Straw should be OK to stay

By Walter Reeves

For the AJC

Q: How long should I leave down the straw I put out to protect fescue seed after my annual planting? — Debra Carpenter, west Cobb County

Enlarge photo

Walter Reeves, for the AJC Wheat straw should be spread lightly, so it rots quickly.

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A: If you used one bale of wheat straw per 1,000 square feet, the mulch is laid so lightly that it rots quickly and doesn’t need removing. If the straw layer is thick, lightly rake it away when your fescue grass is 3 inches high.

Q: I have a lot of green tomatoes and want to make some relish, pickles, etc., that do not require a boiling water bath, something that we could just keep in the refrigerator until it’s eaten. Is there such a recipe? — Diane Green

A: Elizabeth Andress, food preservation specialist for the University of Georgia, says you can use any relish recipe, even if it calls for canning, and store it in the refrigerator instead of canning it. Recipes such as pickled green tomato relish, fresh dill cucumber relish and rummage relish are available at xrl.us/RELISH. She recommends storing the relish in smaller containers to eat from, so you are not constantly opening and dipping into one large container.

This will help keep good quality and prevent spoilage in the rest of the relish until you are ready for the next jar.

Q: On your TV show, you mentioned special tools to remove privet. I went to hardware stores and they hadn’t a clue what they were. — Ruth McGraw

A: The tools were the Weed Wrench (www
.weedwrench.com) and the Honeysuckle Popper 
(www.misterhoneysuckle.com). Both are large and heavy, but they do a fantastic job removing invasive privet and bush honeysuckle. I think they should be purchased by neighborhood groups for park renovation and “lending” among friends. A couple of strong people can quickly clear a large area with one of these.

Q: I am in my mid-30s and looking for a career change. What type jobs are possible with a horticulture degree? — Diane Chiaramonte, Gainesville

A: You’ve made a good choice! Scott Angle, dean of the University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, says starting salaries of students in agriculture/horticulture, including bonuses, are second among UGA colleges behind only the Terry College of Business.

Contact Mary Kay Woodworth at www.malta
landscape.com for details on careers in horticulture. Also visit xrl.us/CAREERS. Good luck!

Q: I have several fish tanks and use a de-chlorinating product when using tap water for water changes. Would it be beneficial to use such a product when using tap water on my houseplants? 
— Marty Timoner

A: I don’t think there would be a benefit. Chemical de-chlorination typically yields a tiny bit of salt, which plants don’t like. If you are worried, use distilled water or rainwater.

Listen to Walter Reeves from 6 to 10 Saturday mornings on WSB-AM (750). Visit his Web site, www.walterreeves.com, for detailed advice on Georgia gardening.