The application of mulch is a critical cultural practice in the home landscape. The use of mulch helps the soil retain moisture, improves the landscape’s appearance, and has numerous other benefits.

The Extension office receives calls from many residents concerning troublesome pests that have invaded their homes. Roaches, ants, and spiders are the most common. The use of pesticides is one method of control but taking some preventative measures will also reduce their presence.

Many insects are troublesome by inflicting bites and stings. Sometimes this action can be severe, and other times not problematic.

Gardening columnist Tim Daly answers the following questions from readers:

The bigleaf hydrangeas, also called French, mophead, or snowball hydrangeas, are the most popular and well-known hydrangeas grown in our area.

The Extension office receives many calls from frustrated homeowners whose trees and shrubs are not blooming. The expectation is for a bounty of flowers, which is not always the case. Many reasons exist as to why the plants fail to flower.

Gardening columnist Tim Daly answers the following questions from readers:

When planning the home landscape, people frequently prefer one with a multitude of plants to add beauty and interest. Many times, though, they fail to consider the mature size of the plant material installed. The small plants of today could be large in a few short years, and if spacing them …

An abundance of rain has fallen over the past year. However, as we move into the summer, the heat and periods of dry weather can occur and be detrimental to our lawns. They require adequate amounts of water to remain healthy and attractive, and during periods of minimal rain, certain adjustm…

In our homes, we store food in our pantries and refrigerators for use at meals. Many homeowners discover that they are not the only ones who want to consume the food but numerous insects that love to feast on it.

Gardening columnist Tim Daly answers the following questions from readers:

Do you enjoy working with people? Are you interested in conducting outreach programs for the public on horticultural and environmental topics? If so, you may be interested in applying for the Master Gardener Extension Volunteer program, which is offered through the University of Georgia Extension.

As we move into the warmer weather months, insects, diseases, and other problems will appear in our home landscapes. To minimize these issues, carefully examine all lawn and garden areas to see what the troubles are present. Doing so will help you detect problems early. A trowel, a white ind…

Many of us would like to have a vegetable garden but lack the necessary space; however, you can have a successful vegetable garden in small areas.

Once a year, a committee of Extension specialists, industry professionals, Master Gardeners, and homeowners meet to select the four best performing landscape plants that support pollinators and have attractive features to beautify the garden.

Spring is the time to begin planting the home vegetable garden after the danger of frost has passed around April 15 in our area. Many types of vegetables thrive in our area. A home vegetable garden can produce an abundant harvest if it is planted and maintained correctly.

Gardening columnist Tim Daly answers the following questions from readers:

With the onset of spring, the time to plant our vegetable gardens will be here soon. Many excellent vegetables grow and will be productive and of high quality given the proper growing conditions.

It appears that the last of the severe cold weather is behind us. Although we can expect the possibility of another freeze or two, warmer temperatures of spring are upon us.

Many homeowners strive to have an attractive, well-maintained landscape to beautify their property and enhances its value. However, many lack time to spend on maintaining it.

Fruit trees are quite popular among homeowners. The fruit can be eaten fresh, used for baking, preserving, and in ice cream.

Orchids are some of the most attractive and colorful flowers that come in many shapes and sizes. Growing them at home is somewhat tricky, but they will reward you with their beauty if given the proper conditions.

In Georgia, homeowners need to be vigilant for termites since their damage can be expensive to repair, and their presence is often difficult to detect.

The Extension office receives calls from many residents concerning troublesome pests that have invaded their homes. Roaches, ants, and spiders are the most common. The use of pesticides is one method of control but taking some preventative measures will also reduce their presence.

Many insects are troublesome by inflicting bites and stings. Sometimes this action can be severe, and other times not problematic.

Gardening columnist Tim Daly answers the following questions from readers:

The bigleaf hydrangeas, also called French, mophead, or snowball hydrangeas, are the most popular and well-known hydrangeas grown in our area.

The Extension office receives many calls from frustrated homeowners whose trees and shrubs are not blooming. The expectation is for a bounty of flowers, which is not always the case. Many reasons exist as to why the plants fail to flower.

Gardening columnist Tim Daly answers the following questions from readers:

When planning the home landscape, people frequently prefer one with a multitude of plants to add beauty and interest. Many times, though, they fail to consider the mature size of the plant material installed. The small plants of today could be large in a few short years, and if spacing them …

An abundance of rain has fallen over the past year. However, as we move into the summer, the heat and periods of dry weather can occur and be detrimental to our lawns. They require adequate amounts of water to remain healthy and attractive, and during periods of minimal rain, certain adjustm…

In our homes, we store food in our pantries and refrigerators for use at meals. Many homeowners discover that they are not the only ones who want to consume the food but numerous insects that love to feast on it.

Gardening columnist Tim Daly answers the following questions from readers:

Do you enjoy working with people? Are you interested in conducting outreach programs for the public on horticultural and environmental topics? If so, you may be interested in applying for the Master Gardener Extension Volunteer program, which is offered through the University of Georgia Extension.

As we move into the warmer weather months, insects, diseases, and other problems will appear in our home landscapes. To minimize these issues, carefully examine all lawn and garden areas to see what the troubles are present. Doing so will help you detect problems early. A trowel, a white ind…

Many of us would like to have a vegetable garden but lack the necessary space; however, you can have a successful vegetable garden in small areas.

Once a year, a committee of Extension specialists, industry professionals, Master Gardeners, and homeowners meet to select the four best performing landscape plants that support pollinators and have attractive features to beautify the garden.

Spring is the time to begin planting the home vegetable garden after the danger of frost has passed around April 15 in our area. Many types of vegetables thrive in our area. A home vegetable garden can produce an abundant harvest if it is planted and maintained correctly.

Gardening columnist Tim Daly answers the following questions from readers:

With the onset of spring, the time to plant our vegetable gardens will be here soon. Many excellent vegetables grow and will be productive and of high quality given the proper growing conditions.

It appears that the last of the severe cold weather is behind us. Although we can expect the possibility of another freeze or two, warmer temperatures of spring are upon us.