Answer: Although creosote is an excellent wood preservative, its vapors are toxic to plants. A paint called BIN can be used over creosote-treated wood to seal in the harmful vapors. It is carried by many paint stores and garden centers. You could have avoided the problem by using copper naphthenate (Cuprinol) to preserve boxes, flats and other wood.

        Q: How should I prune ever-bearing raspberries?

        A: As you are aware, raspberries are produced on one-year canes which die after bearing the second year. These berry canes are removed after harvesting.

        The ever-bearing raspberry produces two crops: the first in June or July, the second in September. The canes that furnish the first crop should be cut out after they have borne fruit; the remaining canes will produce the fall harvest. Remove only the portion of the cane that produced fruit. The remainder of the cane is left to put out new lateral growth for the next season.

        Q: Should I pick off the suckers on a tomato plant? Can I cut back the plant later in the season?

        A: If your tomato is staked or trellised, pick off the suckers and leaves that develop on the lower 18 inches of the main stem. If the plant sprawls on the ground, trying to keep the plant sucker-free is almost impossible. You must decide if you prefer fewer, larger fruits or more, smaller tomatoes. If the former, continue to remove the suckers. If you choose the latter, let side branches develop after the lower stem is cleared.

        Later in the growing season, when you know there is little chance for new fruit to ripen, nip off 3-4 inches of the terminal growth of all branches. The plant's energy will be directed to the maturation of established plant parts, including the fruit.

        Q: We have access to grass clippings from a golf course. We want to use them for mulching and composting but are hesitant because they might be high in nitrogen from the fertilizer used on the course. What do you think?

        A: I doubt there will be a problem with the nitrogen used in fertilizing the course. The clippings, however, may be contaminated by herbicides. Before using the clippings, ask the grounds manager what weed killers were used and how long they remain effective.

       Contact Tim Morehouse by Web site: www.getmoregarden.com; mail: c/o Cincinnati Enquirer. (If writing, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope.)

Decorating goes to new heights
Creosote-treated lumber can be toxic to plants
Hauck volunteers grow friendships
To do this week
Circle This
In the know
'Buffy' fans happy with cable addition
Local watchers not impressed with Condit
Persistent Chung asked what America wanted to know
Get to it