Mulch, trees, shrubs, and flower beds.

Keep vegetables and plants weeded. A cultivated soil absorbs rain better. Apply 6 inches of mulch to retain moisture.

Herbs: if you do not have a sunny bed near the kitchen, grow your herbs in a pot. Try basil, thyme, oregano, chives and parsley.

Root cuttings of chrysanthemums, mint, basil, hydrangeas, and other herbaceous perennials. Take 3-4 inch stem cuttings of new growth, leaving at least 2 sets of leaves. I

Dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Tap to remove excess and insert into a container with moist, porous soil. Firm soil lightly. Keep soil moist and you will have a new plant in approximately 10 days!

Thin seedlings as recommended on the seed package.

Pull spent plants and replant area to prevent weed spread.

Stake plants while young to prevent breaking.

Compost disease- free grass clippings and organic wastes.

Treat fire ant mounds according to insecticide labels.