Shake plants to dislodge Japanese beetles

Q. I keep spraying and picking off Japanese beetles and they keep coming back.

A. Gardeners are all too familiar with how Japanese beetles can demolish a garden overnight, especially roses and grapes.

The only nonchemical method of getting rid of these pests is by picking off or knocking the beetles from plants into a bucket of soapy water. For easier handpicking, spread out a sheet under infested plants in the morning. Shake the plants and the beetles will fall onto the sheet. Dump them into a bucket of soapy water. Dew on their wings in the morning keeps them from flying away. The cooler air also makes them more lethargic.

Forget about traps. They end up inviting more beetles to your garden. Since the damage the beetles cause is primarily aesthetic, the plant is rarely killed. However, if you want to protect your favorite rose or other beetle-loving plant, try covering them with floating row covers.

Help! I have several tall sedum plants that have been established for about 10 years. Until about two or three years ago they were perfect. It seems like the center of the plant is dead. I think they need some nutrients. I was told they need to be divided.

A. It sounds like your sedum is in need of dividing. Sedum should be divided when the center of the clump no longer has stems growing from it and it looks like it is dying out.

Dividing the plant at this time will help keep the plant vigorous. Spring is the best time to divide sedum.

Also, to prevent sedum from flopping, don't over-water or over-fertilize and make sure they get full sun.

Also, try pinching back sedum in June. This will produce a nice compact plant, and help prevent the plant from flopping.

• Provided by Mary Boldan, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener. Send questions to Ask a Master Gardener, c/o Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 W. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016, (847) 298-3502 or via e-mail to cookcountymg@sbcglobal.net.