By Tamara Galbraith

As fall brings the fading of several nectar-producing flowers, it's time to haul out the sugar bag and make the hummingbirds happy. They need lots of energy for their migrations south, so do your part in being a responsible hummingbird fan.

The tried-and-true formula for making hummingbird nectar is 4 parts water to 1 part sugar. Use regular water and plain old white granulated sugar. DO NOT use artificial colors, such as red dye or other additives, and NEVER use honey or artificial sweeteners, as this could kill the birds.

The ingredients can be mixed using cold water (shake vigorously to dissolve the sugar); however, the nectar will keep longer if brought to a boil, then cooled. Do not let the mixture continue to boil, as it will turn syrupy.

If you find your feeder is also providing a snack for ants, coat the hanger with a spray of cooking oil. (Many new feeders come with ant guards already built in.) Likewise, if wasps and bees are a problem, a second feeder with a higher concentration of sugar to water will give them their own eating station so the hummingbirds can drink in peace.

And, if you want to plant some hummingbird-attracting plants, here's a brief list of their absolute favorites: salvia, hyssop, bee balm, honeysuckle, turk's cap, morning glory, hibiscus, rose of sharon, penstemon, phygelius and rudbeckia.

The right tree in the right place does more than provide aesthetic value to your property--it can increase the value of your home, keep it cooler during the summer, and shield it from the wind so it will stay warmer in the winter.

The wrong tree can cause all kinds of problems, such as needing frequent expensive pruning or causing a safety hazard. That's why it's so important to select the right tree. Be clear about what purpose you would like your new tree to serve--as a smaller accent tree or a large landscape tree, for sun or for shade, next to a sidewalk or in a large backyard...and so on.

With a little extra care, your new trees can be planted now to get a head start on next year.

A few of our favorites are 'Red Sunset' and 'Orange Flame' maples, Katsura, and 'Raywood' ash.

The main jobs in the vegetable garden this month are harvesting, watering, and pest control. All summer vegetables can still be planted now, especially the heat lovers, like lettuce and squash. Plants in the garden center are mature now and may even have veggies growing. Great time to plant!

Watch for and be ready to:

1. Put down slug bait. (Yes, again.) Sluggo is a great product that kills slugs without the slimy trail left behind.
2. Watch for aphids on your broccoli. Dr. Earth Fruit and Vegetable Spray can organically take care of aphids on veggies.
3. Be on the lookout for corn earworm. If you see signs of it, use Captain Jack Dead Bug Brew.

Continue to harvest, and take stock for next year. This is the time of year when people who love to can and freeze are happily stashing away jars and bags of produce for winter use, and those of us who don't are giving away armloads of vegetables and perhaps vowing to plant less next year. By now first-time gardeners have learned that you don't need a whole row of zucchini to feed a family of four - three plants are plenty, but you never can plant enough corn - it goes fast.

How do I deal with algae in my pond ?

Answer:

Pond cleaning equipment must be handy if you have a pond at home. It is nice to have a pond in the backyard of your house to improve the landscape. However, the main challenge is maintaining the look of the pond by keeping it neat, clean and healthy for the fish. There are a number of pond cleaning options available today to help you battle algae and other unsightly pond scum, such as skimmers, pond gloves, and cleaning nets, to name a few.

Our organic line of pond care products have turned many green waters back into crystal clear oases.

Happy Gardening!
Drake