Prune pampas grass each winter to avoid hollow center

Q: I have a big pampas grass plant. Despite my best intentions, I do not always cut it back in late winter. Recently the center has become hollow. Any way to fix that?

RALPH EVANS

Enlarge this image

Walter Reeves

Prune pampas grass clumps each winter to avoid a hollow center.

RELATED LINKS:

• Hybrid Bermuda grass doesn't produce seed 
• For more salvia blooms, trim faded spikes 
• Mowing won't thicken St. Augustine 
• Fig vine has drawbacks 
• Little bugs can be a big nuisance for strawberries 

• Get more Home & Garden news
  

• Listen to Walter Reeves Saturday mornings on NewsTalk 750 WSB-AM from 6 to 10. Call 404-872-0750 to ask questions.
• His Web site, walterreeves.com, contains thousands of answers to lawn and landscape questions. Watch "Gardening in Georgia" each week on GPB. Details at gardeningingeorgia.com.

A: Even if you had pruned it back, you’d have the same result, it just would have taken longer. A grass clump slowly expands over time. The center collects debris and fallen leaves, and slowly becomes lifeless.

The best way to fix your clump is to dig small pieces of the plant from the edge. When you have two or three, dig the rest of the clump out of the ground (some folks say dynamite helps a little to dislodge the roots) and discard it. Plant the saved clumps in the same spot and try to remember to prune every year.

Q: Do you have information on starting seedless watermelon seeds? I have trouble getting them to live after they sprout.

WALT KRIER

A: Seedless watermelons can be grown from seed but they need very warm soil in which to sprout. The best idea is to sprout seed indoors using a heat mat underneath a tray of potting soil. Transplant the strongest ones to your garden. Remember that you’ll also need to plant a “regular”

watermelon nearby to provide pollen to the seedless melons. Since bee numbers are in decline, plant salvia, phlox, zinnia and bee balm amongst the watermelons to attract pollinators.

Q: I’m a transplanted Northerner and have had success with “Miss Kim” lilac for the last several years. This year, I had only two blooms. Is it to late to fertilize to help it produce more?

PATRICIA PAINE

A: It’s too late to make blooms for this year, but fertilizer you put out now and again this summer creates more leaves, which lead to more flowers next year. Use any landscape fertilizer, typically a tablespoon per foot of shrub height. Other lilacs to try include “White Angel,”

“Dark Knight” and “Betsy Ross.”

Q: I have a large plot of asparagus. It has been attacked by asparagus beetles for two years. Is there any way I can rid my garden of them?

BILLIE DAVIS, Cherokee County

A: You have a couple of control strategies. In winter remove every bit of debris from the asparagus bed (you can do this now). This eliminates hiding places for over-wintering adult beetles. Examine emerging spears for small white eggs laid on the tips. Hand-pick any adults you see during the season. Carbaryl (Sevin) is labeled for asparagus beetle control but may not be necessary if you are diligent.

Listen to Walter Reeves Saturday mornings on NewsTalk 750 WSB-AM from 6 to 10. Go to www.gardeningingeorgia.com for details on his TV show or visit his website, www.walterreeves.com.