Q: I heard you on radio tell how to grow potatoes in perlite. Can you provide a printed reference? Joan Longfield, email
A: I'm growing a perlite-filled plastic tub of Irish potatoes on my patio right now! I filled the tub part-way with perlite granules in mid-March and planted five potato seed pieces in it. Leaves appeared a week later. When they were six inches high, I filled around the stems with more perlite. I've fertilized regularly. When the stems emerge from the top of the tub I'll add a final layer of perlite and let the plants grow until June harvest time. Details at xrl.us/POTATOPERLITE
Q: I am moving to Charlotte this summer and want to move my spring-flowering bulbs with me. What's the most efficient way? Rajayne Cordery, email
A: Buy a box of white plastic knives and a permanent marker. While the foliage is present, make a knife label for each clump, noting the color and species of bulb. Push the knife into the soil by each one. In this way you can find the bulbs after the foliage disappears in June. At that time, dig a clump, separate the bulbs and replant what you don't want to transport. Store the bulbs in paper bags, with their knife labels, in a cool spot until you take off for the mountains.
Q: My windmill palm is blooming, with pods growing from the top of the trunk. Is it a good idea to remove them so the tree isn't putting all its energy into flowering? Brad Lawley, Decatur
A: You are correct, removing the seed pods will conserve growing energy for your palm. Clip the flower stems off at the base when seen each year.
Q: In preparing the soil for a garden, my yard worker put 40 pounds of 10-10-10 on my little patch of 100 square feet. The recommended rate is 1 pound per 100 sq. ft. What do you suggest I do? Paul Reale, Sandy Springs
A: Wow, you're in a tough spot! I think the only thing to do is remove the upper couple of inches of soil in the plot and put it in a pile to be used to fertilize your lawn during summer. To dissolve remaining fertilizer, irrigate the area with sixty gallons of water per week for three weeks. Replace the dirt you removed with good quality new soil, plant your vegetables, and keep your fingers crossed. Fertilizer damage, if it shows up, will be yellow leaves with brown edges.
Q: I have some crusty-looking stuff on the bottom of a clay pot. Can you tell me what it is and how to get rid of it? Jerri Roey, email
A: I think you're seeing efflorescence. This powdery material is the remains of fertilizer or minerals in the potting soil inside the pot. Simply soak the pot for an hour in a bucket of water and scrub off the white powder.
Listen to Walter Reeves Saturday mornings on NewsTalk 750 WSB-AM from 6 to 10. Go to www.yoursoutherngarden.com for details on his TV show or visit his website, www.walterreeves.com.
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