Q: Last week I took out a beautiful 13-year-old climbing Eden rose because it had rose rosette virus. We weren't able to get all the roots but most of them. Is there something I can add to the soil so I can plant a new rose now? Sandi Goldsmith, Johns Creek
A: Unless some of the root pieces sprout, you're home free. The mites that spread rose rosette virus can't live in the soil. Just keep an eye on the area and pull any tiny rose sprouts you see. Warn your rose-owning neighbors to keep an eye out for the red witch's brooms on rose branch ends that signify this fatal disease.
Q: Last year we had poor tomato production due to rainfall and a lack of sunshine. What can we do to prevent problems in our garden before planting this year? Steve Thompson, Lilburn
A: If too much water was the problem, increasing the percolation rate of your garden soil would be useful. Try tilling a one inch layer of very gritty sand (granite dust, paver sand, etc) eight inches deep and see if that make the tomatoes healthier.
Q: We have a heavily shaded back yard and are looking what to try next. I'd like your thoughts on Stepables. Chuck Davis, email
A: Stepables™ is a collection of many different species of plants that are typically low-growing and spreading. You could look through the online collection (www.stepables.com) and try a couple that are recommended for dense shade but don't expect miracles. In my experience, these plants are best for lining a path or bordering stepping stones rather than as a lawn substitute. Also consider mondo grass as a lawn-like plant. It won't tolerate much foot traffic but it grows in dense shade.
Q: I have a double fluorescent tube lamp that I'm going to place over my seedlings when they come up. How many hours should it be on? Billy Hasberger, email
A: Eighteen hours on and six hours off seems to work well. Remember that soil temperature makes a big difference to your seedlings too. Keep the soil at a constant 75 degrees.
Q: How can I kill a cottonwood tree that's growing between my foundation and my AC unit? I drilled holes in the stump and poured rock salt and boiling water in the holes last spring. A few days later there was a new sprout on it. The stump is still as hard as the day I cut it. Jeff Davis, email
A: Even though the trunk is hard, it's dead. As long as you don't see new green sprouts, the tree will remain dead. It will gradually decompose over the next year. You might see root sprouts come up a few feet from the foundation but they can be snapped off as they occur.
Q: After fighting powdery mildew on a crape myrtle, I've decided to dig it up and plant a Japanese maple in its place. Is there something I should do to the soil before I plant? Jim Strawn, Dunwoody
A: Powdery mildew is very host-specific. The two plants are unrelated so powdery mildew from the crapemyrtle won't affect the maple.
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