Hot, humid weather of the past four weeks has had gardeners busy, concerned, and with many questions about the poor condition of vegetables, flowers, lawns, trees, shrubs and all other plant materials. It is true that it has been the worst July in many years as far as weather and rainfall; however, considering the fate of farmers and residents of the flood area, we should not complain.

Leaf-dropping of shade trees, such as maples, poplars, crab and other fruit trees is possibly due to surface drought and sun scorch, because of the change from a delightfully wet, cool spring when there was such lush growth, to intense heat. Trees cannot adapt so quickly to this sudden change and their leaves turn yellow and drop.

Annuals and some perennials, even though they have been watered, are not growing and some have died. This is not a begonia year. Compared to the lush, vigorous growth of last summer, which was a mild season with ample rainfall when needed, begonias look sad. Those planted at the sign of First Presbyterian Church on Lorimier Street, have hardly grown at all. Possibly it is because of the varieties Rum, Vodka and Brandy not at all appropriate for a church planting, do you think?

This week has been spent going through gardening books that are leaving this domicile forever. We have found many interesting facts in print. Some of these findings will be shared here.

One author says water is not always water. If it is heavily clorinated, let it stand in an open container overnight before using. Also, do not use water that has been softened on potted plants. Chemicals used in this process, he says, tend to collect in the pot, and eventually could take the life of the plant.

Try to avoid using the same plant food all of the time. Fertilizers vary and in a different kind might have a trace of just the right trace of an element that is needed for an occasional boost. Besides, how would you like to eat spaghetti every day?

The Pilgrims learned from the Indians to stick a fish in with corn kernels as they planted. As the fish decayed it provided a rich stiumlant for the growing plant. This was the forerunner of our modern day fertilizers, which are much improved upon today.

It has been found that a good fertilizer for growing plants is to soak eggshells in warm water overnight. Then, fish out the shells and use the water on plants.

Take a word of caution about the eggshell process. Do not put this water where it cannot be seen the first thing next morning, or you will be sorry. The odor is terrible.

All plants have to take a break, too. They all have a dormant period. This is usually shorter for tropical potted house plants than the temperature zone cousins. Whether big or small, water as usual, but do not fertilize. A little sleep never hurt anyone, and neither does it hurt plants.

When a potted plant has remained in the pot for as long as a year or so, it needs some fresh soil. Turn the pot upside down and keep tapping it until the plant is loose and will fall out on its own. Remove as much of the old soil as possible and fill the plant with new soil firmly in the pot and water well.

If a plant's leaves turn brown at the tips, chances are it is being overwatered or overfertilized. If the leaves curl and are brown, chances are it is too warm or the air too dry.

A rule that is followed by many plantsmen in pruning is "Do not reduce the foliage of the plant by more than on-third while it is in full growth."

Extreme hot weather is the chief cause of wilting tomato plants, one writer stated. However, the wilting of lower leaves of the plants does not prevent the production of a good tomato crop.

Blossom drop and blossom end rot are two other major tomato problems that are not caused by insects or disease, but are the results of environmental conditions. Dry, hot weather often causes many of the blooms to fall without setting.

Blossom end rot appears at the blossom end of the green fruit as a dark sunken area. Lack of calcium in the soil is said to be the major cause of this problem. Also sudden scarcity of soil moisture, or rapid change in the water content of the soil can be another cause.

Mysterious holes in tomatoes can be caused by our cardinal bird friends or squirrels, or the tomato horn worm. This worm is not easily discovered because its camoflaged color, its presence is indicated by tomato stems with no remaining leaves.

Still, the tomato is the gem of the garden.