Now is the time to start a fall vegetable garden
The fall months will be upon us soon, and there are several vegetables that can be grown in the colder weather. Greens, such as mustard, cabbage, broccoli, kale, collards and turnips are cool season plants, and they do not grow well during the hot weather. If you have grown these vegetables in the past, you may have noticed that as the weather gets warmer in the spring, the plants begin to start flowering and going to seed in a process known as bolting. These vegetables prefer colder weather.
Gardening in Gwinnett: Exotic, invasive aquatic plants threaten waterways
When I was a child, my grandfather owned some land on a lake in Liberty County. When I visited him in Savannah, he would often take me to this lake and we would go fishing. Over time, the lake became unusable due to an exotic aquatic plant called hydrilla, or water thyme. The infestation was so bad that even boats could barely navigate the lake, and the fishing came to a standstill.
Exotic, invasive aquatic plants threaten waterways
When I was a child, my grandfather owned some land on a lake in Liberty County. When I visited him in Savannah, he would often take me to this lake and we would go fishing. Over time, the lake became unusable due to an exotic aquatic plant called hydrilla, or water thyme. The infestation was so bad that even boats could barely navigate the lake, and the fishing came to a standstill.
Lightning can potentially kill a tree
With the recent heavy thunderstorm activity, the Gwinnett County Extension office has received many calls regarding trees struck by lightning. The callers want to know whether or not the trees will survive the strike. Lightning strikes have the potential to seriously harm and even kill a tree. Sometimes the tree can be saved, but often the injured trees will perish.
Gardening in Gwinnett: Lightning can potentially kill a tree
With the recent heavy thunderstorm activity, the Gwinnett County Extension office has received many calls regarding trees struck by lightning. The callers want to know whether or not the trees will survive the strike. Lightning strikes have the potential to seriously harm and even kill a tree. Sometimes the tree can be saved, but often the injured trees will perish.
Gardening in Gwinnett: Cameras aid in diagnosing problems
Recently, a resident contacted me to ask about an insect she observed on her hibiscus plants. From her description of the insect, I suspected what it could be, but without actually seeing it I was unable to be certain. She sent me several digital pictures of the insect, and I was able to diagnose the problem as mealybugs, a common insect pest of many ornamental plants. I was then able to recommend treatment for it.
Cameras aid in diagnosing problems
Recently, a resident contacted me to ask about an insect she observed on her hibiscus plants. From her description of the insect, I suspected what it could be, but without actually seeing it I was unable to be certain. She sent me several digital pictures of the insect, and I was able to diagnose the problem as mealybugs, a common insect pest of many ornamental plants. I was then able to recommend treatment for it.
Drought makes pine trees more susceptible to attacks
The drought of the past year, and its continuation, is having a detrimental effect on trees. As I drive down the roads in Gwinnett County, I see many trees dead or beginning to die. For pine trees, the drought has made them more vulnerable to pine beetles, small insects that can kill large pine trees, usually several trees in an area at once.
Japanese Beetles are out in force
During the month of June, Japanese beetles feed on ornamental plants. The adult beetles feed heavily on the fruit and foliage of more than 275 kinds of trees, shrubs, flowers and other plants.
Gardening in Gwinnett: Japanese Beetles are out in force
During the month of June, Japanese beetles feed on ornamental plants. The adult beetles feed heavily on the fruit and foliage of more than 275 kinds of trees, shrubs, flowers and other plants.
Petunias are drought tolerant and colorful
Yesterday I was walking through downtown Lawrenceville and I noticed all of the annual flowers that have been planted around the square. Most of the plants were petunias, and many of them were the variety 'Purple Wave.' They have a rosy-purple color flower with a velvety sheen and three-inch blooms covering the full length of each branch. This cultivar has been around for several years and is quite popular, and was chosen as a Georgia Gold Medal Plant in 1996 in the annual category.
Tomatoes produce abundant fruit with proper care
Tomatoes are the most popular vegetable plant grown. No garden would be complete without them since they require relatively little space for large production. Each plant, if properly cared for, yields 10 to 15 pounds or more of fruit.
