Seeking info on the story of the fig tree
Years back, I remember reading a story or poem online about an elderly Italian-American. Having all of his children grown and out of the house, he wondered who would carry on the Italian tradition and help him wrap his fig trees in the winter. The story went on to talk about the annual family gathering around the fig tree and how, as a family, they would wrap the trees and care for them during the cold winter months. I believe the story or poem was called "Who Will Wrap My Fig Tree?"
With my youngest daughter leaving for college next month, I find myself wondering the same question. Who will wrap my fig tree, and carry on the traditions that my father and his father handed down? Can you help me find that very touching story?
Donald Panetta, New Hyde Park
OK, readers: I need your help on this one. I have never heard this story, and my attempts to find it on the Internet were fruitless. If you're familiar with it, please e-mail it to me at jessica.damiano@newsday.com, and I'll publish it in a future column.
My tomato plants are infested. With what, I don't know. The base of the plant near ground level has what appear to be well-lined rows of tiny beads. Going up farther on the stalk are much larger protuberances. They are knobby and about the size of the tip of a pencil eraser, but round. They look like an alien is trying to push its way through the inside of the stalk and is creating these green bumps. Any ideas or solutions? Timothy via e-mail
You can blame it on the rain: What you're describing sounds like stem primordia. Those alien bumps are little roots growing along the stem trying to push their way out. This happens when they've been watered too much or when the weather has been exceptionally humid. If you were to lay the plants onto the soil, which I'm not recommending, those roots would exit the stem and anchor the plant into the ground. No worries, though: The plant's health is not in any danger, and the fruit will not be affected.
For two years, our rental company has been putting mulch on our flower gardens. For two years, I've had noseeum bugs. Never had them before. Is there any other unwanted thing that can come in with mulch? I know allergies can be a problem. Peggy Darrow, via e-mail
People with mold allergies can become symptomatic around mulch, especially if it's been applied too thickly, because the moisture in such piles creates the perfect breeding ground for mold and fungi. I haven't heard of any general health hazards to humans caused by exposure to shredded bark or wood chips. Piles of mulch left unattended and uncovered will decompose anaerobically, which means without oxygen, and turn sour. You'll notice an odor reminiscent of ammonia, vinegar or sulfur caused by a buildup of acetic acid. Sour mulch will kill plants if applied, but it can be treated by spreading it out and allowing it to dry for a few days. When the odor subsides, it's safe to use.
Another problem that can arise is an abundance of fungus gnats, which you're reporting. They like to lay their eggs in moist organic matter like mulch, grass clippings and compost. I'm guessing you're in a shady area or have poorly drained soil, as those conditions would encourage the gnats to thrive.
As a renter, probably the only thing you'd be permitted to do is rake over the mulch, which would aerate it and help it to dry out, thus reducing the gnat population. You'd need to do this regularly. Or you can ask the management to apply nematodes (microscopic beneficial parasites) to the flower beds and to go easier on the mulch in the future.
