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Published on 02/24/11

2011 edition of the Spring Garden Packet

By Stephanie Schupska

Summertime is right around the corner, and with it comes colorful flowers, tasty vegetables and leaf-chopping insects. We’re got articles and information to help you with your garden needs in the 36th edition of the Spring Garden Packet, produced by the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Written by CAES faculty, news editors and graduate and undergraduate students, these articles are designed to help you with timely, valuable gardening information for wherever you live in Georgia.

This year’s edition is split into sections. First, you’ll find articles on general gardening, followed by vegetables and fruits, water and insects. Happy gardening!

General gardening
1. New UGA ornamental grasses grow fast but tame – Jonathan Andrews
2. Protect landscape plants, vegetable seedlings from frost – Andrea Gonzalez
3. Palms add a tropical flair to Georgia landscapes – Gary Wade
4. Size matters when selecting crape myrtles – Wade
5. Plants win gold medals for hardiness, beauty – Stephanie Schupska
6. UGA offers free resources for planting environmentally-friendly landscapes – Amanda Swennes

Vegetables and fruits
7. UGA Extension helps home gardeners grow their own food – April Sorrow
8. Top five easiest plants for beginner gardeners – Jamie Woodhead
9. Edible vegetables in your landscape – George Boyhan
10. Fresh, home-grown veggies without a garden – Woodhead
11. Fruits add flavor to your landscape – Sorrow
12. From garden to kitchen: Grow your own herbs – Schupska
13. Select proper varieties for picture perfect gardening – Stephen Garton

Water
14. Harvest rainwater, and keep the change – Lori Pindar
15. Rain gardens capture stormwater, reduce runoff – Sharon Dowdy

Insects
16. Squash borers cause squash-growing gardeners grief – Amanda Tedrow
17. Eastern caterpillars pitch springtime tents – Whitney Boozer
18. Stick insects make good pets – Nancy Hinkle
19. Summer vegetables: How to avoid an insect takeover – Andrews

For more information on gardening in your county, call your UGA Cooperative Extension agent at 1-800-ASK-UGA or visit ugaextension.com.

Stephanie Schupska is the communications coordinator with the University of Georgia Honors College.

Authors:
Stephanie Schupska
Experts/Sources:
Paul A. Thomas
Bob Westerfield
George E. Boyhan
Gary L. Wade
Bodie Pennisi
Amanda Tedrow
Frank P. Henning
Matthew Chappell
Spring is right around the corner, and so are spring flowers, summer vegetables and all the gardening these seasons bring. Spring is right around the corner, and so are spring flowers, summer vegetables and all the gardening these seasons bring.
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A mug of UGArden's chamomile tea. CAES News
UGArden herbal tea program launches sales in campus dining halls 03/21/24 Jordan Powers
The door to UGArden’s herb drying room leads to an olfactory explosion — sharp peppermint, earthy tulsi, sweet calendula and floral chamomile mix into an herbal perfume that would undoubtedly have tea drinkers reaching for their kettles. Now University of Georgia students will be able to get a taste of UGArden’s chamomile tea, along with a selection of the student community farm’s other herbal teas, with their campus meals as the UGArden medicinal herb program expands into UGA dining halls this spring.
UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences researchers Sharon Kane and Becky Griffin put together a map displaying the economic value of pollinators to spread awareness about the impact of pollinators and the necessity of continued conservation. (Photo by Chamberlain Smith/UGA) CAES News
Mapping the economic value of pollinators 02/07/24 Sameeka Prabath Rajamani
From beetles to butterflies, pollinators are a beautiful and integral part of nature. However, these tiny creatures may be more economically important to agricultural and ecological systems than previously thought. In a recent project by the Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development at the University of Georgia, economist Sharon Kane and plant protection expert Becky Griffin have put together a powerful map displaying the economic importance of pollinators across Georgia.  
CFMG Habitat CAES News
Central Fulton Master Gardeners celebrate 500th Habitat for Humanity landscaping project 12/12/23 Jordan Powers
On a stormy day in September 2009, a crew of Central Fulton Master Gardeners were nearly knee-deep in mud, installing landscaping on their first house for a partnership with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. It was not how anyone envisioned the project kick-off. More than 14 years later, CFMG has maintained its commitment to the organization, completing its 500th Habitat project — a fitting milestone as the national Extension Master Gardener program celebrates its golden jubilee this year.
The caterpillar relies on its appearance to deter attackers and, when disturbed, it aggressively twists and writhes on the ground to defend itself. In its final, less terrifying form, the regal moth displays autumnal-colored wings in shades of deep orange with gray stripes and yellow spots. (Art by Jay B. Bauer) CAES News
Unveiling the fearsome hickory horned devil 10/25/23 Emily Cabrera
With a name that conjures the spookiest Halloween imagery, the hickory horned devil (Citheronia regalis) caterpillar is a marvel of nature's creativity, boasting a fearsome-looking appearance that is both off-putting and intriguing. This time of year, unsuspecting passersby may have the rare chance to spot this spectacular caterpillar as it drops from trees.
Considered a native of the Eastern U.S., the smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) is a showy shrub that sports large, velvety leaves and chartreuse-to-white blooms. (Photo by Sheri Dorn) CAES News
What to plant for a smokin’ hot garden in the heat of summer 07/26/23 Sheri Dorn
Has the heat got you inside looking out? Are you enjoying gardens and landscapes only from the comfort of your air-conditioned car? Indeed we are in the throes of summer in Georgia, but even though it’s brutal for us outside, there are many landscape plants that are in their glory this time of year.
Irrigation systems can help get water to plants when it is needed, but always follow best practices. Avoid wetting plant foliage for prolonged periods of time to reduce risk of plant disease. Make sure irrigation water lands in the beds so that no water is wasted on sidewalks and driveways. (Photo by Sheri Dorn) CAES News
Watering landscape plants in the summer heat 07/10/23 Sheri Dorn
As summer heats up, Georgians tend to worry about how hot it’s going to be and how dry. To properly care for the plants in our landscapes and gardens this Smart Irrigation Month, residents need to pay a little extra attention to temperatures and rainfall in order to supplement water when needed.