Gardening Q&A

Q: I have a shed that is not insulated or heated. It has power and some fluorescent light bulbs. Can I start new seeds out there, or will it be too cold?

A: Considering the mild nature of this winter in the South, I think your seeds should be OK, provided the air doesn’t get too cold. Keep the doors closed as much as possible to store warm air.

The key to seed germination for most plants is not the air temperature but the soil temperature. And the minimum soil temperature for germination of most vegetables is 65 degrees and up. What will help you achieve this in coming weeks is an electrically powered heating mat that produces very gentle bottom heat under the seed trays and keeps the soil temperature warm.

However, we are still having freezing nights and cold-to-coolish days. I think you should try to fashion a warmer environment for the plants as they develop into seedlings. Plus they must be protected from cold drafts when the door is opened.

Try to create a little greenhouse by draping lightweight plastic around your lights and seed trays, using tape to secure it. Drape it in a way that you can easily unfold it on warm days and when you need to tend your plants.

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Q: My large red-tips have dropped their leaves and seem to be dying one by one. The leaves have white spots on them. Can I save them somehow?

A: The white spots you describe are likely due to powdery mildew, another problem fungus for red-tips. I suspect a closer look would reveal that both problems affect your shrubs.

This month, before new growth emerges, prune your plants, taking time to cut off all affected foliage. Red-tips will take heavy pruning. Remove these infected leaves by raking them up and getting rid of them.