Q - I am planning to plant broccoli this spring and am wanting to do all I can to ensure a good harvest. What do the row covers look like and where can I get them? Also, is there something I should do to the plants as they  grow - like dust them - or can they be left alone?

A - Broccoli is known as a cole crop and may be planted four weeks before the last frost and then again in late summer for a fall crop. The worst pests are the cabbage worm and the cabbage looper.  It is possible to "head them off at the pass" by using row covers which are simply wide strips of lightweight fabric.   You can purchase row covers from most garden catalogs and garden centers, but I went to the fabric shop and purchased several yards of nylon net when it was on sale.   You must put the cover on BEFORE the white moths appear.  Be sure to anchor it down so it won't blow off in a strong wind.  You may dust them with Sevin, following the directions on the container, but another way to control the broccoli worms is with Bacillus thruingiensis, which is available at garden centers.  The bacteria causes a fatal disease in the worms but does not hurt people, wildlife, or pets. Apply it as soon as you begin to see the white moths, and repeat every 7 to 10 days thereafter.  It may also be used on other crops in your garden.  I might also remind you to fertilize as you plant with a good 10-10-10 fertilizer. Side dress the crop three weeks after planting in the garden and again at your first harvest.  Mulching with newspapers and grass clippings or straw will keep the soil moist--and will also help control the weeds.   Good luck with your broccoli crop.

Q - I have 9 tomato plants started in containers that I would like to see mature. The problem is that I live in Tucson AZ. and we are expecting a really HOT summer this year. Besides keeping them shaded and well watered, is there anything that I can do with the soil that will help them withstand the heat.  Thanks -- John

A - The nighttime temperature is critical.  Unless your nighttime temperatures are between 55° and 75°, your only hope for raising tomatoes in Tuscon is a climate-controlled environment.  With nighttime temps over 75° the fruit will not set on.  Although you can provide the required amount of water, complete shade will not work because they  do need to have adequate sun to grow and ripen properly.

Q - Help!!  I discovered a tomato Hornworm that had eaten all the leaves from the upper 2/3 of one of my Roma tomato plants.  The plant has a lot of tomatoes on it.  What should I do.

A - If there are any tomatoes turning red, pick them and let them ripen them inside.  Fertilize the plant with a high nitrogen fertilizer to promote new leaf growth and water well.  The green tomatoes need to be shaded so they don't sunburn.   Perhaps you could shade them with several strips of cloth (about 8" wide) tied to the tomato stake.  It may look a bit strange, but it may provide enough shade protection.

Q - I planted Beefsteak tomato plants 2 weeks ago. 4 days ago, I noticed that the leaves closest to the ground have turned brown. Did I do something wrong or is this normal? -- from J.R.

A - There is no cause for concern.  Probably by now the plants have recovered.