Q: I have a beautiful African violet that is very healthy but has no blooms. Margaret Wiessel, email
A: Inadequate light is the usual cause of sparse blooms on an African violet. The best situation is for the plant to be in a window spot that gets four hours of direct sunlight on the leaves before noon.
Q: I read that winter rye has a pre-emergent chemical in it that prevents weeds from coming up. Will this prevent germination if I overseed my temporary rye with fescue this spring? Bob Countryman, Ranger
A: It is true that annual ryegrass is slightly allelopathic, emitting chemicals that affect nearby plants. But the allelopathy seems to affect small weed seeds rather than large seeds. Since ryegrass/fescue mixtures are commonly planted by professionals, I think it's unlikely you'll have a problem.
Q: I am not sure about what to do about the burned shrubs and trees around my house. Should I cut them back now or wait to see what they do in the spring? Mary Wheeler, Gatlinburg
A: I recently passed by a magnolia that was burned ten years ago by a lit cigar tossed in the mulch underneath. Many of the leaves were scorched and burned off but several lower limbs remarkably budded out and made new leaves within the year. I think you would be better off to leave your trees and shrubs alone for now. I'd love to see current photos and some follow up pictures in June!
Q: Can tell me when or if the Southeast flower show will be held this year? Doris Cook, email
A: In its heyday, before the recession of 2008, the Southeastern Flower Show was the highlight of local gardeners' early spring calendars. Economic factors caused its demise. Danny Flanders at the Atlanta Botanical Garden (ABG) says he knows of no plans for bringing it back. He comments that the ABG has talked about starting its own show at some point and hopes to reach a decision by spring.
Q: Is there a safe weed killer for vegetable gardens that could be applied now, but still leave the soil safe for this summer's vegetables? Our garden is loaded with winter weeds. Julie Balai, email
A: Despite social media claims, corn gluten meal does not work very well in the Southeast to prevent weeds. Our heat and rainfall are just too favorable for weed growth. That leaves you with organic products you apply when weeds appear, even in winter. Herbicidal soap works well for me, as does concentrated citrus oil. I have sources of several organic weed control products at bit.ly/orgherb.
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