Gardening tip of the week

Summer squash vines and okra plants require vigilance in late summer because developing fruit can quickly become too large for optimum use and flavor in the kitchen. Okra pods should be taken no longer than three inches long and squash no larger than six to eight inches. Check plants daily if you can. Both squash and okra plants have prickly hairs that can irritate skin, so wear long sleeves for harvesting.