Horticulture app makes identifying plants a snap

Identifying trees is a lot easier now that they have leaves, but the process can still be puzzling. In Indiana last weekend my son asked me if a tree in front of the City Hall near the fabulous farmers market was a sugar maple. I said it looked more like a Norway maple but could be another local species. My ecologist brother-in-law agreed.

Gardener's Checklist

Don't get your knickers in a twist over mushrooms popping up in lawns. The appearance of mushrooms is common in spring during periods of warm, wet weather. They are no threat to the lawn. However, since many of these mushrooms are poisonous, it's a good idea to break them by raking or beheading them with the lawn mower. Forewarn elves living beneath the mushrooms.

Local plant sales are still going strong

The parade of plant sales continues this weekend.

SOUTHAMPTON: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Schoolhouse at the corner of Clark Street and The College Highway (Route 10). The Anita Smith Memorial Plant Sale is sponsored by the Southampton Woman's Club. Many perennials and some annuals. Reasonable prices. All proceeds will benefit the Woman's Club Scholarship Fund. 527-4568.

Hanging flower displays start with smart planning

For such sweet-looking things, hanging baskets can be demanding divas.

Restricted to small pots and hung in the drying air, their plants often require far more attention to maintain their looks than flowers planted in the ground.

How to keep hanging baskets looking good

Want to keep your hanging baskets looking great all season? Pete Kern and Pamela Crawford offer these tips:

Water correctly. Overwatering is just killing a plant with kindness. Plants need water, but their roots also need oxygen. They can't get it when they're waterlogged.

Vegetable gardening can be a breeze

Missing that green thumb? No need to lose out on fresh, homegrown produce. Look to proven winners, such as tomatoes, summer squash and bush cucumbers. These hearty, foolproof vegetables deliver great produce with little to no maintenance - and they don't need a lot of space.

Gardener's checklist

Tempt fate by sowing seed of sweet corn. Just be aware that there's still a chance of frost and Mother Nature does not like to be toyed with. Placing a floating row cover over the planted area will offer some protection. Plant sweet corn in blocks of four short rows to insure good pollination. Don't sow all corn seed at once. Save some for later sowings.