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Question of the week

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Q.  How do I control stink bugs on my tomato plants?

A.  You can identify stink bug damage by the dark pinpricks surrounded by a lighter area on the fruit. Inspect plants and remove leaves with egg masses. The eggs are barrel-shaped. Eggs that are dark have been parasitized by a beneficial wphp.

Stink bugs can be hand-picked from the plant. They’re easier to catch in the cool of the morning. Drop them into soapy water or simply smash! You can also spray insecticidal soap, but you need a direct hit to be effective.



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Plant of the week

Photo: ZexmeniaZexmenia

Zexmenia is a truly Texas tough plant. It blooms from late spring to frost sporting yellow flower above the mat of foliage. This low growing native perennial reaches about 2 feet in height and is very drought tolerant once
established. Deer tend to leave it alone. Give Zexmenia a full sun to part shade location with good drainage. Shear it back periodically to encourage
fresh regrowth and lots more blooms.

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Planting tips of the week
  • Since it’s Texas, if you don’t have termites now, you will sooner or later! Inspect your property for indications of termites.
  • Examine the foundation for shelter tubes, which look similar to mud. If you find one, break it off to see if it’s active.
  • Inspect around doors and windows—especially near air conditioning pipes—for infestation or wood decay.
  • Check any wood-to-soil contact such as fences or trellises. Examine any cold joints or foundation cracks.
  • Inspect plumbing areas. If there is not bath trap, create one for future inspections.
  • If structure is a pier & beam, inspect the crawl space.

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