Q: I cannot take it any longer, those little kudzu bugs are driving me out of my mind! There are thousands. They are in my hair, bed and everywhere. If I cut out my wisteria, will they just find something else to munch on in my yard? — Linda M., email
A: Any garden insecticide will kill kudzu bugs; it just takes repeat sprays since there are always more bugs to take the place of those you kill. Movement in and out of a landscape may take place over several weeks, which means several applications (e.g., weekly) may be needed to reduce their numbers. Common home-use products containing pyrethroid insecticides such as permethrin, bifenthrin or lamda-cyhalothrin are best. Be sure to follow label directions. Making the mix stronger will NOT kill more insects
Q: I read your recent reply to a question about using LED bulbs instead of fluorescent bulbs for plants in a kitchen. If I want to make a lighting system for sprouting seeds and maintaining my Meyer lemon in winter, does the same information apply? — Jerry Hopkins, Decatur
A: If you want to build a custom setup, it helps to understand that plants use mostly red and blue light for photosynthesis. Their leaves reflect green light, which is why plants have "greenery." A great advantage to using LEDs is that you can buy LED bulbs that emit only red or blue light. The plants won't look quite right to your eyes, but they will efficiently use the red and blue spectrum you give them. Fluorescent bulbs or tubes cannot be "tuned" to plant needs so precisely.
That said, making your own blue/red LED array is complicated. You can buy LED systems from hydroponic or aquarium stores, and that’s what I recommend. They’re expensive, but you’ll save on energy costs in the long run.
Q: In a recent article you identified moon plant as datura. It worries me that you made no mention of its dangerous toxicity. — Sandi Chambers, Lawrenceville
A: If I had to mention the toxicity of every plant I write about, I think I'd unnecessarily alarm people. Azalea, Carolina jessamine, boxwood, lily of the valley, euphorbia, daffodil, oleander, tomato, potato and rhubarb are all toxic at one level or another. My guess is that most folks won't be tempted to chew on any of these, so I don't mention that they can be poisonous in some situations.
Q: I want to start a landscape business installing flowers in small beds. What licenses do I need? — Suzy Keenan, Cumming
A: It may be more complicated than you think. Todd Hurt, the training coordinator for the University of Georgia Center for Urban Agriculture, says you need the following: a business license issued by your local municipality, a Level 1A Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Certificate and a live plant dealer license. If any pesticide is used, a commercial pesticide applicator's license is required. The Georgia Certified Landscape Professional program is also a good idea. I have a more complete list of requirements at bit.ly/landscapelicense.
Q: I'm noticing lots of spider webs on my holly and azalea bushes. I also see them on dead branches in the Japanese maple. Why are they there? — Sue Mazjun, email
A: Like any creature, spiders are where they are because they can find food there. Probably the leafless limbs gave better attachment points than shaking leaves.
