Question: I usually cut my Stella de Oro Daylilies almost to the ground with a weed wacker right after they finish blooming. They rebloom beautifully in a few weeks. It has been so dry where we live that I have delayed doing so this year, but I have almost no re-bloom. We are on a well so I can't water and it is still extremely dry. What should I do?

Answer: If you cut the daylilies to the ground, foliage and all as you usually do, in such dry conditions you are not going to get proper growth and re-bloom. Forcing re-growth and re-bloom in a drought is not a good idea. I suggest you leave the Stella de Oros in partial dormancy, preserving their strength, until you have had a good soaking rain. If the rains come before Labor Day, you can cut the daylilies back as you usually do. You will have nice new growth and beautiful re-bloom in September.

Question: The Japanese Beetles have just come out. Many more than we have ever had before. I have never protected the lawn from beetle grubs other years but this year I feel I must do something. What do you suggest?

Answer: As the beetles have just emerged you still have time to apply Bonide Grub Beater. You must act immediately and you must water it in.

Question: This is the worst year for insects that I have ever seen. I try to use organic methods, but this year organic methods have failed me and I had to use insecticide sprays. I seem to be winning the battle; however, I would like to know if there is a best time to spray.

Answer: There are three considerations. The first is to spray on a day when rain is not forecasted. The second is to spray in the evening when bees are less likely to be active. The third is to spray on a cool evening when the following day is also forecasted to be cool. On a hot day some insecticides can literally fry your plant. This is particularly true of oils, and to a lesser extent, soaps. Besides the standard petroleum based horticultural oil, you also need to be careful with many of the organic insecticides that contain plant based oils.

Question:  I have heard you mention Eight insecticide on the radio. I have always used Sevin on my vegetables. Is Eight safe for vegetables?

Answer: Yes, but you must read and follow the label directions. Pay particular attention to the waiting time before harvest. I prefer Eight to Sevin because it is safer for the bees and because the waiting time before harvest time generally is shorter. For example on lettuce and spinach Eight can be applied up to one day before harvest, whereas Sevin requires a two week waiting period. Similarly on tomatoes Eight can be applied up to the day of harvest, whereas Sevin requires a three day waiting period. Eight is usually a little less expensive than Sevin. Again, you need to check the label for the insects that you have; but Eight controls more of the insects that I find to be the most problematic.