Grass and other weeds' root systems are more aggressive than tomato plants' root systems, say experts with the University of Georgia Extension Service. They will cause great stress in your garden. How many times have you seen your tomato wilted and the grass and weeds doing fine?

CARDBOARD SHIELD A piece of corrugated cardboard such as the side from a box forms an effective and portable barrier to use when spraying a nonselective herbicide next to desired plants, say experts with the University of Georgia Extension Service. By changing the angle of the cardboard, it's easy to spray weeds growing right up to the base of a desirable plant while shielding the stems, branches and leaves. Since some herbicide will get on the shield, the same side should always face the sprayer when moved from one place to another.

FIRE BLIGHT Fire blight on apple and pear trees can be identified by looking for blackened twigs and branches, say experts with the University of Georgia Extension Service. If not controlled, the disease will spread and kill the tree. Remove all blighted twigs, cutting 8 inches below the infected area. Disinfect pruning tools after each cut to prevent spreading the disease. Dip the blades in a solution of one part household bleach and nine parts water.

CLEAN DIRT Leach container soils occasionally to remove any mineral salts accumulated from fertilizer and hard water, say experts with the University of Georgia Extension Service. Brown leaf edges and crusting on the sides of clay pots are two indicators of a salt problem. To leach large containers, water until the soil is soaked, then allow water to run slowly from your hose into the pot for about 20 minutes. For small pots, water each container until it drains from the bottom holes. Wait a few minutes, then repeat.

B&B BURLAP If cotton burlap was used to wrap balland burlap tree roots, you don't have to remove it, say experts with the University of Georgia Extension Service. Just untie and roll it down from the trunk until it doesn't stick above the soil line. If a synthetic material wrapped the roots, remove it completely, if possible, or at least turn it back to expose the sides of the ball and cut it off or push it to the bottom of the hole. If the tree species you are planting is one that grows a taproot, remove all of the synthetic material, or the root won't be able to grow properly.