Q: I have two oleander plants I purchased in Florida a few years ago.
Each winter they are killed by sub-freezing temperatures. They come back from the ground but bloom late in summer. What is the secret to growing oleander in central Georgia? — Ben Horne, Yatesville
A: You have to find oleanders that tolerate cold weather. I grow the yellow 'Mathilde Ferrier' in my Atlanta backyard and it has had no problems for 10 years. 'Hardy Red,' 'Sister Agnes,' 'Franklin D. Roosevelt' and 'General Pershing' are reputed to be good for colder areas.
Q: A friend of mine has radishes that are not forming bulbs, only straight roots. He is planting them like he’s always done. Any ideas?— Tim Lewis, Elko
A: The most likely reasons are too much fertilizer or too much shade. My bet is on the former. Nitrogen (the first number on a fertilizer bag) promotes leaf growth at the expense of root growth. Advise your friend to plant radishes again in March but to avoid fertilizing at all.
Q: I have a large problem with mole crickets. Got any suggestions? — Bob Snyder, Statesboro
A: Mole crickets can cause big problems when they tunnel in turf. The pests are common in South Georgia. Most damage is seen in spring when adults are present, but the insects are much easier to control in late summer when the nymphs are present. Bifenthrin (Ortho Lawn Insect Killer, etc. ), carbaryl (Sevin) and imidacloprid (Bayer Grub Control, etc.) are effective on mole crickets. Water your lawn before application and immediately afterward.
Q: How do I carry over outdoor geraniums from one season to the next? My mom says to shake the dirt off the roots and throw them in a paper bag, but that sounds unusual. — Sarah Wages
A: Your mom is right! Remove plants from the ground and cut the stems back to 12 inches tall. Enclose each plant in a brown paper bag, stapled shut. Wrap string around the bag so you can hang each one upside down in a cool basement.
In mid-March, take the plants down, remove the bag and soak plants in a bucket of warm water. They can be put outside when it warms up. It is surprising how fast those little sticks perk up and sprout leaves once again!
Q: I know I should have put out my winter pre-emergent by Sept. 15 but I didn’t get around to it. Is there anything I can do to slow down the annual bluegrass that shows up in spring? — Jeff Sutton
A: Imazaquin (Image for Nutgrass) is labeled for use in winter on all grasses except fescue to control annual bluegrass. Since Image must be absorbed by roots, control may not be evident for several weeks. Given that fact, and since bluegrass has already begun germinating, I'd make a herbicide application now.
Listen to Walter Reeves from 6 to 10 Saturday mornings on WSB-AM (750). Visit his Web site, www.walterreeves.com, for detailed advice on Georgia gardening.
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