— → PHOTO GALLERY BELOW ← —
With fear of Blight/Tomato disease/Pests on mind, I “Try” to take extra care. Trying to be as close to ORGANIC, as I could. (Within keeping my sanity). And as CHEAP as I can. Gardening is never done. I now know: Every year is a learning, trial and error, process. Each year, better than the last, yet with different failures along the way. Here’s what I’ve learned along the line.
»Planting, Blight/Disease, and Beneficial Fertilizing«:
—Tomato varieties that are early producers or disease resistant: Rutgers, Legend, Old Brook, Golden Sweet Grape, Mountain Fresh, Bush Early Girl, Better Boys, Celebrity Hybrid, Brandywine Pinks, German Johnson, Bush Big Boy, Juliette Cherries, and others.
–Seed Planters. Our experience, Foam Cups with holes and Grocery Store Plastic Mushroom Containers (I can get up to 8 plants in this one), work for quicker plants that will be transferred sooner. Husk ones are another working option for all plants. For starting seeds sooner, Jiffy’s didn’t work. They stayed wet, or soaked up all the water from the plants (Dried out). Soggy or Dry. No inbetweens. Creating mold. Ruining plants, too. When transplanting, I never plant the planter into ground, unless it’s intertwined with the roots, in which I break up as much of the container as I can, so roots can get established and not be hindered, slowed, by cups. The husk ones were easier to pull and stretch, to get the plant out. Watering and mold/fungus wasn’t a problem like Jiffy’s.
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Use Leftover Plastic Spoons, knives, or forks to Label Plants! These are washable and reusable. Wash and put away for next years use! Note: Don’t use those plant pots, use the ones in the photo prior to this one. From experience, I learned they aren’t that great, either dry or too wet.
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Weening plants started inside, means to slowly introduce to a new surrounding, to build stamina. If you start seeds inside, they may not be used to harsh colds outside and will shock them. BUT, a lot of people don’t know this, that weening ISN’T only for cold. It’s for Hot Sun, as well. Some people over cover their plants outside. Placing into plastic containers, then into the sun, where it beats down and cooks them, wilting the plants. I usually don’t have problems w/ transplanting. I’m sure to check daily, to open front of green house if too hot, also, to get some wind (Builds stem strength). Check below on how crates can help in transplanting new plants into ground.
Tomato Seed Starting TIP*– Start in larger container, fill it about a third of way with wet STARTER dirt. (I mix dirt in bowl with warm water) Once sprouted and taller than a few inches, I keep adding dirt, CAREFULLY. About an inch at a time per about 3 inches it grows. Tomatoes grow roots where the stem hits the dirt, making for good rooting system. Also, adding more starter dirt continues to feed them. Once seeds are sprouted and a month in, I start to fertilize. Using my secret weapon… Fish Fertilizer.
-When Seedlings Grow. I’ve read Wind is Beneficial. Movement Toughens the Stems. I always rotate plants (They lean toward sun) to create movement. And, as foolish as it sounds, I give a little shake every now and then. Light shake. Fans help, too.
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Cheap Small Plant Heater. No need to buy expensive ones. A simple small heating pad works great! Keep on lowest setting. Place plants onto a pan or tray, then onto pad. Be sure to keep moist.
–Outdoor Heated Green House. Get those plants outdoors a little earlier. Or to protect from cold nights! We use an outdoor extension cord, hooked up to timer. It goes on a few hours before sundown and turns off morning time (If warm enough outside). I place the ENTIRE heating pad, and cord/plug-in, inside the green house (To protect from snow/rain). Our 1 small heating pad, on high, is enough to keep entire greenhouse/plants warm enough. You can test yours by placing thermostat inside. Turning on. And checking throughout day and night. Sun onto greenhouse keeps it warm, heating pad continues to, through nights and extra cold days. If no pad, try rope light idea with a greenhouse. (Some light ropes give off heat)
NO GREENHOUSE? Easy Greenhouse Ideas in photo gallery below!
–Companion planting kept in mind when designed the garden layout. *Companion List Under Photo Gallery Below
– Garden Stakes / Staples can get expensive… Save $ with this cheap idea!
-When planting tomatoes, bury slightly sideways. Helps to grow stabilizing roots. You want to bury most the plant. Only about 1/3-1/4 of the plant above ground. I surround area with weed paper (That allows water to get through) and cut holes for tomatoes. Dig holes. Add 1tsp. Epsom Salt, stir into dirt. Add tomatoes slightly sideways. Add starter soil. Surround stem with Garden Safe Woodchips (Helps splashing and disease spread from rain. Keeps cool and moist.). Follow these tips/info, as well:
–Epsom Salt for tomatoes and peppers. At planting time. Then, once a month when flowering.
