Bob Morris

Bob Morris is a horticulture expert living in Las Vegas and professor emeritus for the University of Nevada. Visit his blog at xtremehorticulture.blogspot.com. Send questions to Extremehort@aol.com.

BOB MORRIS: Hose down cochineal scale-infested cactuses regularly

Cochineal scale is that white, fuzzy stuff on some cactuses. The scale insect itself is beneath the fuzzy stuff, where it lies protected and can feed on plant juices.

BOB MORRIS: Plant or pick early to avert squash bugs

August 8, 2011 - 11:19 pm

Question: Every year, my zucchini plants are infested and destroyed by gray-colored beetles. How do I get rid of the beetles?

Most fig trees are self-fertile, thrive in Las Vegas Valley

August 1, 2011 - 11:17 pm

Nearly all figs are self-fertile, and all the figs I have tested in our climate do well. It is just a matter of your preference in taste.

Early harvest, fencing protect fruit from birds

July 25, 2011 - 11:16 pm

Early harvesting and installing special netting to protect trees are the best ways to beat birds to eating your fruit.

Sun bakes apples if shade is lacking

July 18, 2011 - 11:17 pm

Anna apples will do better if they are shaded by the eight canopy of the tree and not exposed directly to sunlight all day long.

Worms controllable but not preventable

July 11, 2011 - 11:17 pm

Just because plants are labeled as nematode resistant doesn’t guarantee that they will be resistant to the microscopic worms.

Summon bees to assist with summer squash

July 4, 2011 - 11:17 pm

A lack of squash development may be due to poor pollination, which is most likely because of cool weather and poor bee activity.

Steps help make the most of compost

June 27, 2011 - 11:17 pm

The ingredients and methods for composting are the same regardless of where you live, but those who reside in the Southwest may want to consider a few additional suggestions.

Pecan trees’ shade is too water-costly

June 20, 2011 - 11:18 pm

Pecan trees will do well in this climate, but I would not recommend them as a shade tree in the desert.

Pruning boosts trees’ productivity

By BOB MORRISGARDENING

June 16, 2011 - 1:16 am

Iris corms tend to be late bloomers

June 13, 2011 - 11:18 pm

In many cases, an iris needs a year or sometims more to get established before it will bloom. Much depends on the size of the rhizome that was planted and how it was planted.

Iris corms tend to be late bloomers

BOB MORRIS

June 13, 2011 - 11:18 pm

In many cases, an iris needs a year or sometims more to get established before it will bloom. Much depends on the size of the rhizome that was planted and how it was planted.

Use semi-rotten veggies to eat away at pillbugs

June 7, 2011 - 8:59 am

Question: I have voracious pillbugs eating my tomato plants, starting at the stalk at ground level. These are the bugs that resemble armadillos and can roll themselves into a ball. Is there anything I can do to protect the plants or get rid of the bugs?

Beans have rotten time in cool spring

May 31, 2011 - 10:59 am

Bean plants could suffer collar rot when springtime weather is cool and causes soil to retain moisture.

Peaches, apricots available at orchard

By BOB MORRISGARDENING

May 26, 2011 - 1:08 am