Where to Get Pecans Shelled in Georgia

Two reliable Georgia pecan shelling services: Akins Feed and Seed, Griffin — 770-227-4914 Stone Mountain Pecan, Monroe — 770-207-6486 Call ahead for hours, minimum quantities, and pricing. Many shellers operate seasona

Birds Eating Sweetgum Leaves? It's Actually Caterpillars

Birds stripping sweetgum leaves are hunting sweetgum defoliator caterpillars (Paectes abrostoloides), not eating foliage. Hawks grabbing leaf fragments are snagging caterpillars clinging to them. The Cycle Small brown m

Broomsedge Control in Pastures: Management Over Herbicides

Broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus) is a native perennial grass that invades overgrazed, low-fertility pastures. No selective herbicide controls it well—management is the solution. Integrated Control Strategy Soil test &

Immature Acorns: The "Paired Droppings" Under Oak Trees

Those paired, stem-tipped structures falling in June are immature acorns aborted by the tree—not some bizarre botanical anatomy. Why Trees Drop Immature Acorns Oaks (and many trees) shed excess fruit in early summer to b

"Pregnant Onion": Two Plants, One Confusing Name

Pregnant onion refers to two completely different plants—one edible, one ornamental. 1. Multiplier Onion (Allium cepa var. aggregatum) Edible perennial onion forming clusters of small bulbs around a mother bulb. Also ca

American Persimmon: Native Fruit Tree Identification and Care

Your tree is American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), a valuable native species. Plum-sized fruits ripen orange-brown in fall, famously astringent until fully soft. Key Characteristics Native, dioecious (male/female t

Allamanda Vine Seed Pods: Identification and Propagation

Allamanda produces spiny, round seed pods resembling sweetgum balls. They contain winged seeds but propagation from seed is unreliable. Seed Pod Facts Pods mature from green to brown, then split open. Seeds are flat wit

Deterring Pigeons from Roosting on Your Roof

Pigeons roost where food and nesting sites are available. Address the root causes, then apply physical deterrents. Eliminate Attractants Ask neighbors to clean spilled birdseed—attracts pigeons AND rats. Secure trash, p

Controlling Water Clover (Marsilea) in Ponds

Water clover (Marsilea quadrifolia) resembles four-leaf clover and spreads aggressively in shallow water. Two aquatic herbicides provide effective control. Approved Treatments Diquat (Reward, others) — contact herbicide

Groundhog Control: Fencing and Trapping Strategies

Groundhogs (woodchucks) devastate gardens quickly. In north Georgia, theyre common and persistent. Exclusion and removal are the only reliable controls. Effective Fence Design Height: 36 inches above ground. Buried dept

Plants for Fluctuating Lake Shorelines: Surviving Flood and Drought

Lake Nottelys 20-foot drawdown creates an extreme environment: months underwater, then baked dry. Few plants tolerate both, but some bog-adapted species can bridge the gap. Top Candidates for the Drawdown Zone Yellow fl

Why 'Bloodgood' Japanese Maple Leaves Turn Green in Summer

Bloodgood Japanese maples naturally shift from springs deep red to summers bronzy-green, especially in shade. This isnt a problem—its genetics and light response. The Science Red pigments (anthocyanins) protect young lea

Prometon Soil Sterilant: Why Your Azalea Bed Won't Grow for Years

Prometon (Pramitol, others) is a non-selective soil sterilant—not a lawn weed killer. It prevents all plant growth for 6 months to 3+ years. Applying it where you want azaleas was a critical label violation. Why Its So P

Pyrethrin Exposure: Allergic Reaction and Carpet Decontamination

Inhaling pyrethrin dust during vacuuming can trigger severe respiratory reactions in sensitive individuals. Immediate action is needed to remove residue and protect health. Immediate Steps Ventilate the apartment thorou

How to Clean Herbicide Residue from a Garden Sprayer

Cross-contamination from herbicide residue is a leading cause of accidental plant damage. Dedicate one sprayer solely to herbicides and another to insecticides/fungicides. If you must clean a contaminated sprayer, follow

Choosing an Electric Heater for Your Greenhouse: Efficiency Myths and Realities

All electric resistance heaters are 100% efficient at converting electricity to heat—watt for watt, they produce identical BTU output. A 1500-watt ceramic heater, oil-filled radiator, or basic foot warmer all deliver 5,1

Planting Vegetables After Brush Killer: Soil Residue Risks

Whether vegetables can safely follow brush killer application depends entirely on the specific herbicide used. Most lawn herbicides degrade within 6 months, but some persist for years. Herbicide Persistence Categories S

Science Fair Project: Testing Nitrogen Effects on Bean Growth

Designing a controlled experiment on nitrogens effect on bean plant height? Heres a precise, reproducible method using individual fertilizer components to isolate nitrogen as the variable. Materials Urea (46-0-0) — nitr

Does Birdseed Go Bad? Why Birds Ignore Your Feeder

Birdseed doesnt go bad in a way that deters birds—their taste buds are far less sensitive than humans. If your new feeder sits empty, the seed isnt the problem. Real Reasons Birds Stay Away Abundant natural food: Mild w

Managing a Dead Deer: Odor Control and Natural Decomposition

Discovering a deer carcass on your property is unpleasant, but proper management minimizes odor, flies, and groundwater concerns. The poultry industrys composting methods offer an effective, low-effort solution. Recommen