AboutJames L. Crowder Expertise I can answer questions about soils, soil amendments, drainage and proper planting. I have extensive background in homeowner labeled pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.) and their proper use. I can also answer questions about the growing requirements of specific plants
Experience I have 37 years experience in the lawn and garden business split fairly evenly between the retail nursery business and wholesale distribution of consumer lawn and garden products. From 1990 to 2000 I co-hosted a weekly call-in talk radio program in Memphis, TN.
Organizations Garden Writers Association
Horticultural Board of the Mid South Fair
Publications Green Thumb Magazine - out of print
Education/Credentials 37 years of learning everday.
Awards and Honors Past president of the Memphis Horticultural Society.
Past president of the Memphis Bonsai Society.
Memphis Horticultural Society 2008 Horticultural Excellence Award
Question I have read many of your solutions pertaining to treating cat contaminated soil, the use of hydrated lime, but still have a question. I own a mobile home which has been visited frequently by ferrell cats, even fed and encouraged by the previous owner. The skirting around the trailer was poorly maintained and as a result , the cats used that area most often. Consequently, the odor under there is beyond imagination, truly sickening. I have been working at sealing any possible opening to where the smell might enter the home but I know it well never be "air tight," and have considered a fan to pull the bad air from under the unit and exhaust it above the roof. With my discovery of your website and the suggestion of using hydrated lime, I feel like I might be onto something but there is still an obstacle, I can't crawl under the home because of a neck and shoulder condition but am avble to work along side. To get the lime distributed thoroughly remains a question. The soil is mostly sandy and loose, but the idea of using a shovel to just pitch the lime sounds a bit dangerous in light of it's toxic nature if inhaled. Would it be effective to mix the lime with water and using a garden sprayer (tank type) and spray it in, and if so, what kind of mix ratio. The only other question would be how much is enough, how many applications? Thank you, Russ
Answer Hi Russ, I don't think spraying will work. Five lbs. in a gallon of water poured over a small area may work, but it will take a lot of lime and hundreds of gallons of water. Dusting it liberally over the area is better. Given your circumstances, it may be best to hire it done.
You might try Febreeze. At one time, we had a garden product with the same ingredients for garden odors and it worked well. The enzymes attack organic molecules and the smell may be neutralized. You may still have to hire someone to get under your home for thorough coverage. Jim
