The Urban Gardener Premium http://www.staradvertiser.com/featurespremium/theurbangardenerpremium RSS Feed for The Urban Gardener Premium en-us Mon, 07 May 2012 11:30:00 GMT Sticky leaves likely caused by various sucking insects http://www.staradvertiser.com/featurespremium/theurbangardenerpremium/20120507_Sticky_leaves_likely_caused_by_various_sucking_insects.html When your plants don't appear healthy and the leaves are sticky, sucking insects could be the culprits. The stickiness is probably honeydew, and I'm not talking about the melon. Springtime months, ridges are best for sweet potatoes http://www.staradvertiser.com/featurespremium/theurbangardenerpremium/20120402_Springtime_months_ridges_are_best_for_sweet_potatoes.html The sweet potato is a "canoe" plant brought to the Hawaiian Islands by Polynesians. The Hawaiian names are uala and uwala. Derisive nickname belies naio's value http://www.staradvertiser.com/featurespremium/theurbangardenerpremium/20120312__Derisive_nickname_belies_naios_value.html Naio (Myoporum sandwicense) has the notorious nickname of "bastard sandalwood," which sometimes is softened by the more innocuous label "false sandalwood." Growing tomatoes in isles requires a bit of legwork http://www.staradvertiser.com/featurespremium/theurbangardenerpremium/20120305_Growing_tomatoes_in_isles_requires_a_bit_of_legwork.html Fresh, ripe-on-the-vine, plump and nutritious tomatoes are tempting to anyone planning a vegetable garden. As many a frustrated gardener has discovered, however, there are numerous challenges to successfully growing tomatoes in the islands. Rose beetle likely cause of damaged leaves http://www.staradvertiser.com/featurespremium/theurbangardenerpremium/20120206_Rose_beetle_likely_cause_of_damaged_leaves.html Q: I have a rose bush in my yard with many holes in the leaves, but why don't I ever see any insects? A: The holes in your leaves are most likely caused by a pale reddish-brown beetle called the Chinese rose beetle. Blueberries a tasty garden addition http://www.staradvertiser.com/featurespremium/theurbangardenerpremium/20120102_Blueberries_a_tasty_garden_addition.html Blueberries can be grown in various Hawaii climates. Southern highbush blueberries have flowered and fruited at as low as the 250-foot elevation, even without a companion plant for cross-pollination, and they are relatively easy and very rewarding plants. Trying to eradicate fruit flies starts with identifying hosts http://www.staradvertiser.com/featurespremium/theurbangardenerpremium/20111205_trying_to_eradicate_fruit_flies__starts_with_identifying_hosts.html One question often asked of Master Gardeners and extension agents is, "How do I keep fruit flies from stinging my fruits and vegetables?" Bacteria give legumes their high protein content http://www.staradvertiser.com/featurespremium/theurbangardenerpremium/20111107_Bacteria_give_legumes_their_high_protein_content.html Legumes are known for their high protein content and the symbiosis they form with rhizobia bacteria, which provide them with free nitrogen from the atmosphere. Photos can help pinpoint problems that ail plants http://www.staradvertiser.com/featurespremium/theurbangardenerpremium/20111017_Photos_can_help_pinpoint_problems_that_ail_plants.html University-trained extension master gardeners routinely put themselves in the hot seat while fielding an array of home-gardening questions via phone and email help lines and at Plant Doctor clinics in the community. Trees' roots extend into a past of tranquility http://www.staradvertiser.com/featurespremium/theurbangardenerpremium/20110919_Trees_roots_extend__into_a_past_of_tranquility_.html Three, tall slender gold trees grow in Thomas Square near the corner of Ward Avenue and Beretania Street, across from the Honolulu Academy of Arts. They bring joy whenever I see them.