Gardening
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I get a lot of calls in the late Spring about “stickers” in the yard. By that time it is too late to treat/control. The plant is called spurweed and NOW is the time to apply control options. With all the moisture we have had, it is very prevalent right now. I’ve seen it in…
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“To every thing there is a season.” And fall is the season to soil test. Soils tests provide information on the soil’s actual nutrient status. Fall is a preferred time to take soil tests if one suspects a soil pH problem and wants to avoid the spring rush. Fall soil testing will allow you ample…
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Each year the Madison County 4-H holds a Fruit Tree Sale. Orders, with payment, are due by November 6th to the Madison County Extension Office. Trees will be available for pick up on November 20th for 9am-6pm. All sales are final and the buyer is strongly encouraged to follow guidelines provided by UGA Extension regarding…
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School has started back, football season is beginning, summer vegetable harvest is coming to an end and temperatures are starting to be more tolerable. These are all signs that fall is just around the corner. As summer vegetables stop producing, it’s time to start planning and preparing fall gardens. Cool-season vegetables, packed with nutrients and…
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Fresh, vine-ripened tomatoes are one of the great joys of summer. However, sometimes diseases, pests and/or environmental stresses get in the way of our tomato harvests. I have already gotten several calls and visits about problems with tomato plants. Below are some common issues and potential solutions. Black area on bottom of tomatoes – This…
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The warmer temperatures and extra time at home have prompted you to plant a garden. Day-dreams of fresh, hand-picked veggies going straight from the garden to your dinner table are inching towards reality. But having a success vegetable garden takes some work and planning. Here are some tips to help you hopefully reach your dreams…
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LAWN BURWEED – IT’S A STICKY PROBLEM Tim R. Murphy – Retired Extension Weed Scientist, The University of Georgia The weed in question is most commonly lawn burweed (Soliva pterosperma), a.k.a. spurweed, stickerweed, sandbur, sanbur and sandspur. Lawn burweed is a winter annual member of the Aster family. The weed germinates in the early fall months…
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I get quite a few calls about lichens. Most clients bring in a sample or send me a picture of a frilly something growing on their tree or shrub and say, “This is killing my plant!” Well, actually, its not. Lichens (pronounced “liken”) are not parasitic. Lichens are made up of symbiotic organisms, a fungi…
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Composting is a simple way to add nutrient-rich humus which fuels plant growth and restores vitality to depleted soil. It’s also free, easy to make and good for the environment. Using compost improves soil structure, texture, and aeration and increases the soil’s water-holding capacity. Compost loosens clay soils and helps sandy soils retain water. Adding…
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The weather is warming and warm season perennial grasses are coming out of dormancy. Our lawns are greening up nicely and its time to start setting them up for a beautiful green summer. Knowing the right time to apply fertilizers, soil amendments, and pest control options is critical to the sustainability and health of your…