Perennial Ryegrass in Dormant Bermuda: Legacy of Overseeding

Purple-stemmed grass in dormant Bermuda is perennial ryegrass from original sod overseeding. It persists a year or two but cant survive Atlanta summers. No action needed—it will die out naturally.

'Autumnalis' Cherry: Winter Blooming Delight

Prunus subhirtella Autumnalis blooms in warm winter spells. Okame cherry blooms early spring but not in winter. A freeze may reduce spring flowers slightly, but the tree remains healthy.

Mud Dauber Control: Seal Cracks, Spray Sparingly

Mud daubers are beneficial (they kill black widows). Seal cracks to prevent entry. If control needed, surface spray cypermethrin, deltamethrin, or permethrin every few weeks. See Pipeorgan Mud Daubers and Mud Daubers.

Christmas Tree Pesticides: IPM Keeps Use Low

Christmas tree growers use Integrated Pest Management (IPM)—scouting and targeted spraying—not blanket applications. This minimizes chemical use and cost. North Carolina reports confirm responsible practices. See Christ

Removing Persimmon Astringency: From Dung Smoke to Ethylene Gas

Unripe persimmons are astringent due to tannins. Curing methods include: Traditional: smoke from burning dung, sake fumes, lime water, CO2 chambers. Modern: ethylene gas (3 days), ethephon dip, alcohol-needle puncture +

Georgia Growing Season Length by City

Average frost-free growing season: Athens: Mar 28 – Nov 8 (224 days) Atlanta: Mar 13 – Nov 12 (243 days) Savannah: Mar 10 – Nov 15 (250 days) Plan vegetable planting accordingly.

USDA Hardiness Zones: Which Map to Trust?

Multiple zone maps exist (1960, 1990, 2003 USDA, Arbor Day, Sunset, AHS Heat Zones). For Georgia, the 1990 USDA map (Zone 7b for metro Atlanta) is widely used. Best: find your zone by ZIP code. Remember—plants dont read

Scale on Privet Hedge: Oil and Systemic Treatment

Peach or euonymus scale on privet requires immediate action: Spray horticultural oil thoroughly now; repeat in March. In March, drench soil with imidacloprid (Bayer Tree & Shrub Insecticide). In May, check control: dead

Turk's Cap Hibiscus: The "Bleeding Heart" of the South

The plant with red and white seed pods is Turks cap hibiscus (Malvaviscus drummondii), also called sleeping hibiscus. Its a perennial shrub with unique folded flowers. See Sleepy Hibiscus, Mexican Turks Cap.

Gardenia Seed Pods: Ornamental and Propagatable

The red pods on gardenias are seed capsules. Gardenia jasminoides Grifs Select is bred for showy fruit. Seeds can be sown in early summer in morning sun/afternoon shade.

Stream Irrigation and Weed Seeds: Unlikely Source

Weed seeds typically float; pump intakes are near the stream bottom. So stream irrigation is unlikely to introduce weeds. More likely, seeds were already in the soil or blew in.

Nonionic Surfactant Substitute: Dishwasher Rinse Aid

For Sedgehammer herbicide, try Cascade Crystal Clear (dishwasher rinse aid) as a nonionic surfactant source. It contains nonionic wetting agents. Use 2 teaspoons per batch; test on a small area first.

Protecting Gardenia radicans in Atlanta Winters

Gardenia radicans is hardy to 10-20°F. In Atlanta, cover with black plastic only if temps threaten to drop below 20°F; otherwise leave uncovered. Recent mild winters have been favorable.

Recycling Clay Pots: Donation Options in Atlanta

Donate clay pots to: Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Fernbank Science Center Greenhouse Extension Master Gardener programs Dunwoody Nature Center Elachee Nature Center Chattahoochee Nature Center Or get creati

Oleander Hardiness in Georgia: Marginal at Best

Oleanders survive brief dips to 20°F but prolonged exposure kills them to the roots. In Conley, GA (Zone 7b), theyre risky; expect dieback most winters.

Grass Over Detention Vault: Engineered Soil Needed

For grass on a concrete vault cover, consult Ernie Higgins at ItSaulNatural (800-301-2887) for lightweight, engineered green roof soil. Proper drainage (weep holes) and soil depth are critical.

Drying Figs: Dehydrator Method

Blanch figs in boiling water 5 minutes, pat dry, halve, place skin-side down on sprayed racks. Dry until pliable, not hard. Store in sterile jars at room temperature—no freezing needed.

Strawberry Plants for Classroom Jars: Sources and Tips

Try Simmons Berry Farm for strawberry plants this time of year. For planting instructions in a strawberry jar, check the websites container gardening section.

Crabgrass in Bahia Grass: Pre-Emergent Only Option

No post-emergent herbicide kills crabgrass without harming Bahia grass. Rely on pre-emergent applied in February and May (in Florida). Hand-pulling and reseeding are the only current remedies.

Leveling Zoysia Lawn: Wait Until Summer

Leveling dormant zoysia in winter risks crown damage from wet soil/sand. Best to wait until early summer when the grass is actively growing and can recover quickly.