Consumer Q’s

Submitted by the Georgia Department of Agriculture

Q: I have several shrubs in containers that got too hot and dry. Some of their leaves have dried up and the rest are very wilted. What fertilizer will help revive the plants?

A: Do not fertilize plants that are extremely wilted or that have been damaged by heat or drought as you describe. Fertilizing could cause further damage. Water them immediately and deeply. Also wet the entire plant, especially the leaves. Skip fertilizing until the plants have fully recovered.

Q: What is ‘Zephyr’ squash? I saw it for sale at the farmers market.

A: ‘Zephyr’ is a variety of summer squash that is a hybrid of a yellow crookneck with a squash that is a cross between the delicata squash and yellow acorn squash. ‘Zephyr’ is unusual because it is yellow with light green at the blossom end and sometimes at the stem end. Don’t let this distinctive appearance make you think it is not ready to pick or cook. It is usually harvested at four to six inches long. It has a nutty flavor and firm texture that holds up well in cooking. It is also good for crudités.

Q: Will brewer’s yeast protect my dog from fleas? What about garlic?

A: Tests have shown that brewer’s yeast does not protect pets from fleas. Some claim that garlic and various dried herbs control fleas, but there is little scientific evidence to support such claims.

Q: Will there be another Georgia Grown Farmer Showcase?

A: Yes. The second Georgia Grown Farmer Showcase will be July 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Atlanta State Farmers Market. The first one in June was a great success with 47 vendors selling vegetables, fruits, vegetables, meats, multicolored eggs, meats, beef and pork jerky, apple juice and apple products, alpaca yarn and products, cheeses, plants and flowers, jams, jellies, honey, bread, Georgia Grown T-shirts (in an assortment of fruit and vegetable colors) and more. For information contact Paul Thompson at 404-675-1782. The Atlanta State Farmers Market is at 16 Forest Parkway, Forest Park.

Q: Do you have any advice on protecting horses during hot weather?

A: You need to take precautions during these extremely hot temperatures. Here are a few tips for helping horses stay safe and healthy:

·         Limit activity to morning and evening hours. Keep work and exercise to a minimum during the hottest part of the day.

·         Leave barn doors open as often as possible to allow proper ventilation.

·         Place large fans around the exercise area, being sure to keep cords out reach of horses.

·         Loosen or remove saddles and harnesses.

·         Be cautious when allowing horses to walk on concrete; bare feet can be burned and horseshoes can become extremely hot.

·         When hosing horses down after exercise, start with the legs and work upward to avoid shock.

·         Work horses should be given regular breaks in places with shade, plenty of water and cool ground.

·         Horses should always be given access to cool water (not heated by the sun) and shade throughout the day during the summer. In extreme heat a horse can drink more than 20 gallons of water a day. Some horses may require extra electrolytes, which can be given through store-bought supplements or by a mixture of three parts salt (sodium chloride) and one part lite salt (potassium chloride).

·         Older and overweight horses have a harder time dealing with heat.

·         Horses that are exposed to extremely high temperatures for long periods of time can experience heat stress or heat strokes. Excessive sweating, panting, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate and high rectal temperature are all signs of heat stress and should be treated by running cool water on the horse’s legs and giving frequent, small amounts of water. These signs can also be an indication of a heat stroke, in which case a veterinarian should be called immediately. While waiting for a vet to arrive, the same treatment methods for heat stress should be administered to the horse.



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 agricultural 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.

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