Lily of the Valley: Invasive in North, Manageable in South

Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) can be aggressive in cool, moist northern climates but is generally well-behaved in the Souths heat. Plant in shade with consistent moisture. It wont tolerate hot, dry sun.

Co-dominant Trunks on 'Bloodgood' Japanese Maple: To Prune or Not?

20 ft), but Bloodgood Japanese maple stays under 20 ft. Removing a trunk would ruin its natural form. Instead, thin twiggy interior branches for airflow and aesthetics.

Cotton Burr Compost: Why It's Not in Georgia Garden Centers

Cotton burr compost is a byproduct of cotton ginning (seeds, stems, leaves). Its common near gins in the Cotton Belt but rare in Georgia because few gins operate nearby. Locals use cottonseed meal (6-0-1) for nitrogen an

Preventing Fern Caterpillars on Boston Ferns

Fern caterpillars hatch from eggs laid in Florida greenhouses. Spray each fern with Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) when purchased and again in mid-June. B.t. is caterpillar-specific and safe for beneficials.

Rhubarb Flower Stalks: Remove Them, Stalks Are Still Edible

Flowering doesnt make rhubarb stalks toxic. Only the leaves are poisonous. Cut off flower stalks at the base to redirect energy to leaf and root growth. Rhubarb struggles in Southern heat—give it afternoon shade and ampl

Spindly Broccoli Heads: Too Much Nitrogen from Manure

Lush, huge leaves but tiny, spindly heads? Your composted horse and chicken manure delivered a nitrogen overdose. Broccoli shifts to vegetative growth (leaves) when nitrogen is excessive, neglecting flower bud (head) for

Cherry Laurel 'Bright 'n Tight' Establishment Struggles

Spring-planted evergreens often defoliate in their first summer because roots cant keep up with leaf demand. For Bright n Tight cherry laurel: Water deeply during dry spells. Apply light slow-release organic fertilizer

Reverting Variegation on 'Butterfly' Japanese Maple

Solid green shoots on variegated Butterfly Japanese maple are reversions. They grow more vigorously and will take over if not removed. Prune off any all-green branches as soon as you spot them, cutting back to variegate

Overseeding Thin Bermudagrass with Bermuda Seed

To thicken thin bermudagrass, core aerate 3 times in varying directions in early May. Mix 1 lb seed with 5 lbs dry sand/grits per 1000 sq ft for even distribution. Drag carpet or chain-link fence to break cores and cover

That Loud Fan-Like Sound? Periodical Cicadas.

A loud, rasping, mechanical sound from the woods in spring is likely a chorus of periodical cicadas (13-year or 17-year broods). They emerge en masse, molt, climb trees, and males sing to attract mates. The noise can be

Tornado-Snapped Pines: Removal Required

Pines snapped by tornadoes will not regrow limbs like hardwoods. They must be removed for safety. If the standing trunks pose no hazard to structures or people, they can be left as wildlife habitat for woodpeckers and o

Four Keys to Growing Giant Pumpkins

Competing for giant pumpkins? Focus on these four pillars: Full sun - 8+ hours daily. Consistent water & fertilizer - Never let soil dry; feed weekly with balanced fertilizer. Pest management - Scout daily for cucumber

Buying Floating Row Cover for Squash Vine Borer Prevention

Floating row cover (also called freeze cloth or remay) is available at local nurseries and garden centers. Drape it over young squash plants supported by hoops or stakes, sealing edges with soil. Remove when female flowe

Fertilizing Tomatoes with 10-10-10: Rates and Timing

At planting, use just 1 teaspoon of 10-10-10 per plant, mixed into the soil. When fruit sets, apply 3 tablespoons per plant in a ring 6 inches from the stem. Repeat every 4-6 weeks through the season. Always water after

Are Any Crapemyrtles Fragrant? (Correction: Some Are!)

I previously said no crapemyrtles are fragrant, but I was wrong. Several cultivars have noticeable fragrance, including Apalachee, Near East, Natchez, and Muskogee. The scent is often described as light, sweet, or spicy.

Improving Root Zone for Established Japanese Maple

If your Japanese maple was planted in a too-small hole, you can improve the root zone without transplanting. Vertical Mulching Technique Mix 1 pint Milorganite with 1 bag soil conditioner (fine pine bark). Spread thinl

Pruning Tattered Liriope in Late Spring

If liriope looks ragged in May, dont mow it to the ground—new growth tips will be damaged. Instead, use hedge trimmers to remove brown leaves just above the emerging green growth. Fertilize and water after trimming to e

Citronella Plants Don't Repel Mosquitoes—Here's What Works

Despite marketing claims, citronella plants (citrosa geranium, citronella grass) do not release enough oil to repel mosquitoes. Crushing leaves and rubbing on skin may offer brief, minimal protection but can cause skin i

Growing Confederate Jasmine in Containers

Confederate jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) can thrive in large pots, but container size and watering are critical. Container Requirements Minimum 24x24 inches for one vine. Use high-quality potting mix with good

Using Branch Spreaders on Mountain Ash for Better Structure

Branch spreaders, commonly used in apple orchards, can improve crotch angles on young mountain ash trees, reducing future breakage. How to Make and Use Them Cut 3/4-inch dowels to lengths that span from trunk to uprigh