Reason for Epsom Salt on Tomatoes and Peppers:
Epsom salts can keep plants greener and bushier, enhance production of healthier fruit later in the season, and potentially help reduce blossom-end rot. Also better tasting!
At time of planting, I use starter soil mixed with dirt and 1tsp-1T Epsom Salt (I do tsp), in each hole. Sprinkle every now and then around base (Not touching plants), about every 2 wks. (The weeks I’m NOT fertilizing) … If I’m having Pest Problems… Sprinkling a little around the BASE of plant helps, because, a lot of Pests don’t like going over Salt!
–Neptune’s Harvest Organic Fish and Seaweed Fertilizer! This lasted me 2 years. Fertilized every 2 weeks. Adding Molasses to it every other fertilize.
Reason for Fish and Seaweed Fertilizer (Only that brand):
It works! HUGE DIFFERENCE in flowers, fruits, and vegis! Not sure on the science behind it, but it’s awesome. I’ve noticed, as did neighbors, Miracle Grow (Not organic) made plants bigger (If, that). But, not a lot of fruits. (No studies, just experiences). I used Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer last year and will never do anything else outside that brand. I usually only apply to base of plants, but, apply in evening for burning protection, if any. Cucumbers, I didn’t see as huge of a difference with this, nor potatoes. My pepper plants were small (Started late from seed), it was suggested to add Miracle Grow to help size them… But, with fish fertilizer, we’ve had a huge turn out, even on the little plants. I do like alternating Miracle Grow with Fish for Cucumbers (Our best results). But, for the most part, Miracle Grow seems to help size my plants, but, doesn’t do much for production. Fish does WONDERS!
-Every other fish fertilize, add Blackstrap Molasses (Unsulphered):
Reason for Black Strap Molasses:
1-3T per gallon of water (In my case, I added right to fish fert. mixture). Applied every other fertilizing. It’s a type of fertilizer, fends off pests. It’s high in calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium. It contains sulfur and a bunch of micronutrients. It provides plants with a quick source of energy and encourages the growth of beneficial microorganisms.
Gardening Fert. Schedule (Click to Enlarge):
–Chicken Manure Box, in center of garden. Soil sloping out to vegis. Drill holes all around a bin, bury into ground. Throw manure in there, cover with dirt with each time. I place top on mine with a few small holes. When it rains, nutrients seep into garden. A lot of chicken manure added directly to small plants could burn plants. Hence, the box with holes using rain water. At end of year add to soil and till in. Proceed with refilling it in the box. (I also add extra dirt to this bin, as well. After placing manure in, top with some dirt to help with smell.)
–Thick plastic over garden as soon as season is done, all the way up til growing, helped with weed and disease. A burning process. Cooking it.
-I built a trellis for tomatoes (The box below), and ONLY watered the grounds of plants (To prevent disease, if any, from spreading). They grew up reg. tomato cages, then intertwined through the 6ft. vinyl fence.
—-NEED TO KNOW—- There are Indeterminate Tomatoes and Determinate Tomatoes types.
Indeterminates vine, and grow, and grow. Usually producing til frost. (Hence the tall support-Which mine overgrew). Determinates are usually compact/bush and grow their fruit within the same time frame (I believe few wks). They do great in containers or cages. Determinates DO NOT need “Suckering” or much/any, “Pruning”. Like you can with Indeterminates.
How: 2x4s and posts. I did not cement them in. I got treated wood, and used rock in holes for drainage. Then stapled green Vinyl-Coated Fence to top half. Still more decorating this to come!
– X (Butterfly) Trellis– When Planting Cucumbers, or a climbing plant, use the X shaped trellis. This: Saves room, creates room, allows more walking space. Also, plant in the inner 4 corners. Sunflower/marigolds (For protection) or more Vegis! Decisions, decisions. But, at least I have more room for Decisions! This keeps cukes off the ground and dry (Mildew Prevention). Easy gathering! Used Vinyl fencing and 5-6 snow poles. In this photo I am testing out Cukes in an above ground idea, using Crates and Weed Paper. I did this in the back of trellis and planted cukes in ground up front of this trellis, so when the front grows, it can shade the crates some, to prevent over heating, if any! In photos below, sloppy red line shows trellis’s shape. Green X’s are where I planted. I could have squeezed more, but, want them spaced this year.
– In between the Butterfly Trellis, I have Pepper plants. (Left/Right of trellis). I used an old chair back, painted it, placed into ground for DECORATIVE Plant Support.
