Metal slides, off-balance merry-go-rounds and metal chain swings have all but disappeared from U.S. schools and parks. A University of Georgia expert said new, safer play areas have vital parts you might not think of: the surfaces under them. "Kids love to play on equipment," said Don Bower.

You checked the kitchen, the bathrooms and the nap mats. You asked about safety and cleaning policies for toys, tables and toddlers' faces. But did you ask about the play equipment? "Especially for younger toddlers, play equipment needs to be occasionally cleaned to reduce the chance of germs spreading from child to child," said Don Bower.

When all of an area's farmers hit the market at once with hundreds of bushels of snap beans, the scales tip in favor of the wholesale buyers. That was the problem facing some African-American family farmers in south Georgia.

The summer heat makes it hard to work outside for long. But some things in your landscape need to be addressed. Probably the most critical detail now is the effect of this summer's drought. Many plants are suffering from the extended hot, dry conditions we've had.

Dogwood trees in Georgia may appear to be confused about the season as their leaves take on the look of fall. They aren't confused. They're thirsty.

During some University of Georgia research on a new insecticide to control aphids on tobacco, scientists found a surprising side effect: hornworms on the plants turned white. "We thought there would be some effect on the worms because of the nature of the chemical," said Robert McPherson.

Can't use it, can't lose it. That's the dilemma farmers have faced for years with canceled chemicals and empty pesticide containers. But two programs run by the University of Georgia Extension Service and the Georgia Department of Agriculture (DOA) offer a legal, low-cost option that helps farmers protect the environment. "The Pesticide Container Recycling and Georgia Clean Day programs help farmers who really want to do the right thing," said Paul Guillebeau.

Dry weather had already hurt the Georgia pecan crop before the season began. And things could worsen quickly without a break in the summer drought, said a University of Georgia expert. "The dry weather has definitely hurt pecan trees," said Tom Crocker.

A federal program to prevent farm and rural pollution has won a major award for its successes. The program has been used well in high-risk Georgia areas.