Garden Gifts
Watering can (NOLA.com|The Times-Picyaune archive)

This week’s gardening tips: During dry weather don’t forget to occasionally water your compost pile. Dry organic matter will not break down. It’s helpful to shove the hose into the compost pile to make sure water reaches the inner parts.

Apply a slow-release fertilizer to your container plants outside to keep them healthy through the growing season. One application will feed for many months, saving you time and effort.

Caterpillars will feed on the foliage and flowers of ornamentals and…