Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

DONATE TODAY

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Sunday - June 21, 2015

From: Mason, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Problem Plants
Title: Source of dry molasses near Mason, Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

Can you guys point me to a local source of dry molasses? I can get 50 lb bags from Amazon but shipping cost is almost double the cost of the product. I want to try it as a supplement to mechanical control of prickly pear.

ANSWER:

From a Google search I found this from the Dirt Doctor, Howard Garrett with places to get components for starting compost (includes molasses dry and wet) in North Texas.   One of the places they recommend is a feed and seed store for dry molasses.  I would try those in your area.  Also, read the forum entries on the Dirt Doctor's page and you may find other possible sources.   Places like Home Depot and Lowes have liquid molasses for sale.  The Dirt Doctor suggests using either dry or liquid molasses to breakdown the piles of cactus that have been mechanically removed.  I don't see any suggestions that the molasses will control growth of the cactus if that's what you are looking for.
 

More Problem Plants Questions

Poison Ivy in Semi-wetland Massachusetts
June 27, 2013 - You answered this question for Tennessee, but I would like an answer for a Massachusetts semi-wetlands area: What can I plant to discourage poison ivy, or at least make it very clear that it is poison...
view the full question and answer

Disposal of bulbs to control Arrowhead aquatic plant
August 29, 2006 - How can I kill Arrowhead permanently? I have sprayed repeated years with Roundup, Crossbow, etc., but the arrowhead comes back from the bulb the next year!
view the full question and answer

Desert Willow Roots from Lubbock, TX
September 18, 2014 - I have a very, very happy Desert Willow that has grown larger than we expected and is probably too close to the house. Do I need to worry about a cracked foundation or pipe problems? Thanks!
view the full question and answer

Proposal of marriage to Mr. Smarty Plants
April 21, 2012 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants: Will you marry me? Garden bliss hangs in the balance.
view the full question and answer

How do you get rid of Mexican Petunia?
July 21, 2009 - How do you get rid of Mexican Petunia?
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.