There has been much concern lately about reports on the internet stating that Formosan termites might be transported in mulch from the Gulf coast states. Here are some facts provided by Dr. Phil Nixon, entomologist with University of Illinois Extension.

1. The movement of wood, wood debris, mulch, and other wood material out of the damaged area has been prohibited by quarantine for months. Officials are monitoring and enforcing these regulations. The mulch generated has been and is being put in landfills (in the Gulf Coast states).
2. The chipping process that is used to create mulch would likely kill any termite colonies, although termites could colonize mulch that might be sitting around in the Gulf Coast area.
3. Formosan termite is a subtropical termite species that would not survive the winters north of Memphis, TN.
4. One of the home center chains mentioned in the internet "warning" states that their mulch follows the industry standards of the Mulch and Soil Council and follows their quality control standards.

Already the crabgrass preventers are showing up in the stores. But that doesn't mean you should use them yet. Crabgrass seeds will not germinate until the SOIL temperatures are 55-65 degrees for 7-10 consecutive days. For northern Illinois that often does not happen until late April into early May. Even in a warm spring it is unlikely that you will need to use them before the end of April.

Vines are becoming very popular among gardeners because they add a vertical accent to the garden and can make even small gardens more interesting. Gardeners get so involved thinking about perennial vines that they often forget that there are many annual vines. Annual vines not only give us that vertical accent, they have the added benefit of allowing us to change our landscape every summer, since they are not permanent.

Perennial vines climb by different methods, but most annuals climb either by twining or through the use of tendrils. Vines with tendrils can climb by wrapping their small tendrils around the support. This makes them useful on structures like arbors and open fences. If the vine is an aggressive grower, it can be a problem because it can grab on where it's not wanted. These plants will need some training to keep them on the intended structure. Twining vines climb by winding their stems around the support. They also do well on open structures. Like vines with tendrils, these twining vines can go where they are not wanted. They will also need some training. Fast growing twining vines may engulf smaller plants quickly if not monitored carefully.

Most annual vines are easy to grow from seed and are seldom sold as plants at the garden center. Remember that annual vines cannot be placed outside until after the danger of frost has passed. Try some annual vines this year and add a little height to your garden.

This is a common question asked by gardeners eager to plant out annuals and other tender plants. When we talk about the last frost date, we are really talking about the average date of the last frost. Since it is an average, the last frost will occur before that date 50% of the time and after that date 50% of the time. We need to keep this in mind because if we plant our annuals out after the 'last frost date' we may need to watch the weather and be prepared to cover tender plants if cold weather comes our way.

In northern Illinois, Mother's Day is often targeted as the average last frost date and in many years this holds true. In recent years, though, we have had frost as late as the end on May. So go ahead and plant at the appropriate time, but keep your eye on Mother Nature.

There are several things that can be done to reduce the incidence of disease in the vegetable garden: garden:

• Buy disease resistant varieties. These are available for many of the common vegetable we grow in our gardens.
• Choose a sunny location. Vegetables need at least six to eight hours of sun. Not only will this help plants grow stronger, it will help them dry off faster after rainfall, reducing fungal problems.
• Purchase healthy transplants. Avoid plants with yellowing or browning leaves.
• Water the garden before 10 a.m. This will insure that the plants are fully hydrated before the heat of the day. Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) . Evaporation and wind will lead to the loss of 50 percent of the water applied.
• Avoid working in the garden when the foliage is wet. This will help to prevent the spread of disease.
• Practice good sanitation. Remove diseased plants from the garden.
• Do not over fertilize. Too much fertilizer, especially nitrogen, can make vegetables susceptible to disease.
• Do not plant the same vegetable in the same area in the garden more than two to three years in a row.

• Summer bulbs like dahlias and cannas are tender plants. Do not plant them outside until all danger of frost has passed.

• Avoid planting anything above your septic tank or leach field. Care should also be taken to avoid plantings that are nearby enough to have roots enter the drain tiles. Not only can damage be done to the system, but there can be a potential high cost to remove, or replace trees and plantings.