A FRIENDLY REMINDER FROM KEITH MICKLER – DON’T PLANT MYSTERIOUS SEEDS FROM CHINA

If you happen to receive an unsolicited packet of seeds from China via mail, do not plant those seeds.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture was recently informed that a number of Georgians have received unsolicited packages containing seeds that appear to have originated from China.

Keith Mickler, the University of Georgia Extension agent for Floyd County, strongly urges local residents to refrain from planting those seeds. If you are among those who have received a packet of seeds, contact the GDA Seed Lab at (229) 386-3145.

If planted, the mysterious seeds could spring forth with some type of invasive plant species.

Some of the seeds have been identified by the US Department of Agriculture, though experts continue to urge recipients not to plant them.

It is wise to refrain from planting any mysterious seeds, no matter their place of origin, adds Mickler.

So what should you be planting right now? Mickler indicates that now is the best time to prepare for fall gardening; the seed packets for collards, kale, and other fall vegetables should be available at local garden stores soon.

Mickler encourages lawn and garden enthusiasts to reach out to his office for a soil test to determine your soil’s nutrient status. He may be reached via the telephone at (706) 295-6210.