Gardening & Health: A new UK study links access to green space and private gardens with a lower type 2 diabetes risk, adding weight to the idea that parks and backyards matter for public health, not just curb appeal. Late-Summer Plant Care: If you’re wondering whether it’s too late to prune tomatoes, experts say it depends on your first-frost date—go lighter in colder regions, and if frost is close, focus on helping remaining fruit ripen instead. Soil & Water Smarts: For August heat, gardeners are urged to keep moisture steady (mulch helps) and avoid sudden watering swings that can trigger early fig drop. Wildlife-Friendly Gardening: Keystone plants are getting attention as the “heavy lifters” of a backyard ecosystem, supporting whole food webs—not just adult pollinators. DIY Rain Catching: A viral budget hack turns a trash can into a rain barrel using a spigot kit, offering a cheaper way to capture water. Garden Myth-Busting: Dish soap can be a great grease pretreat for non-delicates, but it’s a bad idea for hand-wash-only fabrics. Community & Culture: In Maine, a donation-based flower stand is turning homegrown blooms into local support, with neighbors pitching in to keep it going. Budget Gardening Win: Dollar Tree’s penny seed packets are sparking buzz for surprisingly strong germination and repeatable results. Moss Control: Patio moss is being tackled with bicarbonate of soda—an easy, low-chemical approach for slippery slabs.