Gardening in Gwinnett: Tomatoes produce abundant fruit with proper care
Tomatoes are the most popular vegetable plant grown. No garden would be complete without them since they require relatively little space for large production. Each plant, if properly cared for, yields 10 to 15 pounds or more of fruit.
Fleas are a nuisance, but can be controlled
Any pet owner can testify fleas can be a real nuisance at times, even when the infestation of fleas on the family dog or cat is not apparent. The insects can thrive indoors as well as outdoors, and can bite people as well. In spite of the problems fleas can cause, they can be brought under control although it takes some effort.
Gardening in Gwinnett: Fleas are a nuisance, but can be controlled
Any pet owner can testify fleas can be a real nuisance at times, even when the infestation of fleas on the family dog or cat is not apparent. The insects can thrive indoors as well as outdoors, and can bite people as well. In spite of the problems fleas can cause, they can be brought under control although it takes some effort.
Gardening in Gwinnett: Sapsuckers feed on maples, other trees, but seldom cause harm
Often the extension office receives calls from homeowners concerned about the appearance of small holes in rows in the bark of their maple trees. The holes sometimes form rings around the trees. What is the source of these holes? Will the holes harm the trees?
Local master gardeners 'go green' for the blind
The Snellville Lions Club has joined with the Gwinnett Cooperative Extension Service to "go green" for the blind and dyslexic. Extension master gardeners, known for their green thumbs, and 4-H'ers, known for their green clovers, are joining to record textbooks and other reading materials for blind and dyslexic residents.
Sapsuckers feed on maples, other trees, but seldom cause harm
Often the extension office receives calls from homeowners concerned about the appearance of small holes in rows in the bark of their maple trees. The holes sometimes form rings around the trees. What is the source of these holes? Will the holes harm the trees?
Truth about spiders: Most are harmless
Often the Extension office receives calls regarding spiders and the concern from homeowners about whether they are poisonous or not. There are many species of spiders native to our area, but only a few are poisonous to humans. Spiders play an important role in the environment eating pestiferous insects.
Chemical pesticides: Use caution and follow all directions
As the weather gets warmer, people are planting their gardens and tending to their lawns. Many pests are also present that can create a multitude of problems in the home landscape. The extension office receives many calls regarding these pests, and the use of chemical pesticides to mitigate these problems. Pesticides, if used properly, can be effective in controlling the targeted pest. The improper application and usage of pesticides is the cause of many problems in the landscape.
Sale offers excellent selection, great prices
From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, the Gwinnett County Master Gardeners will have its annual plant sale in front of the main entrance to the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville.
Gardening in Gwinnett: Gold Medal Plants for 2008: Among the best for the home garden
Each year, the Georgia Plant Selections Committee, an organization composed of plant professionals throughout the state, chooses certain plants to be "Gold Medal Plants." The committee has the goal "to promote the production, sale and use of superior ornamental plants" and committee members nominate a long list of plants to be considered.
Gold Medal Plants for 2008: Among the best for the home garden
Each year, the Georgia Plant Selections Committee, an organization composed of plant professionals throughout the state, chooses certain plants to be "Gold Medal Plants." The committee has the goal "to promote the production, sale and use of superior ornamental plants" and committee members nominate a long list of plants to be considered.
Pollen is a major springtime irritation but it has an important purpose
Springtime in Gwinnett County brings forth the beauty of many blooming plants. Redbuds, dogwoods, cherry trees, azaleas and many others color the landscape of our communities. However, many people suffer respiratory problems resulting from pollen produced by some of these plants.
Gardening in Gwinnett: Pollen is a major springtime irritation but it has an important purpose
Springtime in Gwinnett County brings forth the beauty of many blooming plants. Redbuds, dogwoods, cherry trees, azaleas and many others color the landscape of our communities. However, many people suffer respiratory problems resulting from pollen produced by some of these plants.
