I’m reaching out to see what you can tell me about the buck moths that seem to have exploded in neighborhoods across New Orleans in mid-December. Is this normal, and what should I know about them? I know the caterpillars sting. Any danger in touching a moth? Thanks much! — Susan
This is certainly the time of year we see buck moths. Populations vary from year to year and may be cyclic. That is, populations may stay low for years and then gradually build.
From late November through December, the adult buck moths, which have charcoal black-and-white wings and rusty orange on their abdomens, appear from underground where they spent the summer in the pupal or resting stage. The moths do not sting.
Once they emerge, the male and female moths mate and the females lay clusters of 80 to 100 eggs on small twigs in the canopy of oak trees, especially live oak and water oak. The eggs generally start to hatch in mid- to late-February in south Louisiana, and the caterpillars immediately begin to feed on the leaves of the oaks.
Six to eight weeks after hatching (generally after mid-April), the spiny caterpillars grow to about 3 inches and have finished feeding. Groups of the caterpillars begin to move down the trunk of the tree and look for a place to pupate in the ground.
Once on the ground, the group spreads out. When the caterpillars wander around on lawns, sidewalks and porches where you or your children may encounter them, it creates a situation that can lead to painful stings. So, it’s best to have trees sprayed in March before the caterpillars come down out of the trees.
There appears to be an unusually large adult population in some neighborhoods this year, indicating that a large outbreak of buck moth caterpillars may occur this spring.
People with live oaks in their yards who saw a lot of caterpillars last spring and moths this December should consider spraying trees. Large trees are best sprayed by commercial tree services.
Azalea bushes generally respond well to hard pruning. Do it right after they finish flowering. New growth should fill in after a month or so.
PROVIDED PHOTO BY JO ANNE DOLAN
I would like to lower a hedge of azaleas by at least halfway so the front of my house can be seen. Will I destroy the azaleas if I cut them this low? — Brittiany
Azaleas generally respond well to hard pruning, so you can cut your shrubs back about halfway if you like. Do this right after they finish flowering. New growth should fill in after a month or so.
If you would like to keep the azaleas that height, plan on cutting them back every spring after they bloom. You may also need to cut back a second time in midsummer if they seem to be getting too large. Prune no later than early July to avoid interfering with flowering.
I forgot to fertilize my plants last year. Is it too late to fertilize trees, shrubs and ground covers? — Richard
Yes, it’s too late (or too early, depending on how you look at it) to fertilize the plants you mention.
It is not a good idea to fertilize plants when they are going dormant or have gone dormant, as the extra nutrients are not needed and generally go to waste.
Fertilize trees in February and shrubs and ground covers in March or April.
Petunias may bloom less in mid-winter, but they will pick up again in late winter to early spring.
Norman Winter
Garden tips
BETTER THINGS TO COME: Petunias, snapdragons and other cool-season bedding plants may bloom less during the mid-winter period but should pick up again in the late winter and early spring. If the foliage color is a good deep green and the plants seem to be growing well, you shouldn’t need to fertilize now.
VEGGIES NOW: Vegetables to plant in January include beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, collards, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard, radishes, shallots, snow peas, spinach, Swiss chard and turnips. Plant seeds of tomatoes, peppers and eggplants in greenhouses or under lights indoors in late January to produce transplants to be planted out in March.
PESTICIDE PROTOCOL: Only use garden pesticides when the problem has been properly identified and they are really necessary. There is no need to spray an insecticide every time you see a bug or minor damage. When a pesticide is recommended, always ask for the least toxic product that will do the job.
WARM UP THAT WATER: During cold winter weather, the water coming out of the tap can be decidedly chilly. When filling up your watering can to water your indoor plants, don’t just turn on the cold-water tap. Turn on both cold and hot water and adjust the temperature until the water feels tepid or barely warm. This is healthier for tropical houseplants and will prevent the spotting of African violet foliage.
KEEP ON MOWING: Regularly mow lawns overseeded with ryegrass at a height of 1 1/2 inches to keep them looking attractive.
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