Ask Us
Got Gardening Questions?
Visit or call the Hotline
Tuesday 9am-12pm
Call: 530-552-5812
Or drop by: The Butte County Cooperative Extension Office
5 County Center Drive
Oroville, CA 95965
Email Us
Email your questions to us at mgbutte@ucanr.edu. Include a description and photos of the problem. See "Help Us Help You" below for what to include.
Catch us in person
Look for us at local farmers markets or at one of our information booths at community events. Check out where we'll be on the Events page.
Help Us Help You
You never can tell what's at the root of the problem. Below are some questions we may ask when you contact us:
- Name of plant
- Age of plant
- Soil type (loam, sandy, clay)
- Current watering methods (drip, sprinkler, hand)
- Frequency of watering
- Sun exposure
- Evidence of insects or other damage – check on both sides of leaves
- Recent changes that may effect the plant (watering, fertilizing)
Samples and photos related to your question are strongly encouraged. Drop them by the office any time, or email them to: mgbutte@ucanr.edu
What’s Hot Now?
For the past several weeks I have noticed a white powdery substance on some of the leaves of my young crape myrtle. What is it, will it harm my tree, and how can I get rid of it?
The problem here is powdery mildew, a fungus called Erysiphe lagerstroemiae. The spores of this fungus are easily spread by the wind and take up residence on plants in warm and damp, humid and/or shady conditions. Crape myrtles, especially young ones or those stressed by heat or drought, are commonly infected. Suckers emerging from the base of the tree or shrub are especially susceptible. The best solution is to plant a crape myrtle in full sun, never water it from above (keep the sprinkler away from it!), remove any shoots or suckers when they appear, and prune the canopy carefully to ensure ample airflow. To combat a current case of powdery mildew, turn to neem oil, which is a safe alternative to chemical solutions and will not harm pollinators or other beneficial insects. Mix 4 teaspoons neem oil and 1 teaspoon castile soap in 1 gallon of warm water, and spray on the infected areas of your crape myrtle every 7 days until symptoms abate.