Debugging Houseplants Before Bringing Them Indoors

An old neighbors cigar fumigation method for debuging houseplants is colorful folklore, but modern horticulture offers safer, more reliable approaches. Before moving scheffleras and other tropicals inside for winter, con

Using Glyphosate Safely Near Valuable Trees

Controlling a privet hedge growing beneath a mature oak requires precision. Glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup and similar products) is primarily absorbed through foliage, but it can damage trees if it contacts

Top-Dressing Perennial Beds: The Lime and Cottonseed Meal Formula

Top-dressing perennial beds with a blend of soil conditioner, mushroom compost, and steer manure is an excellent practice for maintaining soil structure and fertility. Two amendments can further optimize this mix: lime a

Secondary Poisoning Risks: When Predators Eat Poisoned Rodents

The concern about birds of prey or pets consuming poisoned rats is valid, but the risk varies significantly depending on the rodenticide used. Understanding the differences can help you make safer choices. How Rodentici

Overwintering Angel Trumpets: In-Ground vs. Container Strategies

When angel trumpets (Brugmansia) become too large to move indoors, planting them in a protected microclimate near the house foundation can work—but its a gamble in regions with freezing winters. For insurance, propagate

Fig Sap and Sun Sensitivity: A Hidden Garden Hazard

Pruning a fig bush without skin protection can lead to a painful surprise. Fig sap contains compounds that make skin extremely sensitive to sunlight—a condition known as phytophotodermatitis. When sap-coated skin is expo

Chipping Poison Ivy Vines: Safety First

Dealing with a massive poison ivy vine on a dead pine sapling requires caution, especially when a chipper is involved. The urushiol oil that causes poison ivys infamous rash does eventually break down, but the timeline i

Perfect Timing: Laying Fescue Sod in Late Winter

If youre wondering whether its too late to install fescue sod, the answer is reassuring: anytime from now through March is an excellent window. Fescue is a cool-season grass that does the majority of its root development

Planting a Flowering Cherry Tree in Late Winter: A Memorial Tribute

Planting a flowering cherry tree on February 24th to honor a departed friend is a beautiful gesture, and the timing is actually quite suitable. Several excellent cherry varieties thrive when planted in late winter, provi

Pecan Tree Cavity Near House: Call an Arborist

An expanding cavity at the base of a large pecan near a home is a serious hazard. Hire an ISA-certified arborist for a risk assessment. Find local consultants at bit.ly/treehealth.

Diagnosing Sudden Leaf Drop on Dahoon Holly

Dahoon holly (Ilex cassine) needs consistent moisture—native to swamps. Three weeks without rain plus only 12 min drip 3x/week may have dried it out. Check trunk base for damage. It prefers moist soil; in drier sites, cr

Repurposing Loader Tracks for Raised Garden Beds

Used rubber loader tracks could make durable, curved raised beds. No evidence they leach toxins after heavy use. Recycling them is creative and eco-friendly—worth a trial if you can verify theyre clean.

Month-by-Month Vegetable Planting Guide for Georgia

UGA Extension offers free publications on planning and timing vegetable gardens for continuous harvest. All resources compiled at bit.ly/UGAgardening.

Weed Control in Asparagus Beds Without Harming Spears

Harvest asparagus for 3 weeks, then cut all spears below ground. Spot-spray weeds with glyphosate (shielded) or use labeled herbicides. This cleans the bed without damaging crowns. Full details at UGA extension.

Heeling In Shrubs During Construction Delays

Dig a trench 1 ft deep, line bottom with bricks to keep pots above water. Place plants, pack leaves around pots, water evergreens on windy days. Plant as soon as grading allows.

Winter Poison Ivy Removal and Rash Prevention

Urushiol oil persists on dead vines and roots for years. Winter removal still causes rashes. For large roots, wait until spring, then spray sprouts with herbicide repeatedly. Never burn poison ivy—smoke carries the oil.

Horticulture Careers for Landscape Grads

Landscape firms are hiring. Compile a list of south-metro companies and apply directly. Additional career paths and resources are available through extension and industry groups.

Mustard Greens for Salads: Varieties and Prep

Southern Giant, Giant Red, and Japanese Mizuna add a pleasant peppery tingle to salads. Chop leaves finely rather than using whole for better texture and flavor distribution.

Starting Tomato Seeds Indoors: Timing for Georgia

Start tomato seeds 6–8 weeks before last frost. For middle Georgia (last frost ~March 20), sow in late January to early February. Use a quality seed-starting mix, provide warmth and light. Harden off before transplanting

Using Egg Cartons as Seed Starters

Paper egg cartons work well for starting seeds. Before transplanting, crumble the cell slightly to break up the pulp, allowing roots to escape. Cover the top edge with soil to prevent wicking. Pre-slicing cells with scis