Can I put disease-infested plant material in my compost pile?

Temperatures of 150 to 180°F are required to kill most plant disease pathogens. Unfortunately, the internal temperatures of most home compost piles don't reach this level and the disease organisms are not destroyed. For many home gardeners, it's best to bury or haul away diseased plant material.

Is late summer or early fall a good time to plant an oak tree?

Mid-August through October is an excellent time to plant many deciduous trees and shrubs. However, some tree species are slow to root and are best planted in spring. Spring planting is generally preferred for oak, fir, magnolia, ginkgo, birch, yellowwood, bald cypress and callery pear.

When do you harvest gourds?

Gourds should be picked when the fruit are fully mature. At maturity, the stem attached to the fruit begins to dry and turn brown. Cut the gourds from the vines with a hand shears, leaving a few inches of stem attached to the fruit. Handle the gourds carefully as the skin is susceptible to bruising or scratching.

After harvesting, gently wash the gourds in warm, soapy water to remove any dirt. Add a small amount of a household disinfectant to clear water, then rinse the gourds in the solution. The disinfectant should destroy decay organisms which could lead to fruit rot. Gently dry each gourd with a soft cloth.

Place the clean fruit on newspapers or shelves to dry or cure. A warm, well-ventilated porch, garage or shed should be fine. Avoid sunny areas as colors may fade. Place the gourds in a single layer, spacing them so that they don't touch one another. Occasionally turn the gourds and promptly remove any which begin to rot. Drying or curing may take up to several weeks. To hasten drying of large decorative gourds, small holes may be made in the bottom of the fruit with an ice pick or nail. The seeds will rattle when the gourds are fully dry.

Once cured, the gourds may be used in their natural state. They may also be painted, waxed, shellacked or varnished for crafts.

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