UGA Cooperative Extension
Troup County Extension:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I take a soil sample?
A: Using a soil sampling tube, spade, or trowel take a thin, vertical slice of soil to the desired depth or 4-6 inches. Take at least 10-15 different locations in the desired field or area. One soil sample bags generally covers 15 acres. Take all samples and mix together in a bag or bucket and transfer to soil sample bag and fill to fill line on bag. If you do not have a soil sample bag handy, put approximately a cup of the mix soil in a clean bag or jar and take to the nearest extension office.
Q: How do I take a water sample?
A: Recommendation is to collect the sample from the kitchen faucet or from the faucet used most often for drinking. Fill the bottle with the first flush of water that comes from this faucet as if you were filling a drinking glass. Only 4 ounces is recommended. Depending on the results of the test, if a water quality problem exists; further testing may be needed to determine the source of the problem.
Q: What type of Pecan tree should I plant?
A: The varieties recommended for yard-tree plantings are Stuart, Gloria Grande, And Curtis, Elliott and Sumner. Prior to planting, always take a soil test to determine accurate fertilizer and lime needs. If no soil test is taken, a general rule is to apply one pound 10-10-10 fertilizer distributed in a 25-square-foot area around the tree.
Q: When to prune peach trees?
A: The day you plant your trees is the day you begin to prune and train for future production. At planting, prune the tree back to a height of 26 to 30 inches leaving only a whip. Any side branches should be completely cut off. Prune in mid-February to early March, first removing diseased, broken and low-hanging limbs.
Q: When is the best time to prune Apple trees?
A: The day you plant your trees is the day you begin to prune and train for future production. Prune in late winter. Remove undesirable limbs as well as tipping terminals to encourage branching. Similar pruning is most beneficial if done in early June and early August.
Q: When is the best time to prune Plum trees?
A: Detailed pruning should be done in mid-February with some summer pruning to remove vigorous shoots from the inside of the tree as well as excessively long shoots from the top. Never prune plum trees October, November, December and January.
Q: How do I get Squirrels out of my attic?
A: A One way trap can be made with a 4” diameter PVC pipe. Fit the pipe over the squirrel entry way so it extends down and out at a 45 degree angle. This will let squirrels out but will prevent their re-entry. Once squirrels have been excluded, an all out-effort should be made to locate and squirrel proof every opening.
Q: How to get rid of lady Beetles (bugs)?
A: Prevent entry of lady beetles into houses, storage buildings, attics and other structures by sealing up cracks and crevices in these structures. Remove beetles inside the house with a broom and dust pan or the vacuum cleaner with the crevice tool attachment.
Q: How do I thaw a turkey?
A: A frozen turkey can be bought months in advance and stored in the freezer section of the refrigerator.
Allow about 24 hours of defrost time for every 5 pounds of turkey. A 20-pound turkey will take 4-5 days to thaw! Never thaw turkey at room temperature. Place the frozen turkey, in the original wrapper, in a 2-inch deep roasting pan in the refrigerator. Thaw the turkey, with the breast side down so the juices will flow into the breast. A thawed turkey may remain in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. Stuff your turkey just before you place the bird in the oven. Allow ½ to ¾ cup stuffing per pound of turkey, and do not over-stuff. The stuffing must be cooked to a minimum temperature of 165 degrees to be safe.
Q: How to cook a turkey?
A There are several methods for cooking your turkey. The single most important thing to know, no matter the cooking method, is that the turkey must be cooked to the proper internal temperature as measured with a food thermometer. A stuffed turkey will take additional time to cook. Cook your turkey according to the instruction on the bag per pound.
Q: How to remove stains?
A: Follow the link for stain removal. http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM858.pdf
Q: Acquire Freezer and Refrigerator information.
A: Follow the link. www.fsis.usda.gov
Q: Emergency Information -
A: www.fda.gov/Food/Resourcesforyou/consumers/usm076881.htm
