MEAN VINE Poison ivy is dangerous year-round, say experts with the University of Georgia Extension Service. You can get an irritation from the leaves, roots, berries and even smoke from burning the vines. Learn to know the leaves so you can guard against the plant. If you think you may have come in contact with it, wash immediately with soap and water and remove any clothes that may have the oil on them. Prevention is the best medicine for this ailment.

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

PLUMCOTS, APRIUMS What's a plumcot or an aprium? Both are fruit varieties produced by crossing plums with apricots, say experts with the University of Georgia Extension Service. They're available on a very limited scale from fruit-tree mail-order catalogs or at specialty nurseries. They're reported to be sweet and juicy.

DRINK A PLANT Water makes up 98.5 percent of the lettuce plant, say experts with the University of Georgia Extension Service. The Irish potato has 70 percent water. If water is lacking, all other things tend to back up.

SHADY BASKETS Here's a tip for hanging baskets in cool, shady places, say experts with the University of Georgia Extension Service. Use trailing tuberous begonias, ferns, impatiens or fibrous-rooted begonias in combination with trailing plants, such as English ivy.