This invasive perennial vine is blooming now with pinkish white morning glory-like flowers. Dig or pull the plant out of the garden before it sets seeds. If you are persistent, you can control this pesky weed. 

Watch for Hornworms

It’s that time again, when leaves and stems of tomato plants disappear overnight. The tomato hornworm moth has laid her eggs on the tomato plants. Seek out the camouflaged worms and pick them off the plant. Dispose of them in a pail of soapy water. Bt is a bacterial control that can be dusted on the plants or applied as a liquid spray. 

Protect Fruit Trees

Don’t let fruit tree limbs break from the weight of fruit. Prop them up with poles. It also helps to thin the crop by removing some of the unripe fruit. 

Sharpen Mower Blades

If your lawn has a yellowish tan to brown cast shortly after mowing, it’s likely that your lawn mower blade needs sharpening. When was the last time you sharpened or changed the blade? This often overlooked maintenance tip will keep your lawn healthy and looking great.

 Harvest Summer Squash

Keep picking young zucchini and other summer squash frequently. This will keep the plants producing tasty and succulent squash. Leave a zucchini on the plant too long and you’ll end up with a monster that takes energy away from the plant.

Wash Out Fairy Ring

If you have fairy ring spots in your yard, give them a dose of soapy water. Core-aerate all around the fairy ring and then pour a solution of lemon-scented dishwashing detergent into the aeration holes (1/4 cup detergent to 3 gallons of water). This will stop this disease from spreading and allow the grass to fill in.