Q: A neighbor has a theory that armadillos in our area eat yellow jacket nests. He said he always gets stung in summer, but for the last few years he has not been stung and he attributes it to the arrival of armadillos. What do you think? — Patricia Boulis, Rutledge
A: Armadillos do indeed dig up yellow jacket nests. I don't think they could give 100 percent control, but this is one side benefit from having armadillos in your landscape. Of course, the downside is that an armadillo is none too neat. Excavated nests will look like big divots in your landscape.
Q: What is the best way to keep seeds for the longest shelf life? — Douglas Ackerman, Hall County
A: Successful seed storage depends on many factors. Some seeds (bean, pepper, onion, etc.) are hard to keep viable for more than a couple of years. Others (beet, tomato, etc) can last five to 10 years under proper storage. Homeowners don't typically have the resources to dry seeds sufficiently or to cool them enough to be assured the seeds will sprout several years hence. The National Seed Storage Laboratory uses liquid nitrogen to keep seeds viable, but they still have to test their seeds for germination percentage every five to 10 years.
If you harvest your seeds at the right stage, dry them with a commercial desiccant (silica gel products) and keep them at 0-5 degrees Fahrenheit. I think you could expect three years of viable storage.
Q: I have a fiddle leaf fig. I was told to give a tree this size two quarts of water two times a week. Am I watering too much or too little? — Claire Osborne, email
A: Watering houseplants on a set schedule with a set amount of water is likely to lead to problems. Different plants in different locations need varying amounts of water during the year. Use your "digital water meter" (your index finger) to touch the soil every few days. If it seems dry, push the finger in further to make sure. If the soil is still dry, it's time to water. There will be a big difference in water needs between winter and summer. If you really want to perk it up, place it outdoors in a spot with bright shade but not full sunshine. Bring it in around the first of September.
Q: Can I trim pole beans if I can't reach the tops? My theory is that the growth will return to bottom of plant and produce more beans lower and easier to pick! What do you think? — Chris Wills, email
A: The vine typically will make new sprouts within 12 inches of where you cut it. Sometimes, the best idea is to untangle the top and bring the vine(s) down to your picking level so they can proceed upward once again.
About the Author
