Possum Grape (Ampelopsis cordata): Colorful Vine, Weedy Habit

Three-colored berries (green, pink, blue-black) in September. Birds spread seeds widely. Related to porcelain vine. Both are considered weeds but offer ornamental fruit. possum grape possum grape

Preventing Tomato Fruit Cracking

Cracking follows dry-then-wet cycles: skin hardens in drought, then splits when water surges. Maintain even soil moisture with consistent irrigation and mulch.

Dogwood Blooming in Fall: Stress Response

Fall bloom occurs after summer drought followed by rain. It doesnt significantly reduce spring flowers. Enjoy the unexpected show.

Broom Corn (Sorghum) Volunteers from Bird Seed

Broom corn (Sorghum vulgare) often sprouts from bird feeder spillage. Leave for birds to harvest seed heads, then remove stalks. Distinct from grain sorghum (S. bicolor) used for syrup and feed. broom corn (sorghum)

Spider Lily (Lycoris radiata): The Surprise Hurricane Lily

Blooms appear in late summer/fall without foliage—leaves grew the previous fall/spring but went unnoticed. Plant more bulbs for effect. Divide clumps after flowering fades. spider lily — Lycoris radiata spider lily — Lyc

Native Grassland Planting for Ground Birds on Two Acres

Beyond millet/clover/buckwheat, establish native grasses and forbs: little bluestem, broomsedge, split-beard bluestem, purple lovegrass, switchgrass, plus asters, joe-pye weed, butterflyweed, goldenrod, coneflowers, blac

Giant Ragweed: The Kudzu Competitor

Giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) can outcompete kudzu, forming 9-ft dense stands. Its a native annual; mow or pull before seed set. Glyphosate works on young plants. Despite allergies, its valuable quail habitat. No radi

Pruning 'Limelight' Hydrangea for Stronger Stems

Limelight reaches 6–8 ft; heavy blooms flop if pruned hard annually. Options: (1) Move to spacious site, remove ⅓ oldest stems to 6″ each winter for staggered bloom heights. (2) Keep in place, prune to 6–8″ and use metal

Avocado Seedling Care: Pinch for Bushiness

Pinch the growing tip of the new lateral branch (not the old stem) to force branching. Remove the old brown stem if no swollen buds are visible. Repeat pinching every 8″ of new growth. Result: a full, attractive housepla

Turtlehead (Chelone lyonii): Native Perennial for Damp Shade

Turtlehead thrives in wet spots along streams and ponds, blooming July–September. It dies back in winter, returns vigorously in April. Shear to 8″ when over 12″ tall to prevent flopping and increase flowers. turtlehead,

Bleeding Canker on Tree Trunk: Monitor, Don't Treat

Bleeding canker (fungal, various species) appears as dark, oozing spots, often on sun-exposed sides. No proven cure. Mulch widely to reduce water stress, avoid lawn chemicals near trunk. Healthy trees compartmentalize th

Illegal Tree Removal in DeKalb County: Know the Rules

Every metro county has an arborist enforcing tree protection ordinances. DeKalb specifies allowable removal sizes and numbers. Unaware owners and complicit tree companies violate rules. Report suspected illegal clearing

Spinosad Restriction on Georgia Leafy Greens Explained

Spinosad labels prohibit use on collards, kale, mustard, spinach in GA due to diamondback moth resistance development. Farmers overused SpinTor, selecting resistant populations. Use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) instead fo

Potted Lavender Dying from Bottom Up: Fix Drainage

Root rot from excess moisture is the likely cause. Standard potting soil holds too much water. Repot in 1:1 potting soil:perlite mix in a larger container. Ensure rapid drainage.

Pine Beetle Pitch Tubes: Identify the Borer

3″). Green needles mean the tree is fighting back. No insecticide works; water during drought to boost sap defense. pine beetle pitch tubes pine beetle pitch tubes Black Turpentine Beetle (photo courtesy of Lyle Collins,

Blackberry Dry Cell Syndrome: Cause Unknown, No Cure

Dry, hard drupelets on ripe berries indicate dry cell syndrome. Experts disagree on cause (environmental, viral, nutritional). No specific control exists. Maintain even moisture, avoid stress. Remove affected fruit. blac

Growing Calla Lilies from Seed: A Detailed Guide

Calla seed pods mature into cone-like structures. Wait until kernels turn yellow and mushy, then squish out tiny tuber-like seeds. Sow ¼ inch deep, ½ inch apart, warm and moist. Germination varies from days to a month. B

Identifying Pecan Varieties by Nut Characteristics

No single chart exists, but nut size, shape, shell thickness, and kernel pattern offer clues. The Types of Pecans resource provides comparative photos. For certainty, send samples to UGA Extension.

Georgia Pecan Shelling Services

For 50+ lbs, use commercial shellers: North Georgia Pecans (Athens), Stone Mountain Pecan (Loganville), Jaemor Farms (Lula), Atwell Pecan (Wrens), Gibbs Pecans (Sumner), Akins Feed & Seed (Griffin), or any Georgia Pecan

Pine Needles and Oak Leaves Do Not Acidify Soil

Research confirms: fresh needles and leaves are acidic, but soil buffers pH as they decompose. Long-term mulching with oak leaves or pine straw shows no pH change. The myth persists, but science says otherwise—use them f