Another week of heat

It's hard to call now the "dog days of summer" as we've had these hot spells so many times since early June. You're to be congratulated if you've managed to keep your growing things green this summer. Go ahead and pat yourself on the back! Also, give thanks that we still have plenty of water.

Isn't it funny how tomatoes aren't nearly as tasty after you eat 20 or 30 of them? Did you know that Aug. 8 was "National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day?

Have you been seeing a lot of grasshoppers lately? It's not surprising. With all the local areas losing their vegetation to the heat and no rain, the hoppers and all their friends are moving into town. These little guys can do a lot of damage in short order.

And then there's Bambi … and his relatives. Don't be surprised if you wake up one morning and see deer in your yard, feasting away.

As I've mentioned before, there are few deterrents that actually work. The sprays will do the job for a week or two … until your sprinklers wash them off.

There are really only two reliable ones: tall fences and outdoor guard dogs. Fence needs to be 8 feet tall and a dog needs to be outdoors day and night.

Have you noticed any of your trees losing leaves? If so, you need to take action, immediately. When a tree loses leaves in August, there is usually only one reason. It's crying for water!

If that's the case, you need to soak each tree overnight by letting a hose trickle somewhere within the drip line. That will make all the difference. Otherwise, you may have a dead tree next spring.

Here's something to remember, "the only thing worse than finding a worm in a cherry is finding half a worm!"

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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 a member of the River City Gardeners in Post Falls. Her column is now in its 16th year of appearing in The Press every other Sunday from March to October.