BRIGHT COLORS Caladiums need generous amounts of water and fertilizer to continuously produce new leaves during the summer, say experts with the University of Georgia Extension Service. Apply a light side-dressing of 5-10-5 fertilizer every two weeks. Water it in thoroughly to encourage brightcolored foliage.

BRONZE BEGONIAS Bronze-leaved varieties of begonias do particularly well in full sun, say experts with the University of Georgia Extension Service. Keep the foliage dry, and provide good air circulation around the plants.

STOP, STOP Stop vine crops from taking over your garden or lawn by pinching off the fuzzy, growing tips, say experts with the University of Georgia Extension Service. This directs the plant's energy into ripening fruit, too, rather than producing more vine.

TEND TO BERRIES After harvesting your strawberries, remove excess runners and any unhealthy crowns, say experts with the University of Georgia Extension Service.

TOMATO SEX Tomatoes are self-pollinating. But they still need movement to transfer pollen, say experts with the University of Georgia Extension Service. If it's hot and calm for several days, gently shake plants to assure pollen transfer and fruit set. Hot temperatures can interfere with blossom set, too.

TOMATO TIPS For the best flavor, pick ripe tomatoes as you need them. Their flavor peaks within three minutes of picking, say experts with the University of Georgia Extension Service. If you must wait to use garden-fresh tomatoes, don't refrigerate them. The fruit texture and some aroma compounds deteriorate quickly in the cold.

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.

BEST BUGS The best way to get the most from beneficial insects such as lady bugs is to have plants they like near your garden, say experts with the University of Georgia Extension Service. Use a mixture of crimson clover and hairy vetch as a cover crop. These plants will provide predators needed habitat while improving the soil. Switching to insecticidal sprays that break down readily will also help.

TIP DIE-BACK Tip die-back of redbud (Cercis canadensis) may be caused by saturated soil, say experts with the University of Georgia Extension Service. Redbuds are very intolerant of "wet feet" caused by prolonged wet soil and high humidity.

TOMATO SEX Tomatoes are self-pollinating. But they still need movement to transfer pollen, say experts with the University of Georgia Extension Service. If it's hot and calm for several days, gently shake plants to assure pollen transfer and fruit set. Hot temperatures can interfere with blossom set, too.

TEND TO BERRIES After harvesting your strawberries, remove excess runners and any unhealthy crowns, say experts with the University of Georgia Extension Service.

SHADY FLOWERS Impatiens is the best annual to put in shady areas, say experts with the University of Georgia Extension Service. Begonias, coleus, ageratum, salvia and Vinca prefer light shade (five to six hours of sunlight).