Laura Simpson

Q. What is kratom? Is it some sort of plant? Is it legal? Kratom is an evergreen tree, native to Southeast Asia, and a member of the coffee family.

Q. What is kratom? Is it some sort of plant? Is it legal? Kratom is an evergreen tree, native to Southeast Asia, and a member of the coffee family.

Landscaping with native plants is one of the best things you can do to benefit local wildlife. You don't have to use native plants exclusively, but incorporating even a few species can be beneficial to many native critters. Native plants provide food and shelter for native insects, which in turn feed other native species. For instance, native oak species serve as hosts for over a hundred species of caterpillars that feed many different local birds. The

Landscaping with native plants is one of the best things you can do to benefit local wildlife.

Also, at what temperature do tomatoes stop producing? Q. Are there any vegetables or herbs that I can plant now, in the middle of summer?

Q: How can I help my local wildlife during a heat wave ? (Specifically, birds, bees and butterflies.)

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Q. What can I do to make my yard and garden look better during this heat wave?

Master Gardener Laura Simpson answers readers' questions Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Q: What can I do to prepare my garden for winter? Right now it's 100 degrees, but I want to know what to do when the weather finally cools off.

Basic cleanup activities can be done over several days with just one or two hours of work in the morning or evening.