Go organic Toss the pesticides and all other concoctions marked with a skull and crossbones and watch your garden grow - the natural way. Lots of independent garden centers have moved to organic fertilizers, weed killers, and insect controls. Try horticultural vinegar for weeds; orange oil, neem oil, and diatomaceous earth for insects and ants; and blends of compost and agricultural by-products like cornmeal and alfalfa meal for fertilizing lawns, trees, and shrubs.

Dirt really matters Even better than conventional compost are the superstrength liquid versions created by garden stores like the Great Outdoors in Austin (www.gonursery.com). Their compost tea - active compost distilled from concentrated nutrients, dense compost, and water - is what your vegetables crave.

Dirt matters Plants thrive in healthy soil, so invest in your dirt. Rich soil is a gardener's best friend. Enrich it with compost, and never assume it's healthy enough. In other words, don't put a $10 plant in a 10-cent hole.

Marching Orders
What to do now to have the perfect flower
beds and gardens this summer

1. Devise a plan. Good gardeners are clever architects, and a well-conceived design ensures that your yard will be a sight to behold (i.e., the eighth wonder of the world we told you about).