UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- How Is The Rain Affecting My Rutabagas? What Are These Holes On My Hostas And These Bugs On My Begonias? How About The Spots On My Spinach? Should I Fertilize My Forsythia? Gardening Fans With Such Questions Can Get Answers At The Landscape, Lawn And Garden Tent At Penn State's Ag Progress Days, Aug. 17-19.

Visitors can ask the experts questions on landscaping, horticulture, entomology, plant pathology and turfgrass. You can learn about new products and get tips on managing your landscape and garden plants. Additional advice will be available on indoor plants, flowers, tree and small fruits, woody ornamentals and vegetables.

"Penn State faculty and cooperative extension educators will be on hand to help diagnose your plant and pest problems," says Erick DeWolf, assistant professor of plant pathology. "If we don't know the answer, we'll try to steer you to a source of additional information."

Visitors are encouraged to bring samples of turf, plants, diseases or insects to receive an on-the-spot evaluation.

Professional growers and home gardeners interested in cut flowers can learn about varieties, weed control and business opportunities. More than 50 perennial varieties for cut flower use and 25 container gardens planted with different mixtures of annuals will be on display. Flower arranging demonstrations will be held daily in the tent at noon and 2 p.m., with an additional demonstration at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Visitors can get information on starting and managing field-grown cut flowers, or just enjoy a few quiet minutes walking through the flower beds.

Penn State's Ag Progress Days is held at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, nine miles southwest of State College on Route 45. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 17; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 18; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 19. Admission and parking are free.

For more information, call 800-PSU-1010 toll-free until August 19 or visit the Ag Progress Days Web site at http://apd.cas.psu.edu. EDITORS: Contact Erick DeWolf at 814-865-7448 or by e-mail at edd10@psu.edu.

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Writer/Editor: Chuck Gill Office 814-863-2713 FAX 814-863-9877