Gardening Q and A
Rat and Mouse – Poisons
Q: Is there a rat poison that keeps the dead rodent from smelling? I was told that one formula contains formaldehyde, which preserves the body. A: It is a false conception that rat poisons dry out the animal. Several of...
Flying Squirrel – In Birdhouse
Q: This weekend while cleaning up my backyard I encountered an unexpected resident in our bluebird house. I cannot see the tail or markings. I look forward to your reply. A: You have a flying squirrel! They commonly make their...
Rat and Mouse – Control
Q: Do you know of any Internet sites that discuss control of rodents? A: The key to controlling outdoor rodents like rats, squirrels and chipmunks is to understand carrying capacity and seasonality. Every landscape has the capacity to support a...
Hairy Bittercress – Identification
Q: I can’t seem to identify this weed and its properties. I have it in centipedegrass even though I put down fall and spring pre-emergent. How do I go about treating it? A: It’s hairy bittercress. I’m surprised you got...
Japanese ligustrum – Identification
Q: This tree was on our lot when we built the house. In winter it has a lot of berries. Any idea what it might be? A: It’s Japanese ligustrum, Ligustrum japonicum. You’re probably very familiar with Chinese ligustrum, Ligustrum...
Hydroponic Lettuce Using a Plastic Tub
Q: I saw your TV show about growing lettuce in a plastic tub. Can you give more details? A: Tom Wichman, Master Gardener coordinator in Florida, introduced me to the concept. He got all of his information...
Cicada and Katydid – Identification by Sound
Q: Some of my friends say the loud chorus of chirping sounds at night is tree frogs and others say it is cicadas. Do you know? A: I think you were hearing annual cicadas and katydids singing in the treetops.....
Kimberly Queen Fern
Q: I planted Kimberly Queen ferns in my shaded garden last year and they were beautiful until the ice storm hit. They, of course, died shortly thereafter, but I am noticing that there are green grape-like things on the ground...
Daphne – Wilt
Q: My daphne looks like it is wilting. I watered it but it does not look any better. How can I save it? A: You probably can’t save it. Daphne is very susceptible to a disease called Phytophthora, which infects...
Pampas Grass – Remove
Q: How do I get rid of two large pampas grass plants? Can I burn them? Dig them up? A: Burning is usually not successful because the roots are protected by soil. I’d chop them down to six inches tall...
Cypress Mulch – Problems
Q: Is cypress mulch good for roses? Would it have any bad effects? A: Cypress mulch won’t hurt your roses but I hope you won’t buy any more of it. One of the causes of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina...
Grape – Black Rot Disease
Q: What’s wring with my grapes? This is the second year in a row. They get about 1/4 inch in diameter, turn black and fall off. A: Your grapes have a disease called black rot. Its first symptom is small...
Gourd – Drying
Q: Where can I find how to dry and utilize gourds? A: Allow your gourds to ripen on the vine. The best way to determine they are ripe is to wait for the stem to wither in cooler weather. Clean...
Tomato – Cracking Fruit
Q: I have tomatoes planted in whiskey barrels on my porch (full sun). They got pruned a little in hopes of having some bigger fruit. Both barrels show signs like this – but only on some fruit. Any help would...
Pokeweed (Poke Sallet)
Q: The Yankees in our Sunday School class at First Baptist Church of Buford are not familiar with the Southern plant known as poke salad. Do you know the correct spelling and if there is a scientific name for it?...
Virginia copperleaf – Identification
Q: What is this weed in my garden? A: Virginia copperleaf, Acalypha...
Crabgrass – Identification
Q: What is this weed in my bermuda lawn? A: It’s crabgrass. If you want to be sure, wait until it puts up a...
Thermal Blue Bluegrass – Where to Buy
Q: Where can I get Thermal Blue Bluegrass seed? A: Delta Landscape Supply in Norcross has Hybrid Power a mixture of Fescue and 10% Thermal Blue. They also have straight Thermal Blue. Their # is...
