If nothing else, many continue to overlook or delay the regular maintenance that can increase landscape looks and health – plus head off bigger, harder-to-handle plant problems. Crabgrass control is a major case in point.

An irony is that Americans are demonstrating a rapidly growing interest in buying and eating fresh, healthy foods. Yet "myths" about vegetable gardening are keeping many of those same Americans from growing their own – which could help them achieve top freshness and taste, cost savings, and personal control over the chemicals applied to their food. As K-State horticulturist Chuck Marr says, "It isn’t your grandma’s garden any more." In fact, vegetable gardening no longer even requires a plot!

Variety selection still can make a difference, however, as horticulturist Ward Upham demonstrates in an article that outlines why growing tree fruit sometimes "takes two."

Upham also briefly discusses "butterfly" gardening, one way some Americans are beginning to expand their outdoor home enrichment. Upcoming packets from K-State Research and Extension will include a further look at creating special-purpose garden "rooms," as well as herb gardens.