Q: The extreme cold seemingly froze the blooms on my hellebores. Is it possible they'll recover and make seeds this year? — Sandra Fry, Marietta
A: My hellebore (Lenten rose) plants were severely wilted after each of the severe cold snaps we've had this winter. Even so, they popped back up when the weather warmed. I think this is a wait-and-see situation. My bet is that the Lenten roses will turn out fine, even if your plants look droopy from time to time.
Q: I planted zoysia sod in November. Now I see weeds coming up between the sections of sod. Is it time for a weed killer? — Josh Mann, email
A: I don't recommend applying herbicide to grass that isn't fully rooted. Zoysia planted in November has few roots now. I think spraying glyphosate (Roundup, Kleen-Up, etc.) on a foam paintbrush and brushing it onto green weeds is the best weed-killing technique at this point. In May, when the zoysia is fully green, look for products that contain quinclorac or sulfentrazone plus other herbicidal chemicals. Use a hose-end sprayer to apply weed killer to the entire lawn. In the future, remember that the best herbicide is a lush, vigorous lawn. Be sure your lawn maintenance is top-notch.
Q: When is the best date in North Georgia to start vegetable seeds so as to be ready to transplant into our garden? — Linda Bennett, Union County
A: It all depends on which plants you want to grow. Some, like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and lettuce, should be started 10 weeks before your last frost. Tomato, eggplant and pepper seeds need to be started seven weeks before the last frost. Cucumber, squash and watermelon seeds need only four weeks to be ready for planting. Your last frost date in North Georgia is usually in late April. Count back from there to determine when to start your seeds. See georgiaweather.net for last frost data for other parts of the state.
Q: I have several Encore azaleas that have been hit hard by cold weather. Last year I pruned them back drastically in late March. They regrew and bloomed in October. This year it is worse! All foliage has died and most has fallen. After two bad years in a row, is there hope? — Jack Howard, Paulding County
A: I think you'll just have to wait and see. Encore azaleas are generally tolerant of Georgia winter weather, but I think some varieties are a bit more sensitive to cold than others. My guess is that the variance is due to the differing parentage of the different varieties. Keep an eye on your shrubs until mid-May. If there are no green leaves then, they are dead. In the future, be sure to avoid late fall fertilizer application or fall pruning: Both practices can make azaleas more winter tender.
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