Our Pea Trellis (Look in Gallery for photos of Pea Trellis). In between Pea Trellis Arches, I’m growing Brussel Sprouts. In the chicken wire holes, I slid in Cheap bamboo sticks. To hold the Brussels up (They grew in my aisles last year!). Around the Base of the plant is Cheap PVC cut, placed Cheap Copper Tape around top. Buried about an inch. This will help protect my brussels from Slugs/Snails. Sends a charge through them, they HATE it!
–Arch Pea Trellis (More Photos in Gallery Below)- Multi Purpose Uses. Grow Peas along Chicken Wire Arch. Under arches, plant part shade plants, cooler plants. Space Arches about a foot or so apart, and plant more plants in between arches! I grow Lettuce and Spinach under arches, and Brussel Sprouts in between arches.
–Root Watering System. I plant 1 tube in between 2 plants. 2ft PVC piping, one end capped, drill holes throughout, ziptie weed paper around it. Dig into ground, leaving it a few inches above ground, capped side down. Don’t over water with this. Once in a while.
-I trimmed, butchered, my tomatoes that showed any signs of damage. Kept my garden debri free. Blight/disease has yet to be a concern!
-With each trimming, I Copper sprayed where I cut. Copper sprayed scissors in between each cut, to limit any possibility of spreading diseases, if any.
»Pest and Fungicide Control«:
– PLANT Pest Repellent Plants and DON’T WASTE those deadheads/Plant Trimmings!!! For our sitting area, I planted a mixture of Marigolds, Petunias, Lavender, Spearmint/Mint, etc. Creates a great balance of height and texture to flower pots and SMELLS AMAZING! Even incorporating Basil, Thyme, Rosemary, Grn. Onions, etc…. Looks and Smells DELICIOUS! Note: I got those plants for .50cents. Spearmints weren’t pretty and what paying customers look for, but, spread and grew in nicely! Buy the ON-SALE plants. Most cases, they just need to be placed into the ground to thrive!
Around Cucumbers I planted Marigolds, Garlic, and Chives/Grn. Onions to deter rodents. I, ALSO, use the trimmings of those, Basil… Even, Salvia/Sage seems to work (I have it intertwined with Cucumber Trellis. Seems to be working excellent for flying pests!). Add to the grounds/bases of plants that are bothered. You can look on WIKIPEDIA for List of Pest Repelling Plants.
–COPPER SPRAY!!! Insecticide and fungicide. I Copper sprayed and trimmed up my cucumbers and tomatoes every 10days, if needed.
Reason for using Copper Spray:
Considered an organic treatment used for fungicide and bactericide in fruits, vegetables and ornamentals against mildew, brown rot, leaf spots, blights, scab, anthracnose and rusts. Please use this in the evening as it kills beneficial buggers. Toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms. Also, can be very harmful to humans, use with caution. Wear mask.
–Milk Spray! Great for mildew and insects. One part Skim Milk, 5 parts Water, few drops Regular Dawn Dish Soap.
–Sticky Unwind Fly traps throughout garden. Even on ground near plants. You can wrap around trees being bothered, too!
Randomly put these in the garden. Some around plants (Not touch leaves), on ground.
– COPPER Base Plant Protection. Slugs/Snails HATE copper, sends a volt thro them. They will not crawl over. Cut PVC, enough room to place tape & bury some. Place around BASE of plant (You can cut down side to allow to open some to fit around stem). Press into ground, about inch or so.
– 2 Liter Pest Control + MORE! It’s hard for most bugs or animals to get around, through, the plastic. Add Two Way Tape (Or, Copper Tape!) for extra protection! Also, great for ORGANIC GARDENING! Upcycles trash! Collects water and directs it to where it’s needed. Easy watering.
Either Cut and place around plant. Burying some. (Can tape back up to secure, but, dirt helps hold it in place.)
Or, Bury some, add in dirt. Plant Seed! Roots will find their way.
USE A RED BOTTLE FOR TOMATOES! Better Production (More on Red in this post!)
Milky Spore treatment on the yard (Not garden-No reason, just didn’t) last year for grub control. Works in 2yrs. Lasts for years.
Reason for Milky Spore:
Milky Spore is a natural bacteria that infects the grubs of Japanese Beetles with Milky Spore Disease. The disease paralyzes and kills the host grub. The dead grub breaks down, it releases billions of new spores into the soil. Which, in turn, infect and kill other grubs. Milky Spore is harmless to pets, beneficial insects, fish, bees, birds, other animals, plants, or humans, not a poison. Milky Spore is harmless to crops. It is not a chemical pesticide. It may be used in gardens, around pools and wells.
