Growing Barley in Georgia: Timing for Grain vs. Juicing

Barley can grow in Georgia but is mainly a hobby crop. For juicing, plant dense trays indoors anytime. For grain, plant in February to harvest in summer; October planting risks winter kill. The gardener’s interest likely

Cedar Waxwings Feasting on Chinese Privet Berries

A photo showed cedar waxwings eating berries of Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense). Though birds love the fruit, privet is a highly invasive weed that forms impenetrable thickets. If found on your property, remove it—bir

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug: Invasive Pest Threatening Georgia Gardens

A homeowner confirmed the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) by its white-banded antennae. This invasive pest damages many fruits and vegetables, aggregates on homes in fall, and enters through cracks. Indoor removal: tra

Squirrels Stripping Maple Twigs: Will the Tree Survive?

When a flock of gray squirrels descends on a maple tree, clipping twigs to eat buds and flowers, it looks alarming—especially if half the twigs are gone. The good news: this pruning rarely kills a healthy tree, though it

Top Seed Companies for Georgia Gardeners (Zone 7)

Finding reliable seed sources is essential for a thriving home garden. Arty Schronce of the Georgia Department of Agriculture recommends starting with the Farmers and Consumers Market Bulletin, which lists affordable, ol

Where Your Wildflower License Tag Money Really Goes

Buying a wildflower license plate seems like a great way to support roadside beautification, but the breakdown might surprise you. For a new tag ($80) or renewal ($55), only $10 goes to the Roadside Enhancement and Beaut

When to Fertilize Hellebores (Lenten Rose) for Best Blooms

Hellebores shine in late winter and early spring, but timing their fertilization is key. The rule of thumb: feed when theyre actively growing. The author applies fertilizer in November when the first new green leaves eme

Build a Waist-High Raised Garden Bed for Easy Access

If bending over to tend a garden is a challenge, a raised bed built at waist height can make gardening enjoyable again. The author shares plans for a Really Raised Bed used for seed propagation, sheltering young plants,

How to Estimate the Number of Leaves on Your Tree

If youre surrounded by towering trees and feel like youve raked a million leaves—with more still clinging to the branches—you might wonder just how many leaves a single tree holds. While counting each one is impossible,

Gardenia Varieties: Choosing by Size, Hardiness, and Bloom Season

Gardenias are grouped by height. ‘August Beauty’ (4–6 ft) is vigorous, blooms heavily in June, and is often called “everblooming” because it flowers on new growth. ‘Kleim’s Hardy’ and ‘Daisy’ (2–3 ft) are more cold-hardy

Why Pyracantha Failed to Berry: Pruning at the Wrong Time

A three-year-old pyracantha trained around a light pole had no berries while others were loaded. The likely cause: winter pruning removed the previous year’s growth, which bears the spring flowers that become fruit. Pyra

Silverfish Control: Reduce Humidity and Target Hiding Places

Silverfish thrive in high humidity. First, fix moisture issues: cover crawl spaces, use bathroom and kitchen fans. They damage paper, book glue, and cellulose lint. Sticky traps (for roaches/fleas) catch them. Sprays wit

Ortho Home Orchard Spray Discontinued: Replacement Products for Plum Trees

Scotts discontinued Ortho Home Orchard Spray. Ashton Ritchie from Scotts Miracle-Gro recommends two separate products: Ortho MAX Garden Disease Control Concentrate (chlorothalonil/Daconil) for fungal diseases, and Ortho

Reviving 20-Year-Old Tomato Seeds: Tips for Germinating Heirloom Treasures

A container of tomato seeds from 1993 was found after a parent’s death. Vegetable expert Daryl Pulis shares heirloom growers’ tricks: soak seeds in a weak fertilizer solution (a pinch of Miracle-Gro per glass of water) f

Identifying Mushrooms, Lichens, and Fungi in Georgia

Resources for Fungal Identification A hiker wants to learn to identify mushrooms, lichens, and fungi encountered on trails. While not a mycologist, the author recommends connecting with experts and using reliable referen

Canada Green Grass Seed: Not a Miracle for Southern Lawns

What Is Canada Green? Advertised as a year-round green grass that withstands sub-zero temperatures, Canada Green is a blend of annual ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and creeping red fescue. These cool-season grasses perfo

Azalea Sports: When a Branch Blooms a Different Color

What Is an Azalea Sport? Occasionally an azalea produces a “sport”—a branch with flowers of a different color than the parent plant. This natural mutation can be an improvement or a plain-looking bloom. Keen gardeners wa

Growing Pussy Willow in Georgia: A Short-Lived Endeavor

Why Pussy Willows Struggle in the South A gardener raised in Massachusetts wants to grow pussy willows in Georgia. Unfortunately, the hot, long summers create ideal conditions for the many diseases and pests that plague

Growing Celeriac (Celery Root) in Hot Climates

Can You Grow Celeriac in Georgia? A gardener from Germany misses using celery root in soups and wonders if it can be grown in a Georgia garden. The short answer: it’s challenging but possible with the right timing. Why

Growing 'Pink Lemonade' Blueberries: A Novelty with Caveats

The Allure of Pink Blueberries ‘Pink Lemonade’ blueberry has captured gardeners’ attention with its unusual pink fruit, but before you plant, understand what you’re getting. According to blueberry expert Scott Nesmith, t