By Tamara Galbraith

Just as Pippin relished his "second breakfasts" in The Lord of the Rings, many gardeners enjoy the opportunity for second summer plantings in mid-August.

In milder climates where the first frost doesn't show up for several months (if at all), growers can get busy with a new crop of tomatoes, peppers and other heat-loving veggies. A few things to watch out for, however:

* Make sure you add a generous amount of compost when putting in transplants. This will ensure your plants get off to a quick, healthy start in soil that's already been working hard all summer long and is probably in need of a nutrient boost.

* Keep a close eye on pest infestations. After all, they haven't been lounging by the pool drinking margaritas all summer like you have; by the time August rolls around, they've gotten really good at breeding and munching on your crops.

* As fall rains increase, watch out for fungus-related diseases like powdery mildew. Practice good gardening hygiene by cleaning up dead plant material from around the bottoms of plants, thinning out overly bushy veggies, and adding a fresh layer of mulch. All of these techniques help keep fungal spores from splashing up on plants.

* Pay attention to weather reports if your area is susceptible to fall frosts. A bit of frost cloth goes a long way in saving your hard-earned second summer crop from the compost pile.

Sun Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Color: Red, white/near white
Bloom Time: Mid summer, late summer/early fall
Foliage: Deciduous
Other details: Average water needs; water regularly; do not overwater
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
This plant may be considered a protected species; check before digging or gathering seeds

By Tamara Galbraith

Ok, it's not like worming your dog...you're actually going to ADD worms to your yard. And not just any worms - these are microscopic eating machines called beneficial nematodes that chow down on harmful pests in your soil.

Several different types of beneficial nematodes are available: the Heterorhabditis Bacteriophora Nematodes (HB) are the "toothed" version and generally considered the most effective as they go down into the soil, hunting such pests as beetles, cutworms and everybody's nemesis: grubs. Meanwhile, the Steinemema Carpocapsae Nematodes (SC) tend to stay closer to the surface but are good for controlling such pests as fleas and termites.

Nematodes are available in several different application formats, such as sponges, gel packets or clay bricks that are dissolved in water then sprayed onto the soil. Applying beneficial nematodes should be done in the fall in northern regions and during the cooler part of the late summer day in the South. Nematodes will die if exposed to light or heat. Give the treatment area a good, deep watering first, so the nematodes can easily move into the soil once applied. Beneficial nematodes are sold by the million, so you'll need to figure out how much you need. The general rule is 1 million nematodes for every 2,000 square feet to be treated. Although they can be stored in the refrigerator for a short time, it's best if you use them right away.

Lastly, beneficial nematodes are completely safe to mammals, fish, and plants. But if you're a grub...watch out.

Soil Moist is a polymer designed to reduce plant watering. It absorbs water like a sponge; when the soil dries, the stored water is released to the soil.