DICK’S GARDEN TIPS

Following up on my article on watering two weeks ago, if you’re having trouble with water running down a hill and leaving plants high and dry, try using one of those black, ground rubber soakers. They seep at a slow rate so water penetrates and you can leave them on for several hours and not use much water.

I just read an article in “Sunset” recommending buying as big a tree as you can afford. I disagree. A five-gallon tree will overtake a 15-gallon in three or four years and will establish faster and won’t require elaborate staking. Also some trees, like tupelos, transplant poorly and never do well when planted as specimens.