Protect Against Tetanus
Gardening season is also tetanus season. The tetanus bacteria is present in soil and manure, and it can infect you through a break in the skin. The first symptoms are often stiffness in the neck and trouble swallowing ("lockjaw"). Be sure you've had a tetanus booster within the past 10 years, and always wear gloves when working in the garden.
Gardening on Pavement? No Problem
Gardeners will look at the paved surfaces around their homes through a new lens after reading this book, Gardening on Pavement, Tables, and Hard Surfaces, by George Schenk (Timber Press, 2003; $29.95). The garden doesn't have to end at the edge of the patio. The author presents some novel approaches to growing plants in areas that don't appear to be hospitable and suggests the best plants to try.