Identifying Mockernut Hickory

Reader Request Help identifying a backyard tree from photos; National Arbor Day Foundation key didnt work. Expert Identification Certified arborist Shannon Pable confirms: Mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa). Reference:

Soil Sterilization for Vegetable Gardens: Is It Necessary?

Reader Inquiry Father wants to sterilize 800 sq ft of vegetable gardens with dazomet/basamid, concerned crop rotation isnt effective. Cannot find products locally. Expert Opinion Sterilization is rarely needed unless ne

White Meat Inside Tomatoes: Causes and Solutions

Problem Large tomatoes have excessive white, hard tissue inside when fully ripe. Tiny tomatoes are unaffected. Expert Analysis Initial thought: high heat. Updated view: low potassium in leaves due to cloudy weather and

Using Pre-emergents in a Fall Vegetable Garden

Reader Question Can a pre-emergent herbicide be applied now (late summer) to a plot where turnip greens and spinach will be planted in late September or early October? Weeds overwhelm the patch every year. Expert Guidan

Removing Concrete Dust from Plants

Emergency Situation Concrete saw dust covers liriope, hosta, azaleas, impatiens, and iris after a driveway replacement. Concern about leaf burn and soil pH changes. Immediate Action Wash the dust off leaves as soon as p

Coastal Bermuda Grass as a Lawn: Pros and Cons

Question What are the pros and cons of using Coastal Bermuda grass for a lawn? Expert Assessment Con: Must be planted from sprigs—no seed or sod available. Pro: Could keep horses or cows happy in your front yard. Likel

Planting and Caring for Dwarf Mondo Grass

Reader Questions Can container plants be split or must they be planted as a unit? Does it spread? Can it be dug up and transplanted? When to plant? What fertilizer to use? (Fulton County) Expert Advice Split the plant

Repotting Rabbit's Foot Fern: Handling Fuzzy Rhizomes

Reader Question How to repot a Rabbits Foot fern when the fuzzy rhizomes have grown around and under the hanging basket? Concerned about breakage. Can the rhizomes be cut to propagate new plants? Expert Reference See th

Growing Sweet Peas in Atlanta

Question Can sweet peas be grown in Roswell (Atlanta area)? If so, when should seeds be started? Answer Yes, both flowering and edible sweet peas thrive here. Plant seeds in early February in very rich, well-drained soi

European Beech Survival in Atlanta's Heat

Question Can a tri-colored European beech (Fagus sylvatica) survive and thrive in Atlanta? Are there special planting considerations? Expert Answer According to specialists, European beech cannot tolerate Atlantas inten

Winter Care for Citrus Trees in Georgia

Reader Inquiry A gardener in Lake Park, GA (near the Florida border) has orange, grapefruit, and lemon trees that bear fruit but seeks guidance on winter pruning, fertilizing, and watering. Expert Resources Refer to the

Converting a Swimming Pool into a Garden Pond

Project Overview A homeowner in Fayetteville wants to transform a partially restored Gunite swimming pool (currently holding 20,000 gallons of rainwater) into a garden area with a small wildlife pond. Drainage and Fill

Propane-Powered Mosquito Traps: A Humorous Take

Reader Question When subscribers to the Georgia Gardener newsletter were asked about their experiences with propane-powered mosquito traps, one unexpected response stood out: Does a propane powered mosquito get better ga

Windmill Palm Seed Propagation: Detailed Steps from LSU

Seed Handling Plant ripe seeds immediately—viability drops in 2–3 weeks. Soak seeds, remove fleshy coat. Scarify hard coats to speed germination. Plant in sterile medium (½ peat, ½ sand/perlite/vermiculite) at depth equ

Florida Betony Control: The Rattlesnake Weed Challenge

Why Its Tough Florida betony (rattlesnake weed) has tuberous roots resembling a rattlesnakes tail. Its a mint family member thats extremely persistent in beds. Two Strategies Nuclear Option: Remove all desirable plants

Moss Lawn Care: Weed Control, Transplanting, and No Rye Overseeding

Weed Control (Theresa Schrum) Broadleaf weeds: Weed-B-Gon. Pre-emergent in spring and fall. Grassy weeds: Roundup at half strength (may temporarily discolor moss). Transplanting Scoop up moss and place on bare ground.

Amur Maple Seed Production: Annual Reality

The Hangers-On Amur maple (Red Rhapsody) produces winged seeds (samaras) every year. Theyre a natural part of the trees life cycle. The brilliant fall color may compensate for the seed litter.

Hibiscus Winter Care: Tropical vs. Hardy Types

Know Your Hibiscus Tropical: Glossy deep green leaves, 3–6 flowers in red, pink, orange, yellow, doubles. Not hardy below zone 9. Must come indoors before nights drop below 40–45°F. Hardy (Perennial): Dull medium green

Rafus Palm Indoor Care: Refer to Indoor Palms Guide

Troubleshooting Repotting into a larger container often causes issues. Browning leaf tips and yellowing suggest watering or root problems. Reference See Indoor Palms for detailed care guidelines on watering, fertilizing

Curry Leaf Plant Propagation: Seeds and Suckers

From Seed Pick purple-black seeds in autumn. Remove green peel by scoring. Plant seed (without peel) in potting soil mixed with river sand at 80–90°F. From Suckers Detach suckers at base of plant and replant.