The greening up of warm-season grasses: What you need to know
As we move into the warmer days of spring, many of the warm-season lawns - Bermuda, centipede and zoysia - are beginning to come out of winter dormancy and green up. As soil temperatures rise in the spring, the over-wintering parts of the grass plants, such as the stolons or roots, begin to generate new leaves and roots.
Gardening in Gwinnett: The greening up of warm-season grasses: What you need to know
As we move into the warmer days of spring, many of the warm-season lawns - Bermuda, centipede and zoysia - are beginning to come out of winter dormancy and green up. As soil temperatures rise in the spring, the over-wintering parts of the grass plants, such as the stolons or roots, begin to generate new leaves and roots.
Despite warmer weather, the risk of late frost not over yet
In recent weeks, our area has experienced some warm spring days, and often this weather puts people in the mood to begin planting for the summer. But be forewarned: the danger of a killing frost has not passed. The average last date of frost in our area is usually between April 15 and 20, although it varies year to year.
Choosing a reliable landscape or lawn care service
As we move into the warmer months, many homeowners will want to hire landscape contractors and lawn care services to improve the appearance of their home landscape. With so many contractors available, the choice can be difficult. Thoroughly consider all the factors when choosing a landscape contractor before making the final decision. The task can be easier by following several simple steps.
African violets are great indoor plants
One of the most popular indoor flowering plants is the African violet (Sainpaulia ionatha). African violets originally are from the coastal woods of East Africa and are now some of the most popular indoor flowering plants. They are easy to grow and produce many different varieties of beautiful flowers under the proper growing conditions throughout the year. For indoor areas with limited space, they can be grown on windowsills.
African violets are great indoor plants
One of the most popular indoor flowering plants is the African violet (Sainpaulia ionatha). African violets originally are from the coastal woods of East Africa and are now some of the most popular indoor flowering plants. They are easy to grow and produce many different varieties of beautiful flowers under the proper growing conditions throughout the year. For indoor areas with limited space, they can be grown on windowsills.
'Topping' of trees is harmful and against the county tree ordinance
One of the most destructive tree pruning practices is "topping," the drastic removal of large branches in mature trees. It removes all parts of a tree above a certain height without considering its structure or health. Topping leaves large, open wounds, increasing the tree's susceptibility to disease and decay; causes immediate injury to the tree; and ultimately results in early failure or death of the tree. Furthermore, topping of trees is prohibited by the Gwinnett County buffer, landscape and tree ordinance.
Gardening in Gwinnett: Now is the right time to control crabgrass, weeds
As the weather turns warmer, many homeowners begin to take an interest in the care of their home lawns. Warm-season turf like bermuda, centipede and zoysia will start to come out of dormancy and begin greening up later this month. The cool-season fescue is actively growing. Here at Gwinnett County Extension, a high percentage of the calls we receive are on lawn care. One of the most frequent questions is about controlling crab grass, a dreaded weed in the home lawn.
Now is the right time to control crabgrass, weeds
As the weather turns warmer, many homeowners begin to take an interest in the care of their home lawns. Warm-season turf like bermuda, centipede and zoysia will start to come out of dormancy and begin greening up later this month. The cool-season fescue is actively growing. Here at Gwinnett County Extension, a high percentage of the calls we receive are on lawn care. One of the most frequent questions is about controlling crab grass, a dreaded weed in the home lawn.
Gardening in Gwinnett: Proper pruning needed to keep plants healthy
One of the most important cultural practices for maintaining woody ornamental plants is pruning. Pruning is an art in making the pruning cuts properly, and a science in knowing the proper methods and time to prune for maximum benefits. Pruning can help train or direct plant growth to a particular space, like a formerly pruned hedge. Pruning can also control the shape and size of a plant like a hedge pruned to a particular height. Unfortunately, many people do not have a full understanding of pruning.
Gardening in Gwinnett: Contributions of Carver often overlooked
One of the greatest contributors to agriculture was the often overlooked George Washington Carver. He was born a slave and was very poor as a youth. He had a serious illness when young that left him unable to do the hard field work. However, he took an interest in plants and the best way to grow the crops.
