible?

Q: I am having a problem with a planting of vinca minor that is taking over a section of my landscaping. I’ve been trying to get rid of it by hand for a couple of years but the problem seems to be getting worse. Are there any herbicides that will control vinca?

Q: A tree in my yard is overgrown with large black ants. They look like they will bite. The trees health also seems to be declining. What can I do to get rid of these ants before they kill my tree and begin invading my home?

MS&T Receives Award for Environmentally Responsible Landscaping

Q: The leaves of my peach trees are beginning to turn red and then yellow and curl up. It almost looks like they are blistered. I saw some of this last year but it seems like more of the tree is infected this year. Any idea what is going on and what I can do about it?

Q: How can I control dead nettle in my garden?

Q: I put my tomato plants outside a week or two ago. The leaves are developing whitish colored almost burnt looking lesions on them and curling up. I started the plants a in a window sill a couple of months ago and they looked great when they went out. Any idea what the problem could be?

Q: I wanted to try a vegetable garden this year but my garden spot has been too wet to get anything done. Should I just wait until next season to give it a try or do I still have time to plant a vegetable garden?

Q: I just finished construction of my home and I’m in the process of establishing a lawn. I’m not planning on doing anything fancy but would like for it to look nice. What do I need to do to establish a lawn now?

Q: The grass in my lawn is turning brown in patches. The patches spread out in a circular fashion. Any idea what this is and what I can do about it?

•    June 7, 2009

Q: My kids and I are going to grow pumpkins for a festival this fall. What do I need to know about growing pumpkins? Is it too late to grow a giant pumpkin? Can you give any tips on growing giant pumpkins?

Q: Have you been getting reports of Japanese Beetles yet? I just found a few on a pear tree and an apricot tree in my yard. I own a nursery so every season I watch very closely for this pest. – Paul Swinton, Living Touch Nursery – St. Robert

Q: My tomatoes have twisted and curled growth. The curling is only in the new growth. What is the problem and what can I do about it? – Brenda Bell, West Plains

Q: There is a steep bank in my yard where I can't get anything to grow. Do you have any suggestions for plants that will help hold the soil in place?

Q: Can you give me some information about beekeeping? I am thinking of getting started with a hive or two and would appreciate anything you can tell me.

Q: My tomatoes are developing circular spots on the bottom of the fruit. The fruit is not touching the ground and the plants are otherwise healthy. The fruit looks like it will eventually rot entirely. Any ideas what is causing this problem?

Q: These bugs were brought in to our office by a client who found them on his compost pile. He said they are all over it. Do you have any idea what kind of insect this is? Photo

Q: I have a Colorado blue spruce tree that has been having problems for a couple of years now. The lower branches are dying and turning brown. Damage is moving up the tree as the problem has progressed over the last few years. Do you know what can be done to remedy this problem?

Q: My tomatoes are not ripening fruit. They have a lot of tomatoes on the vines but they are taking longer than normal to actually turn ripe. What is going on?

Q: I heard about a new area opening up at the Bray Conservation Area. Have you heard anything about this new community resource?

Q: I was thinking of planting a theme garden with my children. I read about an idea for a garden that used plants with animal names. Do you have any suggestions for plants that would fit into a garden like this?

Q: How hard is it to grow wheat to grind into flour? I read an article about bakers looking for old fashioned types of wheat that can produce more flavorful bread. What are some of the older varieties and are they better?

Q: I’m interested in saving seeds from my garden plants. Mostly I want to save the seeds from my vegetables. What do I need to do to save the seeds?

Q: This spring I purchased two bundles of 25 trees each of Missouri Short-Leaf Pines from the Licking Tree Farm. I chose these trees because, according to my research, it is the only native pine to our state. I have had what I think is tremendous luck with these trees, losing just three for a 94 percent success rate. It took a lot of effort hauling water to them through the heat of June. And, I am thankful for the cool July and August, as that gave them time to take root. I have lined my driveway with these trees and planted six aside in the event some didn't survive. My question is this, Andy: I now want to transplant some of the "saved" trees where the three of the 44 have died. I was always told "never to plant a tree during a month that does not have an 'R' in it." Now that September has passed and the threat of an Indian summer is diminishing, is it best to transplant now and allow the trees to acclimate during the winter or is it best to transplant in the spring, say February or March when trees begin their growing cycle? Thanks, and I really enjoy the horticulture column!