Answer: What's Wrong with this Plant? Oak Gall

I received only one answer for this plant mystery and yes, it is an oak gall.  Most galls do not harm plants.  They are usually caused by insects and the plant tries to defend itself from the pest.  To read more about Gambel Oak galls and how to treat them click here. I found this on the Utah Pest website.  It is a great resource for many pest problems along the Wasatch Front. 

Stay tuned and I will have many more plant problems for you to diagnose as the summer progresses.  Let's see if you know your stuff!

Answer: What's Wrong with this Plant? Hardening Off

I've only gotten a few guesses, but they are right.  The answer to the tomato problem was that the plant was not "hardened off" or acclimated to the cold temperatures gradually.  Most greenhouse plants need to be exposed to outdoor temperatures over a few days, before they are ready for chilly temperatures.  Since we've had an unfavorable cold weather this spring,  most tender veggies--such as tomatoes, peppers, melons, and squash have struggled.  Their leaves will scorch and look washed out when they are pushed from a balmy greenhouse environment to outdoor temperatures in the 40's and 50's.

Here is more information on hardening off transplants from the greenhouse put out by the University of Maryland.  This might come in handy when helping with diagnostic clinic at the Gardens and you can impress your families and friends.

I'm Sad: See Why

I thought for sure I would have had a guess on "What's Wrong with my Plant I or II" by now.  I guess the two blog viewers out there don't want to win a fabulous prize from Jerry's office.  Oh well, I'll continue to patiently wait for a few more days.  Then I'll tell you the answers.  C'mon super sleuths--I want to hear some answers.

What's Wrong with this Plant: Part II

I had another mystery that needed to be solved.  See if you can figure out what is wrong with this beloved tomato.  I have decided that the tomato is the most endearing plant in the veggie kingdom.  People love their tomatoes!  This will be the first of many diagnostic questions with this well-loved crop. 
 Let me know if you can figure it what's wrong with this plant.  I think I might start giving prizes to the first one who answers it right.  But first, I need to find something for a prize. Okay, I found a great prize in Jerry's office.  Who wants to be the first winner?  Leave me a comment with your answer under this post.  1,2,3...Go

What's Wrong with this Plant: May 24, 2010

I promised that I would give you more chances to use the skills you have learned in the Master Gardener course.  Now's your chance to impress us with your horticulture knowledge. 
Each year we have a lot of people bringing in their scrub oak with this problem.  Can you figure how what happened to this branch?  Give me your best educated guess.

What's Wrong with this Plant?

Okay everyone, I'm starting a new segment called "What's wrong with this plant?"  I'm hoping that it will help you to become better plant detectives and me a better teacher.  Susie and I were looking around the arboretum today and found some problems.  Let's see if you know the answer.  I will post the picture(s) and you can leave comments on what you think might be the problem.  It's okay to guess--just leave me a comment and I will post the answer in a few days, after I have given you a while to think about it.  So get your thinking caps on and start doing some detective work.  Master Gardeners--now is your chance to impress me and your friends.  Here's your first problem--let's see if you know the answer.  Clue: It's the same problem on both plants.