VOLUME 13, ISSUE 23 • June 8, 2017

Neil Sperry editor. Gretchen Drew design and circulation.

It's fun to plan each week's e-gardens for you. I try to plan topics that are of wide reader interest, and I think I've done that this week. I've included an extra couple of questions I’ve been asked repeatedly just for good measure. See what you think:

Here's what I've prepared…
• Gardening This Weekend;
• Spider mites in the garden;
• Plant of the week: polka dot plant;
• Tomatoes being devoured; and
• What's killing pecan branches.

Last chance for the sale price! If you'd like my newest book Neil Sperry's Lone Star Gardening for only $29.95 you need to order by Monday, June 12. That gives us time to get it to you signed and, if you wish, inscribed for Father's Day.

This book is not in stores, and it's not on Amazon. It's only available from my website (anytime) and by calling my office at (800) 752-4769 between 9 and 5:30 weekdays. Satisfaction guaranteed.

Not a redo of my 1991 cowboy "boot book." 344 pages. 840 of my photos. Last chance at this price!

Photo: Seeing spots? That's OK! Pink polka dot plant is our feature of the week.

Gardening This Weekend

As we approach mid-June you need to wrap up all the late spring tasks in your landscape and garden. I've compiled a list, and we have it for you. Click to glance through it.

Photo: Cape plumbago handles the heat, cools the summer.

Pink Polka Dot Plant

Who would ever have thought this little plant would have made the big time (?!) of being featured here in e-gardens? But here it is. It's always fascinated me, and now I can share this great little plant with you.

Photo: Obviously they're not always pink!

Question of the Week Number 1: June 8, 2017

"Neil, something is eating my tomatoes as they start to ripen. What would cause it? What can I do?"

I have suggestions. Click to see them.

Photo: Ruined just before harvest.

Question of the Week Number 2: June 8, 2017

"Neil, I found this falling off dead branches of an old pecan today. Is this what is killing them? What should I do?"

I get this question often. Click to see what I told her.

Photo: It looks scary, but is it?

Question of the Week Number 3: June 8, 2017

"Neil, what is wrong with my tomato and cucumber plants? Their leaves are turning yellow, then dried and crisp."

This is spider mites. I'll tell you how to ID and deal with them.

Photo: Spider mites riddling a tomato.

And, in closing…

No mas, amigos y amigas. We're done and you're done. That's it for e-gardens for another week. But we'll be back same time next week.

Until then, remember to get your new book ordered before close of business on Monday. Tune me in on radio this weekend. I'll see you on Facebook, at my website where we also have podcasts. I may even pop up in your newspaper, and hopefully you'll come visit our church. We sit toward the back. (Doesn't everyone?)

Have a great gardening week.

Happy Gardening!

Neil