Q: We were spreading a pile of mulch and came across eggs that are as big as chicken eggs, but more slender. Our neighbor's lawn man killed a timber rattlesnake in their yard a couple of weeks ago. Hope these didn't come from that! — Melanie White, email
A: They are probably black rat snake eggs. These slender creatures are very common and completely harmless. Since rattlesnakes have live births, there's no need to worry about them being connected to the eggs.
Q: What are the rules on urban farms or gardens in Fulton County? How much of our property can we dedicate to growing vegetables? — Patrick A., email
A: Becky Griffin, University of Georgia urban agriculture specialist, said that in June the Atlanta City Council passed the Urban Ag Zoning Ordinance, which applies to the city of Atlanta but not the entire county. There is no effect on people wanting to grow vegetables in their own yards. However, if someone has undeveloped property that is zoned for residential use and wants to have a community garden or urban farm, they may need a special administrative permit. If you live in unincorporated Fulton or another city, contact the local zoning department for ordinances specific to that municipality. Details on the Atlanta ordinance are at gogrowatlanta.org.
Q: I need something to plant in a space that's quite long; part is shady and some is in full sun. I'd love the plant to have year-round interest and maybe attract wildlife. What do you think about Oregon grape holly? — Stefanie Couch, Gwinnett County
A: Grape holly, Mahonia aquifolium, is evergreen, has nice yellow flowers in February and bears lots of blue berries that birds adore. Perfect, right? But I have heard too many people complain about mahonia (both this one and Mahonia bealei) because bird-deposited seeds sprout everywhere. It can be a pest in the landscape. Investigate blueberries or 'Emerald Green' arborvitae (or a mixture thereof) instead. I have a big collection of downloadable plant lists at bit.ly/UGAplant.
Q: I'm growing Beauregard sweet potatoes. One source says they are light feeders but another says they are heavy feeders. How should they be fertilized? — John Walraven, Smyrna
A: UGA gardening expert Bob Westerfield said he would classify sweet potatoes in the medium feeder category. He fertilizes his at planting with 15-20 pounds of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 1,000 square feet. Three weeks later he's back with 15 pounds of 12-4-8 per 1,000 square feet. They then get one more feeding four weeks later with 12-4-8 again. Bob reported he gets a super yield each year if he can keep the deer and mice out of them!
Q: I'm thinking about attaching a greenhouse to my home. I'd like to grow some citrus (lemon, orange, kumquat). But how do they get pollinated if no bees can get to them? — Bill Keyes, email
A: Good news! They don't require insects for pollination, just an occasional shaking. I get good pollination on my indoor Meyer lemon by touching flower clusters briefly with an electric toothbrush.
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