Consumer questions
Question: Will rain lilies grow in Georgia?
Answer: Yes. They are appreciated for their lily-like flowers, attractive grassy foliage and durability.
One of the best, and the one most commonly sold, is the white rain lily (Zephyranthes candida). This late summer to fall bloomer is beautiful as well as easy to grow. Two other popular species are the yellow rain lily (Zephyranthes citrina) and the pink rain lily (Zephyranthes rosea). Please also consider Zephyranthes atamasca, our native species of rain lily known as the Atamasco lily. (Editor’s note: In a quirk of botanical nomenclature, the species name ends in “a” while the common name ends in “o”.) Although not commonly sold, it is worth searching for. It is native from Maryland to Florida and Mississippi.
Rain lilies are available from finer bulb suppliers and garden centers. You will also find some hybrids and rarer species. Some garden centers and mail-order sources may sell them potted instead of as dormant bulbs.
Q: What are pepper spots on watermelons?
A: Pepper spots are little, black spots that may appear on the underside of some watermelons. They are harmless and are one of the signs that farmers and gardeners may use to help indicate the melon is ripe.
Q: Do you have any ideas on ways to cut down on water use in my landscape?
A: During hot summers and periods of drought, gardeners spend more time and money watering plants than they would like. Besides the strain watering can put on their time and pocketbook, most gardeners recognize that water is a valuable resource that should not be wasted, and they want to do their part to use it wisely to help ensure there is enough to meet their needs and as well as the needs of agriculture, industry and a growing population.
Some actions to conserve water need to be done in advance of heat and dry weather. A good example is proper soil preparation. A plant with a well-established root system in properly prepared soil will better withstand dry conditions. Another good example is knowing your plant’s requirements and placing it accordingly. A plant that needs a lot of water should not be placed in the highest and driest spot in your landscape. Mulching is another good way to conserve soil moisture.
A few other tips include:
Monitor your sprinkler or irrigation system when it is operating. If water is running off and not being absorbed into the soil, turn it off and allow the water to be absorbed before starting again.
Do not water in the hottest part of the day. That is when the most water is lost to evaporation. Watering in the coolest part of the day reduces evaporation and will allow more water to reach plant roots. Use drip irrigation and soaker hoses that deliver water directly to the root zone of plants with less evaporation.