Would you trade the heat for winter?

Hard as it is to believe, August is here! Wasn't it just a couple of days ago that we were hearing fireworks? My dog is still trembling.

One good thing that's in abundance now is corn … the on-the-cob type. It really hits the spot. Just wish it was easier to shuck. By the time I get all those silks pulled off, I've almost lost my appetite. There is a corresponding silk for every kernel on that cob. No wonder there seem to be a LOT of them!

Right now is a good time to plant a few “short-season” veggies. Just read the “days to mature” numbers on the seed packets on such things as radishes, beets and lettuce. Others include bunching onions and peas.

Keep up the watering even though it's getting “old.” Just be glad we're not in Phoenix where they've had above 110 temps daily for over a month! Or be glad we're not in San Antonio where they're only allowed to water once a week.

This may seem way too early but it probably isn't. I just want to remind you to start watching for fall bulbs in the stores. If you wait until fall arrives, you'll probably be out of luck. Just buy some when you see them and store them on a shelf until planting time.

Continue deadheading, watering and fertilizing those annual flowers and they'll bloom for quite a while more. Some of the late-blooming perennials are just starting their show. One good one is phlox.

Here's something to keep in mind. Experts tell us that we are never more than 10 feet from a spider … indoors or out.

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Elaine Cerny has gardened most of her life, starting in 4-H. She has belonged to garden clubs in three states and is currently an active member of the River City Gardeners Club in Post Falls. Her column has appeared in The Press every other Sunday from early March until late October for the past 14 years.