Gardening Q and A
Bulbs – Relocating
Q: I am going to be moving to a new home in February. Is it possible to dig up daffodil and tulip bulbs now and relocate them to my new location? A: It’s a piece of cake to move them....
Soil Testing – Using Litmus Paper
Q: Your January articles on soil pH interested me. I recall that back in ancient times when I was studying chemistry at the University of Georgia we used litmus paper. If my soil is stirred in with good neutral well...
Spring Bulbs – When to Plant
Q: I once heard you say that even though spring bulbs were on store shelves you weren’t too excited about gardeners buying and planting them. Is it to late or to early for spring bulb planting? A: Although summer-flowering bulbs...
Bird Mites – Control
Q: We have a wren nesting in a fern-filled hanging basket. I take the basket down to water it carefully every few days. Recently when I watered the fern I was suddenly covered with minute lice-like critters crawling on my...
Asiatic Jasmine
Q: A few years ago a landscape architect used Asiatic jasmine as a ground cover around our pool. Now it has literally taken over everything. Weed killer doesn’t seem to affect it. Any tips on controlling it? A: Asiatic jasmine...
Ant – Control
Q: We are under attack from Argentine ants. Do you have any suggestions for getting rid of these creatures? A: The May rainfall affected ants in two ways: it flooded their nests and it slowed their foraging for food. Little...
Dragonfly – Raising
Q: I am interested in introducing dragonflies into a three acre wetland area on my property to assist with mosquito control. Does this seem feasible, and if so, where do I turn for information on obtaining larvae? A: This promises...
Butterfly Bush – Problems
Q: I have a problem with a butterfly bush that has been very healthy every season until now. One side of it is wilted with all the leaves shriveling. However, all the leaves are still green – none have turned...
Horse – Toxic Plants
Q: I have the perfect area for a new garden on our property! However, the garden site is accessible on two sides to horses leaning over the fence to check out the new plants. Do you know where I can...
Sequoia – Growing
Q: A few years ago, after visiting Sequoia National Park, I talked my parents into planting some giant sequoia seeds. They germinated but they don’t seem to be growing very fast. Most of them are only three inches tall and...
Frogs – Buying
Q: My dad has returned to live on the farm he grew up on in eastern Kentucky. He is a man of few wants but recently he has been complaining about the lack of frogs on the farm now. There...
Nutsedge (Nutgrass) – In Liriope
Q: This weed has a spikey seedhead. It is growing wild in a liriope bed that is in full sun. A: You have yellow nutsedge (nutgrass). The chemical imazaquin (Image for Nutgrass) is labeled for use on some liriope varieties,...
Composted Cow Manure – Planting in It
Q: I have access to composted cow manure. I’ve ammended my vegetable garden with tons of the stuff and the soil is excellent. Can I use this same compost behind a stone wall in a new flower bed, 20 inches...
Leyland Cypress – Substitutes
Q: What are some substitutes for Leyland cypress? A: Theresa Schrum replies: “We usually recommend plants that have a similar appearance and growth habit: Cryptomeria ‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae Eastern Red Cedar and ‘Emerald Green’ Arborvitae (which is smaller:...
Native Plants – Identifying
Q: I would like to purchase a book about identifying native plants of Georgia which includes pictures of them. Any suggestions? A: Start with these excellent downloadable references: Native Plants of North Georgia – A Photo Guide. Native Plants for...
Rhubarb – Growing
Q: Recently moved here from Canada, I really miss growing and harvesting rhubarb for pies and jams. Can it be grown here? A: Transplants to Atlanta from northern climes long for two things: lilacs and rhubarb pie. Both are difficult...
Fragrant Plants
Q: You mentioned daphne in a recent article but can you list other fragrant plants that do well in our climate? A: I don’t think I appreciated the value of landscape fragrance until the last few years in my garden....
Poppy – Planting
Q: When can I plant poppy seeds? A: Poppy seed are most commonly planted in late October. Several kinds of poppy are grown in the South: Shirley poppy (Papaver rhoeas), Iceland poppy (P. nudicaule), Oriental poppy (P. orientale) and the...
