Consumer Q’s

Submitted by the Georgia Department of Agriculture

Q: I love the sea oats I see on the dunes at the beach. Can I collect some seed and grow them in Atlanta?

A: No. Sea oats (Uniola paniculata) have very specialized needs that you will not be able to replicate. Also, it is against the law to disturb sea oats or to cut their seed heads because they are such a valuable asset in protecting our beaches, marshland and coastal homes from erosion and storms. Their leaves and large network of roots build and protect sand dunes. Dunes function as dikes against flooding from ocean waves and as reservoirs of sand to seasonally replenish the beach. During hurricanes and storms, dunes help reduce the energy of strong waves.

However, there is a related grass you can find at nurseries and garden centers you can substitute that will grow very well in all parts of the state. Its botanical name is Chasmanthium latifolium. It goes by various common names including river oats, inland sea oats and upland sea oats. It is native to Georgia and grows in sun or shade and a wide range of soil conditions. The graceful and attractive seed heads resemble those of sea oats. Flower arrangers like to cut the seed heads of river oats before they turn brown and use them in fresh or dried bouquets.

In addition to river oats, other grasses such as pampas grass or narrow-leaved varieties of miscanthus (also known as maiden grass or eulalia grass) can also help give you the look of the dunes in your garden. They are readily available at Georgia nurseries and garden centers and are easy to grow.

Q: My refrigerator went haywire and froze the cantaloupe I had cut for supper. Is there anything you can use frozen cantaloupe for?

A: You can eat frozen cantaloupe when it is partially thawed. If it thoroughly thaws, it is too mushy. However, the semi-frozen product is not as good in most people’s opinion as in its unaltered form.

A better option is to use the frozen cubes to make a smoothie. Take one cup of watermelon (seedless or pieces that have had the seeds removed) and crush it to release as much of the juice as possible. Place the watermelon in the blender along with one cup of frozen cantaloupe and blend until mixed. If it is not icy enough, add ice cubes to the blender. If you need more liquid, you can add skim milk. If you don’t have watermelon, blend the cubes of frozen cantaloupe with yogurt or skim milk (it will look like peach ice cream) or orange juice.

If you have a cantaloupe that is too ripe, cubing and freezing it to make smoothies is an excellent option. If you don’t have time to freeze the cantaloupe, you can add ice cubes to cool the smoothie and bulk it up. However, this kind of smoothie melts quicker. (It is so refreshing, however, you may drink it too quickly to notice.)

You can also puree overripe cantaloupe to make frozen pops. Puree the fruit, add fine sugar or a sweetener if necessary and pour into your molds and freeze.

Q: Can I use insect repellent on my dog?

A: There are insect repellents available for pets. Be sure to follow the label directions. Products intended for humans can be toxic to pets, however. Insect repellants made for humans should not be used on animals without a veterinarian's recommendation.

Q: How can I prevent kinks from developing in my hosepipe?

A: The way to keep from getting kinks in your hosepipe is to prevent getting kinks in your hosepipe. That may sound like advice from Yogi Berra so please allow us to explain. Once a kink develops in your garden hose, it is likely to keep occurring at that same spot. Try to keep the kink from happening in the first place by buying the best quality hose you can afford and by taking proper care of it. When purchasing a hose, look for one made of quality material. In general, the heavier the rubber, the less likely it is to kink. Keep your hose coiled when not in use so that it doesn't become a twisted, kinky mess. When you use the hose, turn on the water and let it fill the hose before you uncoil it. The pressure of the water helps the hose hold its shape. Next, uncoil it gradually and avoid sharp turns as you drag it. When you're done, keep the water turned on and the hose filled until after you've finished coiling it. An empty hose tends to twist and kink while being coiled.

If you have questions about services or products regulated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, visit our website at www.agr.georgia.gov or write us at 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Room 218, Atlanta, GA 30334 or e-mail us at arty.schronce@agr.georgia.gov. To learn more about agricultural issues, get garden tips and find sources for flowers, livestock and other products, consider a subscription to The Farmers and Consumers Market Bulletin. Subscriptions for Georgia residents are $10 per year. To start or renew a subscription, send a check or money order payable to Market Bulletin at the address above or subscribe online at our website.

Features

Search Results

Discussion

Consumer Q’s

Site Map

Contact Us