Japanese Beetle Control: Nematodes vs. Milky Spore

Both nematodes (Heterorhabditis) and milky spore take years to reduce grubs; beetles fly in from neighbors. Apply nematodes Aug-Sept with irrigation. Neighborhood-wide treatment needed for real impact. See Japanese Beet

Resurrection Fern on Trees: Harmless Epiphyte

Resurrection fern turns brown in drought, greens instantly with rain. Its a fascinating, harmless epiphyte—no tree damage. Enjoy it! See Transplanting Resurrection Fern.

Growing Bell Peppers from Store-Bought Seeds: Unreliable

Store peppers are picked before seeds mature. Buy fresh seed packets for reliable germination.

Mountain Laurel Care: Organic Fertilizer and Selective Pruning

Rake leaves, apply Milorganite, cottonseed meal, or composted chicken manure. Then selectively prune over several years to rejuvenate from base.

Orchid Scale: Persistent Pest

Reddish-brown scale on orchid leaves recurs after alcohol wiping. See linked resource (broken) for control. Isolate plant, treat with horticultural oil or systemic insecticide.

Mulch Dye Touch-Up: Barkbrite Source

For faded red mulch, Barkbrite sells dye for touch-up.

Planting After Opossum Decomposition: Safe with Soil Mixing

Thoroughly mix soil under carcass into surrounding area—natures way. For absolute safety, remove suspect soil, wash harvest.

Aralia Pruning and Propagation: Polyscias Basics

For parsley and dinnerplate aralias (Polyscias), see Polyscias care guides for pruning and propagation techniques.

Grass for Occasionally Flooded Areas: Fescue Limited

Fescue is only evergreen turf but dislikes saturation. If flooding is occasional, compaction may be the real issue. Consider improving drainage first. See Flooded Lawns.

Winter Horticultural Oil: Mild Weather Not a Problem

Horticultural oil is safe in mild weather; damage occurs in freezing or extreme heat/humidity. Check label, but mild winter days are fine for scale treatment. See Horticultural oils.

Overwintering Strawberry Pots: Move Outdoors Now

Strawberries in pots need winter sun. Move to sheltered spot outdoors now; dont keep in basement.

Lake Management: Consult Experts for Clay Fill Staining

Red clay fill staining irrigation water needs professional lake management. Contact: GA DNR pond list, Aquatic Environmental Services, Derry Stockbridge (aquaticrestoration.net), Rich Carter (Pondscapes Atlanta), Cla All

St. Augustine Grass in North Georgia: New Varieties, Clay Soil

Old recommendations against St. Augustine north of Macon were based on sandy soils and older varieties. On clay with Raleigh and Palmetto, it thrives in Atlanta. My own 4-year lawn proves it.

Deodar Cedar Decline: Wet Feet Fatal

Yellowing and needle drop on one Deodar cedar indicates root rot from poor drainage. They hate wet feet. If planted in soggy soil, recovery is unlikely. Tree probably beyond saving.

Donkey Manure for Vegetable Gardens: Age It Well

Donkey manure is safe for food gardens if aged until no ammonia smell remains. Compost thoroughly before use.

Planting Tree Over Ground Stump: Offset Planting Best

Stump grinders leave deep roots. Planting directly over risks subsidence as stump rots. Plant new tree 2+ feet away on solid ground.

Feral Chickens: Trap and Relocate

Build a 4x4x4 ft chicken wire cage with 1 ft entry funnelled by stiff wires (push in, cant push out). Bait with corn/sunflower seeds. Wild birds attract chickens. Donate caught chickens to Oakhurst Community Garden.

Pesticides Stored Near Food: Grocery Store Hazard

A grocery displayed fire ant poison between chocolates and stuffed animals—dangerous and illegal. Report to Georgia Dept of Agriculture. Never store pesticides near food. note the blue bags of fire ant poison between th

Natural Pesticides: Not Proven Effective

Natural pesticides (25b exempt) arent required to prove efficacy. Some work (citrus oil for weeds), but many are untested. EPA doesnt regulate efficacy for non-health claims. Consumer caution advised. citrus oil has wor

Brown Recluse Spider in Georgia: Rare and Overdiagnosed

Brown recluse spiders are rare in Georgia—only 26 of 159 counties documented. Most suspected specimens are other spiders. Bites cause necrosis rarely; many lesions misattributed. Dont panic; seek professional ID if conce