Foam (on red twig dogwood) + slugs (on beans + zucchini) - Ask Extension
I have more questions for y'all! :)
I'm intentionally gardening this year — paying closer attention to things AS they pop up.
Two questions...
Knowledgebase
Foam (on red twig dogwood) + slugs (on beans + zucchini) #869270
Asked May 20, 2024, 1:45 PM EDT
I have more questions for y'all! :)
I'm intentionally gardening this year — paying closer attention to things AS they pop up.
Two questions for today:
1. FOAM — (PHOTO) There is a foamy (like 'merenge' but lighter weight) which is forming just in the past couple days on a red-twig dogwood. It's about 1/4-1/2" at seems to nest in where three stems converge. I decided to go ahead an remove the foam (and squish the bugs IN the foam) for the time being. But any thoughts on — Stopping/preventing it? What *IS* it? Is it bad for the plant?
2. SLUGS — I did find a very short 1/2"? slug (early one morning on the leaves of my veggies. But with a million 'remedies' out there — I thought I'd check with y'all before putting out a saucer of beer in my garden. How to manage/prevent slugs?
Thanks (as always!)
Wendy
Montgomery CountyMaryland
Expert Response
Hi Wendy,
We are happy to help with your various questions!
The foam looks like a type of spittlebug. A few of them are harmless but if you are concerned or there seems like a lot you can do exactly what you are doing by squashing the nymphs. Usually they are not a big problem for dogwoods though. Many predatory insects and birds will eat these so nature should be the best control.
For slug control in your veggies there area a few food safe products you can use. Look for products containing iron phosphate or ferric sodium EDTA. Bait traps work as well but the beer isn't the best control- basically it just drowns them or or you tipsy slugs. You can visit the link for some more management techniques.
Ha! THANK YOU, I'll try out your other options for slugs.
This resource REALLY is such a great help. I've been gardening for years but this feels like my first VERY intentional one. One sign, I've used Osmocote to nourish my plants, I've never 'fed' them before. Also 'watering' is one of my least favorite chores — so I may be the one singular person who's been grateful for all of our rain this year. LOL. Thank you again. I really appreciate what y'all do (and on IG!)
