Nematodes are especially active in warm weather. These microscopic worms bore into roots of susceptible plants, causing galls and knots and weakening the plants. Here are two ways to significantly reduce large populations of nematodes.

Solarize the Soil:

Solarization - using the effects of the sun's rays - is the method to use only when nematode and fungus problems are acute and unbearable. It kills useful organisms, including worms and beneficial fungi, along with the bad ones. (This works best where summer days are hot.)

Pull out all the plants, including the roots, and thoroughly soak the soil with water. Cover the area with clear polyethylene plastic 1 to 4 millimeters thick. Prop up the top layer with wire hoops or bamboo frame, peg it down around the outside, and bury the loose edges.

Solarization works in the same way as a greenhouse where a transparent covering, in this case the plastic sheeting, traps the sun's heat. After several days of sunshine, soil temperatures rise to as high as 140 degrees at the surface and over 100 degrees as far down as 18 inches - hot enough and far enough down into the soil to sterilize it. It takes four to six weeks of sunny weather to pasteurize the soil at these temperatures.

Plant marigolds:

Many people think marigolds repel nematodes, but the truth is they attract them. Root knot nematodes entering marigold roots are killed by a natural plant chemical before they have a chance to reproduce. Marigolds can be used to rid the ground of these pests. In spring, solidly plant the area to be treated with French marigolds, placed in a 7-by-7 inch pattern. Leave marigolds in place for a full 120-day season of growth.

With either method, nematodes will gradually return, but they'll be discouraged if you regularly add an organic soil amendment such as Bumper Crop. They don't like humusy soil.

Are you planning to plant a tree near your home, by your driveway or sidewalk but are concerned about possible future damage from roots? Almaden valley Nursery has the solution you need for all your tree plantings.

DeepRoot tree Root Barriers are scientifically designed to prevent tree roots from damaging hardscapes and landscapes. When placed around a tree's root system, root growth is deflected and directed downward to prevent damage. Downward growth not only protects hardscapes, it enables full growth and sturdier anchorage in the ground.

The roots of trees need water, oxygen and nutrients to grow effectively. Because these are most often found near the surface, conflict occurs between roots and hardscapes causing damage.

DeepRoot should be used when a tree is planted within 15 feet of a patio, sidewalk, slab foundation, driveway or any other hardscape. In addition, using DeepRoot Barriers in a flower bed or other landscaping area reduces competition for rooting space and promotes a healthy, vibrant landscape.

Many cities now specify DeepRoot Barriers for all plantings near hardscapes. Now homeowners can benefit from DeepRoot technology to prevent damage, lower replacement costs and enjoy all that trees offer for years to come.

Going on a trip to the beach this weekend? At regular intervals our ocean dumps quantities of kelp on California beaches. Most beach-goers find it a nuisance, but some enterprising gardeners take a little home every time they go to the beach to improve their garden soil.

All that's needed for gathering is a plastic trash bag, a knife, and a bit of care. Kelp is tough, slippery and acts like giant spaghetti. Choose the juicy sections, not the dried out parts.

Once home rinse off the kelp on the driveway to remove salts. Chop it up with a spade or machete, and spade it straight onto the soil or add it to the compost heap.

Rich in trace elements, kelp decomposes quickly in the ground. The ancient Romans worked seaweed into their fields before planting cabbages.

Matt was born and raised in San Jose. After graduating from high school, Matt left San Jose to attend Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo, where he received a degree in Ornamental Horticulture. Matt first worked as a foreman with a landscape maintenance company at the Stanford Research Institute and then at another retail nursery before joining us in 1993.

He is very active in the industry and has served as president of the our local chapter of the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers. Matt also gives educational garden talks to various garden clubs in the area.

Matt once was an extra on the TV show "America's Most Wanted." His closest brush with fame was watching the 2003 Super Bowl in Las Vegas with William "The Refrigerator" Perry of the Chicago Bears.

Matt has an extensive wine collection as well as rock 'n roll art memorabilia. In his spare time he likes to go wine tasting with his wife Jenny and big game fishing with his friends in Mexico.

My Celebrity Service staff and I look forward to serving you this year. We'll go out of our way to make your day!

Eric Wilder - President