Consumers get answers from Georgia Department of Agriculture

Prepared by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Office of Public Affairs Tommy Irvin, Commissioner. Call Consumer Q's hotline at 1-800-282-5852.

Q: I would like some information on container gardening. I live in an apartment with afternoon sun. Also, what are some easy plants?

A: Afternoon sun tends to be hot and so you would look for plants that can withstand both heat and full sun. For easy plants for a large outdoor container you might consider red salvia, blue salvia "Victoria," zinnias, "Wave" petunias, or marigolds. You can mix and match. Since you are just beginning with container gardening, you might look at a book or two about it. For an easy indoor plant, you might try a rubber plant, schefflera, dracaena, philodendron, snake plant, Chinese evergreen, cast-iron plant, rohdea, phothos, spider plant or an asparagus fern. You might also want to look at a book or two about houseplants to get a feel for how to care for them.

Q: I have a problem with wild cats and dogs attacking my chickens. What can I do to stop them?

A: Free-range chickens and their offspring are vulnerable to attack from feral cats and dogs. Both can have a devastating effect on your chicken flock, at best causing a break in laying and at worst total loss of the entire flock. Keeping the chickens well fenced in helps. Contact your local animal control office or sheriff for assistance.

Q: What is the difference between a hare and a rabbit?

A: When placed side by side, the physical and behavioral differences between a rabbit and a hare are more apparent. The Cottontail rabbit has a small body and shorter ears and legs, which are best suited for living in areas of dense shrubby land. Their shorter anatomy lets them dive quickly into areas of cover, therefore there is no need for great distance running to avoid predators. Hares on the other hand, have long powerful legs and bodies built to out-run predators in open country.

Q: My figs have ripened and are ready to be picked, but there are too many hornets, yellow jackets and bees. How can I get rid of them?

A: In speaking with our office of plant protection, I have been advised that there is really no safe way to get rid of the bees, hornets and yellow jackets. Spraying them is not an option because you plan to eat the fruit. The only suggestion is that you purchase and use protective gear.

Q: I am planning on opening a shop to sell pre-packaged bakery goods. Do I need a license to do this?

A: Yes, you will need to be inspected

and issued a permit from the Department of Agriculture to conduct

business of this nature. To make arrangements for an inspection please contact our Office of Consumer Protection at 404-656- 3621.

August Gardening Tips

.. Two or three leaves should be left when cutting gladiolus, so that the bulbs can ripen.

.. Transplant Oriental poppies now.

.. Rock-garden plants should be checked to see if they need thinning. Overcrowded plants will not stay healthy or attractive.

.. Sow these perennials outdoors for next spring: aquilegia, Phlox paniculata, digitalis, centaurea, and primrose.

.. Cut back the flower stalks of perennials that have finished blooming.

.. Cut spent delphinium flower stalks off and a new, though smaller, flower stalk will develop. The plant will survive the coming cold days and even light frosts.

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