Gardening in Gwinnett: Extension sale offers many affordable plants
With the spring planting season right around the corner, now is the time to begin planning your garden. Consider purchasing some high-quality plants available at reasonable prices from the annual Gwinnett County Extension Service plant sale.
Gardening in Gwinnett: For tree problems, consider hiring a certified arborist
We are fortunate here in Gwinnett County to have lots of trees growing in the landscape. They give us shade and are aesthetically pleasing, as well as boost property values. But trees can also present a plethora of problems. Gwinnett Extension receives numerous calls about trees from Gwinnett County homeowners.
McDaniel Farm Park preserves Gwinnett's rural farmland past
McDaniel Farm Park is a 128-acre park in Gwinnett County that is designed to preserve part of a disappearing piece of our county's rural heritage, the farm. The Heritage Park, 9.2 acres of the farm, is an interpretive farm park highlighting the years from 1918-1942 through agriculture.
Gardening in Gwinnett: Blueberries are an excellent fruit for the homeowner to grow
Blueberries are one of the few crops in production today that are native to Georgia. The plant is quite common in the home garden, and has several uses.
Gardening in Gwinnett: There is a right way and a wrong way to prune crape myrtles
The crape myrtle is one of the most commonly used flowering trees in landscaping today, as it provides abundant summer color with minimum maintenance. Crape myrtles should be used more often in the home landscape and as street trees in community developments. They are ideally suited for community plantings, as they are long-lived, withstand droughts after becoming established, and are relatively free of disease and insect difficulties.
There is a right way and a wrong way to prune crape myrtles
The crape myrtle is one of the most commonly used flowering trees in landscaping today, as it provides abundant summer color with minimum maintenance. Crape myrtles should be used more often in the home landscape and as street trees in community developments. They are ideally suited for community plantings, as they are long-lived, withstand droughts after becoming established, and are relatively free of disease and insect difficulties.
Gardening in Gwinnett: What to do about azaleas with yellow leaves
Many homeowners become concerned this time of year because the leaves on their azaleas are turning yellow. Often, the older leaves undergo this transformation while the younger ones stay green. However, sometimes many of them turn shades of yellow and orange.
Gardening in Gwinnett: Simple steps can be taken to control indoor house pests
Often, homeowners do not think of indoor pests as a problem during the winter months. However, now is a good time to prepare for warm weather house pests, as well as the ones coming in from the cold. The Extension office receives numerous calls this time of the year from people whose homes have been invaded by ants, roaches, spiders and other undesirable guests.
Aquariums bring natural beauty to any indoor setting
Aquariums can help make the indoor environment attractive. They are soothing, pleasant to view and come in many varieties. Aquariums can be very elaborate and pricey, or they can be as simple as an inexpensive goldfish bowl. It all depends on what you want.
Gardening in Gwinnett: Aquariums bring natural beauty to any indoor setting
Aquariums can help make the indoor environment attractive. They are soothing, pleasant to view and come in many varieties. Aquariums can be very elaborate and pricey, or they can be as simple as an inexpensive goldfish bowl. It all depends on what you want.
Gardening in Gwinnett: Attract birds to your yard in winter
Many people travel thousands of miles to search for rare and elusive avian species inhabiting the frigid tundra of Alaska or the tropical rainforests of Costa Rica. During the dead of winter, birds are sometimes hard-pressed to find food in certain areas.
Gardening in Gwinnett: Winter flowering plants can liven up the landscape
As the cold, winter weather settles in for the next few months, we begin to miss the beautiful flowers from the spring and summer.
Winter is a good time to care for garden tools
With the winter months upon us now, the work in the garden has slowed down. However, we must not forget to take care of the tools we use to work on and maintain our lawns and gardens.
Gardening in Gwinnett: Time to find that perfect tree, whether precut or cut-your-own
Christmas is fast approaching and that means many of you will be out looking for the perfect Christmas tree.
