E. coli isn't just for hamburger lovers anymore. Newer strains of this deadly pathogen make applying fresh manure to food gardens truly risky.

Diseases can seriously damage or completely destroy a vegetable garden. But there are a few things the home gardener can do to reduce the risk these veggie enemies pose.

Annual weeds sprout, grow to maturity, go to seed and die out in one year. They're relatively easy to pull up and don't leave persistent roots behind. But they get even by scattering seeds for future plants.

Cucumbers are members of the cucurbit family, which include many warm season vegetables. Watermelon, cantaloupe, squash and pumpkin are in this family. Interestingly enough, young cucumbers are almost indistinguishable from cantaloupes.

Gardening can be an expensive hobby. But, it doesn't have to be. You can have beautiful flower gardens or bountiful vegetable gardens without spending a fortune.

You know you're a gardener if ...

Sometimes I have to go digging through the books on my bookcase to prove things to people. Such was the case when my friend Willie dropped by to see me.

Plums are popular for cooking and jam making, and many people enjoy them fresh as well. The sweeter varieties are some of the most delicious dessert fruits we have.

Our friends to the north may not worry over the amount of winter "chill hours" they get. They get plenty. But here in the Southeast, it's critical in growing blueberries.