Q. I’m a natural gardener and bury kitchen waste such as coffee grounds, eggshells and fruit peels in my garden. Our former sandy wasteland now has rich soil with earthworms. My neighbors think I bring rodents in to the area because of my composting. I have had piles of rat poison dumped in my yard, a dead rat placed at my front door and other abuse from neighbors. I have placed rat traps in 3 spots in my yard and they are refilled as needed. My anonymous neighbor claims that the composting brings the rats.
I bring birds, butterflies, beauty and enjoyment to my area. Walkers detour to walk past our garden. Can you state that compost does not bring rodents to the area? We live in Kings Point. — Phyllis Frank, Delray Beach
A. Avoid the eggshells in your compost, but coffee grounds, fruit peels and other leafy material will not attract rodents. Rats are common everywhere people are. I suspect there is more to this problem. Your casual natural landscape may not appeal to the neatniks who cannot accept any landscape unless it’s pruned to a geometric shape. You have probably moved into the wrong type community for your casual gardening approach. I wish you good luck in your endeavors.
Q. My Bermuda grass lawn is overrun with this woody weed. Can you recommend a chemical control for it? — Allen Alster, Boynton Beach
A. The weed appears to be creeping indigo, which is difficult to control. I recommend hiring a professional because the chemicals can easily be over-applied and can kill trees, shrubs and the lawn. The grass may discolor. Treatment includes 2, 4D Amine plus Dicamba and MCPP. The products should be applied when the temperature is below 80 degrees. Avoid spray drift. Keep away from tree and shrub root zones.
Q. What conditions do aloe plants need to grow well? — Chris Montanari, Davie
A. Aloes like full sun, good drainage and not much water. They should never be planted in an area with poor drainage.
Gardening question? Mail to Robert Haehle, Home & Garden section, Sun-Sentinel, 200 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-2293. Include full name, address, and phone number. Please do not call or e-mail. Personal replies are not possible. Plants cannot be identified if you do not send a photograph. Do not send printouts of digital photos. We may use the pictures to illustrate your question. Photos cannot be returned.
