Q: I have been trying to reproduce a goldenrain tree for 12 years. How do you get the seeds to germinate? -- Jack Williamson, e-mail
A: The key is harvesting and planting the seed when fresh. Sow them shallowly, an inch apart, in a protected location immediately after the pods drop in fall. If you have some saved seed, try soaking them overnight in lukewarm water, then putting them in a plastic bag with slightly damp sphagnum moss. Put the bag in your refrigerator crisper drawer and make a note to check them in May. Any that have germinated can be planted then.
Q: Please tell me as accurately as possible when to apply the pre-emerge for crabgrass. -- Robert Burns, Dunwoody
A: The exact timing depends on soil temperature. When soil is 50 degrees F. and rising, crabgrass seeds start germinating. This soil temperature typically occurs in early March in the Atlanta area but there is no harm in applying pre-emergent in mid-February. You can check your local soil temperatures at www.georgiaweather.net.
Q: I am a first-time bee keeper. I received several used supers and was told to clean them up and repaint them. I painted the inside by mistake. Will this harm the bees? -- Robert Pruden, Monroe
A: UGA bee expert Keith Delaplane said it's not the end of the world. Put your supers out in the sun to heat up and evaporate volatile compounds in the paint. When you put bees in the hive they may ignore the paint or they may cover it with a thin layer of wax. Give them a good environment plus regular care and they should make plenty of honey for you.
Q: I want to convert our backyard to a more eco-friendly lawn. I’d like to see a variety of colors and textures in the area. What do you recommend? -- Debra Kidd
A: I consulted native plant expert Shannon Pable (shannonpable.com). She suggests selfheal, Prunella vulgaris, violets, Viola spp., green 'n' gold, Chrysoganum virginianum, mazus, Mazus reptans, and bluestar creeper, Pratia pedunculata. All of these spread readily by seed and runners and stay fairly low. In my experience they are better suited for semi-shade to shade locations. Not many low-growing plants are suitable for a full sun lawn. Consider dwarf yarrow, heat-tolerant bluegrass and groundcover roses in the Drift and Flower Carpet series.
Q: I'm very anxious to try to grow fir trees. Will Fraser or balsam fir grow in upper North Georgia? -- Walter Cannon, Blairsville
A: Fraser fir is worth a try but your elevation is pretty low to be successful. Firs grow best at elevations near 5000 feet. Fraser fir and balsam fir have wax-covered needles that protect them from harsh cold. Unfortunately, the wax covering is harmful when conditions are hot and humid. Spider mites, Phytophthora root rot and woolly adelgid are common problems. My advice: Choose a cold planting spot with deep, loose soil and install your trees. There is always a chance they will prosper.
Listen to Walter Reeves Saturday mornings on AM 750 and now 95.5 FM News-Talk WSB. Visit his website, www.walterreeves.com, or join his Facebook Fan Page at xrl.us/wrfacebook for more garden tips.
