Q: How do I treat Knockout roses before the leaves are attacked by sawflies this spring? Barbara Glenn, Newton County
A: You've reminded me that now's the time to treat my own roses as a defense against the sawfly larvae that chew holes in the leaves. I'll treat my hibiscus to protect against the same pest, as well. I suppose organic control could be achieved by regular spraying with insecticidal soap when damage is first noticed but I prefer drenching with imidacloprid (Bayer Tree and Shrub, Bonide Systemic Granules, etc) in early spring.
Q: We have had a very warm 2017 so far and many plants are budding and flowering early. It seems to me that we are two or three weeks ahead of normal. Should I advance my normal garden planting cycle? Bob Yarrington, Lilburn
A: Do you remember the freeze of 2007? An extremely warm March was followed by a two-day dip to 27 degrees on April 6 and 7. Many plants had made substantial new growth before the cold snap. After the cold, many shrubs and trees, including crapemyrtle, Japanese maple, butterfly bush, hydrangea, loropetalum, canna, and even 'Burford' holly had frozen leaves. While not permanently damaging, the freeze reminded us that some weather vagaries are not easily predicted. Even though soil temperatures are warmer than normal, I don't think they warrant moving up your planting. Wait until late March before you gamble.
Q: I have three varieties of apple trees. The Red Delicious bloomed before the other two so it won't get pollinated. Any suggestions? Charlie Cannon, Dunwoody
A: When one apple blooms before others, look around for a crabapple that's blooming and bring some flowering branches to your yard. Hang them among the apple branches to attract pollinating insects. Also consider planting a small crabapple tree in a corner of the yard for reliable pollination in the future.
Q: A florist gave me 50 tulip bulbs in soil after they cut the flowers off. Is it possible to plant them for next spring blooming? Mike Hines, Dallas
A: If you plant the bulbs now you may get some flowers next year but I wouldn't expect many blooms after that. It's worth a gamble since the bulbs were free, after all.
Q: I have a bermuda lawn. Considering how warm it has been this year can I apply Milorganite to my lawn now? Paul Campbell, McDonough
A: Bermuda grass might possibly be coming out of dormancy now but it really can't absorb nutrients until soil temperatures are higher. Typically the way to know when to apply fertilizer is when the bermudagrass is at least 80 or 90 percent green. I like your intention to use Milorganite. Last fall's drought kept bermudagrass from storing the nutrients it needs to emerge vigorously in spring. A slow-release fertilizer is less likely to push the grass to grow too rapidly and exhaust itself.
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