Q: Is there a rule of thumb about how close trees can be planted to your house?
-- L.M., Willard
To get the most shade on the house, place the tree 15 to 20 feet from the house. Several other considerations are important before planting a tree and the following are only a few.
First, consider the ultimate size of the tree before planting.
Other considerations are to not plant trees near underground pipelines, septic tanks, sidewalks, driveways or under overhead wires.
Do not plant trees closer together than half their total spread at maturity.
University of Missouri Extension guide 6900, "Tree Placement on Home Grounds" will answer most of your questions on where to plant trees in the landscape.
Q: I'm thinking about trying a fall garden for the first time. Any recommendations?
-- M.G., Republic
A fall garden allows a home gardener to extend the growing season. Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, and carrots are frost tolerant crops that can be planted in August and harvested in the fall.
Consider the average frost date in your area. Then determine how many days are needed for the plant to go from seed to harvest.
Some plants, like broccoli, don't grow well in the heat. These can be started indoors, and then planted in the garden after the dog-days are past.
Prepare the soil for a fall garden in the same way you prepare it in the spring. A soil test will let you know what needs to be added to the soil to make your fall garden a success.
Pay special attention to soil moisture for gardens started in August.
Q: Are there basic differences between bush beans and pole beans other than the vining of the plant?
-- W.D., Fair Grove
Beans may be classified by growth habit (bush or pole beans), use (as immature pods, shell outs and dry beans) and type (green and yellow snap and lima beans).
The bush bean stands erect without support, yields well and requires the least amount of work.
Another bonus is the ease of seed-saving. Carrots, beets, onions and most other vegetables are biennial, which means the plant must stay in the garden for a second year if you want it to produce flowers and seed. But bean seed begins drying almost

A: Romano pole beans are long (about six inches), stringless and flat podded. The pole varieties grow about six- to eight-feet long vines and produce continuously if kept picked. Seeds are planted after the soil has warmed (65-70 degrees), well-drained
The character of the green bean (pod shape, bean size or bean color) will vary depending upon variety. Basically the same characteristics can be found in either bush or pole beans. With both pole and bush beans, as the bean pods and seeds mature the
My green pole beans are producing like mad right now. I like to harvest them while they are still flat and the bean inside the pod has developed to about one forth its mature size. If the pod is limp, it is too young and if the pod is lumpy,
Beans are grown as climbing vines called pole beans or as low shrubs known as bush beans. Many varieties, including Blue Lake beans, have both options available. When pole beans are grown in backyard gardens, a shaded spot for children or grandchildren