Prepared by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Office of Public Affairs Tommy Irvin, Commissioner. Call Consumer Q's hotline at 1-800282-5852.

Safety Alert: Little Risk of Formosan Termite Infestation from Mulch.

A recent flurry of e-mails have circulated incorrect information that bags of garden mulch may contain the damaging Formosan termite. As warmer weather approaches and gardening season begins, Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin wants to assure Georgia's gardeners that there is little risk in using mulch.

The termite rumor sprang from the fear that hurricane-damaged trees from Louisiana containing Formosan termites are being turned into mulch and sold here in Georgia. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture has taken appropriate measures by establishing a quarantine against the movement of wood and wood products from the affected areas. Further, it is highly unlikely that the Formosan termite, or any termite, could survive the mulching process.

"There is little to no danger of a Formosan termite infestation from using any mulch," states Commissioner Irvin. "Consumers throughout the state can feel confident in the safety of any mulch they buy this spring."

Q: While visiting my sister in New York, I found a tomato can with two labels. The hidden label was marked "rejected due to rust." While the can was opened, we didn't see any rust. Do you think this was a mistake?

A: Most definitely, all responsible food product manufacturers destroy badly rusted cans. However, it is not uncommon for these firms to recondition cans with only minor rust. After reconditioning, but before redistributing, the can's integrity and appearance is always checked. In this case, it seems that someone forgot to remove the reconditioning label.

Q: My husband loves to cook but only on the grill or in the smoker. My problem is that the grill and smoker are on the patio off my dining room and I can not keep that smoky smell out of my drapes. What should I do?

A: Suggest that your husband build a dry brick patio that he can use for his grilling and smoking that is farther away from your home. And don't worry about your husband making a big mess. The only thing he will need is a couple pieces of pressure treated boards, stakes, and some sand and bricks. The length of the boards and the amount of sand and bricks will be determined by the size of the patio. So the first thing to do is to decide on the size patio you want, and dig the area out. Edge this area with the treated boards and stake them into place. Then pour in your sand and spread it out over the entire area. This sand base should be two and onefourth inches deep. Spray the sand gently with water, let it dry, and tamp it down until it's a two inch level. Then position the bricks, fitting them tightly and making sure they are level. When all the bricks are in place, pour sand on them, sweep it onto the crevices, sprinkle with water, and repeat as necessary to fill any gaps. Viola, instant patio!

Q: How can I grow terrific tomatoes?

A: Plant your tomato seedlings in a spot that receives full sun (six hours a day). Don't locate your tomato garden near black walnut trees because these trees produce a chemical that wilts tomatoes (as well as potatoes and eggplants). Never mulch tomatoes with bark, wood chips, or hulls from a black walnut tree.

Q: Can I grow eggplants in my home garden?

A: Yes, you can grow eggplants in one of two ways. You can start the eggplant seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost in your area or buy transplants. Eggplants are very tender, and are even more susceptible to cold temperatures than tomatoes. Transplant your seedlings after the soil has warmed and the danger of frost is passed. If the soil is too cold, it may inhibit growth. Plant your eggplants about a week after you plant your tomatoes.

Q: What can you tell me about growing peppers?

A: Peppers are very tender plants, like eggplants, and are very susceptible to cold temperatures. Transplant pepper seedlings after the soil has warmed and the danger of frost is passed in fact, too cool soil may inhibit pepper seedling growth. If temperatures are too cold, leaves may yellow and flowers may drop off. Peppers do best in well-drained soil. Space pepper seedlings 1 1/2 to 2 feet apart in a row. Fertilize the area before transplanting pepper seedlings. Apply a side dressing of fertilizer once the plants have been in the ground about a month. Keep moisture consistent by mulching around pepper plants. Uniform moisture is important all the way through to harvest time. Blossom-end rot is more likely if there is inconsistent moisture.

If you have questions or problems with products or services regulated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, you may write the Office of Public Affairs, Room 224, 19 Martin Luther King Drive, Atlanta 30334 or call 1-800-282-5852.