One of the things I do when I'm not writing and editing crime fiction is edit Texas Gardener (available by subscription — TexasGardener.com — and at better newsstands throughout Texas). I don't usually mention TG here, but I had to post this cover because it's so gorgeous.

South & East TX: Start your first seeds for fall tomatoes, eggplant, okra and peppers.

All TX: Raise mower height during hot, dry weather. Mow St. Augustine at 2 to 3 inches; Bermuda, centipede and zoysia at 1 to 2 inches.

North & West TX: Set out transplants of fall crops such as tomatoes, peppers and eggplant. Provide late-afternoon shade for best results.

North, West, & East TX: Applications of an approved fungicide and an approved insecticide on pecan trees now will prevent foliage damage.

South & East TX: For grub worm control use an approved insecticide.

All TX: Fiber row cover is a "must have" for gardeners. It can help keep insects off of plants.

North & West TX: Deadhead or remove seed structures and cut back annuals, perennials and roses to prompt rebloom.

North & West TX: Additional fertilizer should always be added after deadheading. Try folio feeding in the evening.

South & East TX: Stop punching asters, mums, blackberry canes and poinsettias.

All TX: Add a healthy layer of compost to your vegetable garden and beds.

North & West TX: Dig an divide spring-blooming perennials.

East TX: Plant green beans, snap beans, lima beans, sweet corn, cucumber, cantaloupe and squash.

All TX: Apply the last pecan spray of an approved insecticide and fungicide to protect foliage against disease and pests.

South & East TX: Pinch faded blossoms from crapemyrtles but do not prune branches.

All TX: Sow seeds of cornflower, Larkspur, California poppy, snapdragon, sweet alyssum and wallflower.

All TX: Sow seeds of baby's breath, blanket flower, browallia, calyophus, calendula, candytuft and delphinium.

North & West TX: Make additional plantings of parsley, radishes, spinach, greens and carrots.

All TX: Often the mail fall pest is the looper, and nontoxic Bt gives good control.

All TX: Divide and replant daylilies now through November. Plant container-grown dallies year-round