Early Blight on Tomatoes: Why Serenade May Fail

Q: Early blight is overwhelming my tomatoes despite Serenade sprays. What else works? A: Early blight starts when soil splashes onto lower leaves and moves upward. UGA pathologist Elizabeth Little notes Serenade (contain

Identifying the Nursery Web Spider

Q: Can you identify this spider from my garden? A: UGA spider expert Lisa Ames identifies it as a nursery web spider, likely Pisaurina mira. Its harmless. Similar images: BugGuide Spiders and species info with color vari

Fasciated Sago Palm: Unusual Flat Stem Growth

Q: Whats wrong with this sago palm? A: This is a fasciated sago palm—a rare but known phenomenon where stems become flattened and ribbon-like. Causes include bacterial infection or genetic mutation. Its a fascinating odd

Urban Gardening Rules in Fulton County, Georgia

Q: What are the regulations for urban farming/gardening in Fulton County? Do we need a permit for a vegetable garden? A: The Atlanta City Council passed an Urban Ag Zoning Ordinance in June, applicable only within city l

Growing Salsify (Oyster Plant) in the South

Q: Can salsify be grown in Georgia? We loved it at Shaker Village in Kentucky. A: Salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius) is a biennial root vegetable with a flavor reminiscent of oysters. It thrives in the Northeast and Europe

Evaluating 'Black Beauty' Fescue Seed

Q: What can you tell me about Black Beauty fescue seed for a nice lawn? A: Black Beauty is a brand of tall fescue blends. The maker makes many claims, but Ive found no university research comparing it to other fescue mix

River Birch Planted Near House: Root vs. Branch Concerns

Q: My river birch is 16 feet from the house. Should I remove it before roots damage the foundation? A: Roots are unlikely to be the problem—branches are. Mature river birches reach 70 feet tall and 30 feet wide, often da

Dwarf Mondo Grass: No Winter Cover Needed

Q: My yard crew covers dwarf mondo grass with leaves each fall for cold protection. Is this necessary? A: Remove leaves regularly. They trap moisture on stems, promoting disease. This evergreen is fully winter-hardy and

Organic Control of Mexican Bean Beetles

Q: Mexican bean beetles devastated my green and butter beans. Hand-picking failed. I prefer organic methods but need help. A: Both yellow bristly larvae and ladybug-like adults skeletonize leaves. For organic control, co

Greenhouse Gardening: Site Selection and Essentials

Q: I built a greenhouse and need guidance for growing vegetables and flowers. A: A greenhouse is a joy—nothing beats warm blooms in winter! Site selection is critical; a good location saves hundreds in heating/cooling co

Pruning Azaleas: Timing for Next Year's Blooms

Q: Rain kept me out of the garden—is it too late to prune azaleas? A: Pruning now removes most flower buds for next spring. Check branch tips: that tight bud is next years flower. You can remove the tallest, most objecti

Encouraging Ajuga to Spread in Deep Shade

Q: My backyard is too shady for grass, but ajuga thrives. How can I help it spread faster? A: Choose Ajuga reptans varieties for the quickest spread. Ask nursery staff which varieties tangle with neighbors most rapidly.

Growing Meyer Lemon Indoors with a Grow Light

Q: What grow light setup works for a Meyer lemon tree in winter? A: I use a 26-watt (100-watt equivalent) CFL bulb in a reflective clamp fixture, positioned 8 inches above the tree. The plant thrives—it bloomed in Januar

Transplanting Cannas: Wait for Frost for Best Results

Q: My blooming cannas range from 3 to 6 feet tall. Can I transplant the smaller ones now, or must I wait for blooms to finish? A: Cannas transplant best after frost kills the foliage. Cut stems just above soil level, dig

Pruning Mahonia: Balancing Flowers and Form

Q: Is it too late for a hard pruning on mahonia? A: Mahonia offers fragrant yellow flowers in late winter and blue berries that wildlife love, but its spiny foliage can become unruly. If you dont mind sacrificing this ye

Controlling Pennywort in St. Augustine Grass

Q: How can I get rid of pennywort in my St. Augustine lawn? A: Pennywort (like its relative creeping Charlie) is stubborn. Three-way broadleaf weedkillers offer moderate control, but products containing carfentrazone or

Black Mulch Myths: Heat Absorption and Plant Health

Q: I love the look of black mulch, but a neighbor says it absorbs heat and harms plants. Is that true? A: Black mulch is perfectly fine as long as you maintain a proper depth of one to two inches. Deeper layers can trap

Best Time to Spray Weed Control on Fescue Lawns

Q: Should I apply weed killer to my fescue lawn before or after mowing? A: For optimal results, spray weed killer a couple of days after mowing, when weeds are actively growing and recovering from the cut. After spraying

Dealing with Tussock Moth Caterpillars: Safe Removal Tips

Q: While weeding, my wife discovered we have a tussock moth caterpillar problem. How can I treat the area before my kids encounter these fuzzy pests? A: The good news is that most venomous caterpillars appear only for a

Heat-Tolerant Lilacs for Georgia: Low-Chill Varieties to Seek

Lilacs in the South: Its All About Chill Hours Most lilacs need 2,000+ hours below 45°F to bloom—unattainable in Georgia. The solution: plant low-chill cultivars bred for mild winters. Varieties to Request Lavender Lad