Q: Long ago, I transplanted many clumps of old daffodils to our new house. They bloomed well for years. They are next to a walking path where the soil is very compacted and they don't bloom much. Can I move them now? — Susan Marks, Cartersville
A: They can be moved in clumps now. Try to dig a big group and plant each clump in a semi-shaded holding spot. Even if the green foliage wilts, leave it on the plants until it turns yellow. At that time you can dig the clumps and separate the bulbs for replanting. Consider adding a half-strength application of starter fertilizer to the new bed, but it's not mandatory if the soil is rich to begin with.
Q: I was wondering in what order, and when, should I apply Image herbicide and scalp my zoysia grass. — William Martin, Barrow County
A: I believe the label for Image herbicide says that it should not be used when grass is greening up, which is beginning now. That means you can either apply the herbicide or scalp, but not both. Zoysia should not be scalped until it is at least 50 percent green: It is too early now.
Q: How do you prune shrubs correctly that have been pruned into green meatballs? I would love for them to look more natural. — Wanda Pohl, email
A: You can do it one of two ways: The first way is to simply leave the shrub alone and let it regrow its natural shape without interfering with new growth. You can occasionally remove limbs that grow in a really displeasing direction. The second method is to make "holes" in the shrub exterior with your pruners. Foliage will grow densely where the leaves are and more slowly where the holes are. Either way will give you a more natural looking plant.
Q: My clay pots all seemed to have lost about an inch or two of soil over the winter. What's up? Do I just add potting soil? — Andrea Towers, Roswell
A: It's shrinking because the larger particles of organic matter in the potting soil have decomposed and formed tiny particles of humus, which pack tightly together. Your plants will have a hard time growing in compacted soil. If your plant in a pot looks healthy, pull it out and shake vigorously to remove soil from the roots as best you can. Untangle the roots a bit with your fingers. The old soil can be mixed with perlite from a garden center (1:4, perlite:soil). Replant your plant using the refreshed soil and add more potting soil if needed.
Q: Is granite dust, available at most stone yards, a suitable component for amending soil? Does it have micronutrients? — Ann Beatty, email
A: It does have some micronutrients, but they are only very slowly available to plants. You can use the gritty stuff to make soil drain faster or as paver underlayment for your paths.
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