Q: Can you suggest a source for large plant markers, easily read while standing? — Hugh Burns, email
A: I use metal tags that stand on tall wire legs (everlastlabel.com). You can use a grease pencil or make printed labels on clear tape with an inexpensive label machine (brother-usa.com).
Q: When can I expect fescue plants to drop seed? I have not mowed my field at all this year. — Tim Hammond, Cobb County
A: Fescue drops its seed way past the time when the seeds are mature. The seed is mature when the top 6 inches of the stalk is yellow. But many people believe mowing before the seeds mature is better for your fescue pasture, because when seeds are produced it slows down vegetative growth. They mow before the stalks turn yellow. If you are grazing cattle or horses on your pasture, make sure the fescue does not have endophyte in it. This fungus can harm grazing animals. If you have grazing animals, it's better to kill the existing pasture and reseed with endophyte-free fescue. I have details on pasture management at bit.ly/GApasture.
Q: I grew an apple tree from a seed that I saved from a Fuji apple. Last spring, it put on apples, but they stayed very small and hard. Is it possible that my Fuji apple actually grew a crab apple tree? — Miriam Veale, Coweta County
A: It's more likely the original Fuji apple flower was pollinated by a crab apple, and that made the seedling that you grew have crab apple-like fruit. Apples are almost always propagated by grafting, to make identical trees that produce identical fruit.
Q: Is there a best time of day to cut the lawn, or is there a time you should avoid cutting the grass? — Sally Counselman, Millen
A: I don't think the time of day matters much to the grass. I prefer to mow in the morning after the grass is dry, so I can admire my handiwork all day. If you have a dull mower blade, the grass would wilt if you shredded it in the heat of the afternoon, but I think your own physical comfort is much more important than any supposed problem with the grass and mowing time.
Q: Are lavender plants annuals or perennials? What's the best perennial lavender plant for mid-eastern Georgia? Will they thrive in sandy soil? — Will V., email
A: Lavender can behave as an annual or perennial, depending on where you grow it. Out in Washington State and in France, they grow prolifically in huge fields. Here in Georgia, common lavender may last a couple of years but typically not much longer. That said, look for 'Phenomenal' lavender. Mine has done fine for three years. It seems to me that a key to success is planting in sandy soil and pruning it in March.
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