Tomatoes growing in tomatoes? It can happen

Tomatoes growing out of tomatoes, pomegranates turning black, and being a good neighbor are among the issues I encountered this week.

Question: What is causing a tomato to grow out of a tomato fruit?

Answer: This is an unusual occurrence. We find older low-acid tomato varieties are prone to this, allowing a seed to germinate and emerge from the fruit. High-acid tomato varieties prevent the germination process. I haven't seen this for a long time.

Q: What is causing the insides of my pomegranates to go black.

A: It is a disease called rhizoctonia. However, this isn't the problem. The leaf-footed plant bug works its snout through the husk and into the fruit to feed and then rot sets in. Later, sour fruit beetles move in and the rot continues to worsen. We blame the small beetles, but, really, it is the leaf-footed plant bug causing the rot.

Leaf-footed plant bugs show up in the early summer, attacking fruit as it matures. They are easy to identify: Note their oak-leaf-shaped rear legs.

Q: We moved into a home that was vacant for two years. All the plants are dead except a fig tree. Some branches were dead, so I removed them. But lately more branches are dying. Can anything be done to help?

A: It takes about three years before you see damage to trees because of this kind of stress. Deep irrigations might pull it through.

Be a good neighbor. If a home next to you goes vacant, water those plants. It might cost you a little, but your compassionate deed will keep the neighboring property looking good, which might help sell the home quicker.

Q: What do I do with my roses this time of year?

A: Remove about a third of the top growth and the spindling growth. Then give them rose food now and in late October. Follow each feeding with a deep irrigation.

Q: When do I harvest gourds?

A: If your thumbnail can't crease the skin, harvest them. Punch needle-size holes closest to the stem into the gourd to allow it to dry out and hang in a well-ventilated garage until seeds rattle in the gourds.

You can make gourd containers by cutting them with a sharp saw and scraping out the insides. Clean the rind with a pot scrubber and put on several coats of shellac.

Gourds create a lot of curiosity with their unusual shapes, colors and markings defying predictable results as they cross with one another.

Q: How do we plant anything if our yard is all caliche?

A: Simple. Place plants on top of the ground and remove their containers. Slope the soil away from the plants to make a natural mound. Irrigate with emitters to avoid washing away the soil and anchor in the plants.

Q: Why do I have termites in my mesquite tree? I thought they only attacked dead wood.

A: I'm guessing that swarming termites laid eggs in the tree's shaggy bark during the monsoon season. I doubt they'll be a problem. There is no need to treat the ground, as termites eat only dead wood. Consider having your home inspected if you haven't for a long time.

Q: How do we get rid of large white grubs in our compost pile?

A: They are most likely green june beetles feeding on decayed material. They usually attack bird-damaged fruit and finish the decomposition process.

Q: Last spring, my cannas looked terrific, but now they look sick. Why?

A: The heat is tough on them. Continue watering them and, as it cools, trim off the browned leaves. You need to divide them about every five years.

GROWING HERBS

Learn how easy it is to grow your own herbs and use them in your home. A certified Master Gardener will be teaching the class at 9 a.m. Saturday at Acacia Park, 50 Casa Del Fuego St. in Henderson.

PICK YOUR OWN
FRUITS, VEGETABLES

This week at the Gilcrease Orchard, (7800 N. Tenaya Way) you can harvest your own sweet potatoes, arugula, radishes, turnip greens bok choi, Jonagold apples, pears, soybeans, zucchini, squashes and pears. Apple cider is available at the checkout stand.

The orchard is open from 7 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. All transactions must be in cash. It costs $3 to take your car on the property, or you may walk in for free. Please leave your pets at home for food-safety reasons. Beginning Sept. 29, the pumpkin patch will be open.

Linn Mills' garden column appears on Sundays. He can be reached at linnmillslv@gmail.com or 702-526-1495.