Milky Spore Applier DIY-Took a stick/pole about 3ft long. I take a coffee can, poke holes into bottom. I Duct Tape it at the end of the pole (So holes face down to ground). Fill with Spore. Tap the ground to tap spore onto it. Use stick to guesstimate 3ft (Directions: Apply every 3 ft) -Click photo to enlarge-I do realize drawing is off
–Velcro Pest Protection. Some pests don’t like the SCRATCHiness of the ROUGH sided velcro. Snugly, not too snug, place the ROUGH side of velcro, face out, around the base of stem. Adjust as plant stem thickens. ALSO, can cut circle/square piece. Slit the radius (From center, out to 1 side), with small x in center (For stem). Wrap around stem, on base of plant, on ground, scratchy side up. May work for some pests on trees, as well. NON TOXIC – REUSABLE
–Plant onions and garlic around plants that are bothered by pests. I did around my potatoes.
-Planted sunflowers in garden and marigolds. BIG HELP for pests. Brings pollinators. Also, great looking. EASY TO GROW!
Reason for Sunflowers:
Attracts ants herd aphids onto sunflowers, keeping them off neighboring plants.
-A piece of foil square, slightly wrinkled, shiny side up. Place around base of plant on ground. I only did about 6x6inches. Not sure why or how, but this worked WONDERS for my cukes and other plants getting attacked. Unfortunately, my cukes were blah this year due to other things.
–Fish line. Reflective Jems. Bamboo sticks. String jems onto fish line. Making a border/fence, tie to bamboo sticks along the garden beds. I do 2 rows. Adds Reflecting Sparkles to gardens. Beautiful! Also, helps keep my chickens out of the garden!!! Works too. (More photos below)
– If an Organic Garden- Attract Frogs/Toads to the Garden! They eat 10,000 insects in just one summer! Build Frog Houses! Not only beautiful, but beneficial! (Flowers on top will fill-in, beautifying more!)
How To- Click HERE
–Crates and Burlap Bags make for great protection from hot sun and hard rain after transplant. Burlap fits right over cages.
Burlap and crates helps with hard rains (What the above case is), burning sun, and frost. Crates work well, too. Above is case of hard rain. They still get sun, water, but, when burlap is partway on, it breaks up hard rain.
–Crates in the garden. (MORE Photos Below)
Herbs did Amazing in Crates. Great for early plant starting keeping moist and warm. Helps break up hard rain and partially shade young plants. Lettuce loves crate shade.
Crate Plant Tower. 4 Crates, plus 1 on top. Line with weed paper. Fill with dirt. Using for herbs (Lettuce in back corner). Movable, too! Placing this in center of tomato trellis. Front right crate, I left empty, but, placed tight down into dirt. In holes of bottom of crate, I planted Garlic Chive Seeds. Info below.
This idea is a part of Crate Tower, above. I’m “Testing” it out. I put the crate TIGHT against the dirt. Placed more dirt inside and rubbed it into the holes, to be sure it was tight and even. In the holes (Not all of em), I (Well, my son) planted Chive seeds. This helps with weeds/grass growing in between. Helps with pests getting to them. And will be more likely to keep coming back each year, vs. being planted in crate. If all else fails… Throw a plant in there, Cilantro!
– Plant Crate Tower. Great for Strawberries! Keeping em off the ground to prevent disease. OR a Beautiful Flower Tower. Flowers fill in to cover entire area. 3 Crates, stack. Lined with Weed Paper. Filled with good Dirt. Cut holes. Plant Flowers/ Strawberries /Both / Etc. Watering can be small holed PVC, Drip Hose intertwined, etc. Be sure it’s secure (Metal rod through center into ground, etc.- Especially, with lil ones!) Note: You can cut to make bigger holes, or use bigger holed crate, etc.
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– Crate on Crate Planter AND Greenhouse. I wanted to test some Cucumbers above ground. This keeps them warm, protects from pests. Great for Early Starting! Opens and Closes for your control. Poke holes on top for rain water to benefit plants. 2 Crates. 1 Plastic Bag. 1 Ziptie.
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– HANGING Upcycled Flower Tower:
Reused a Soil Bag. Rolled, tightly, one side- To size of desire. I just heavy duty clear taped it on top, bottom, and center… Worked fine. BE SURE TO PUFF IT OUT AS YOU TAPE, you don’t want to tape it flat! Adding Dirt Helps! I also taped where I was going to cut it at, to reinforce the cut, help it from ripping. For flower openings, I made cuts in it, like this:
I, also, sliced a handle in top, being sure it had enough room from the cut to the top of bag. Taped handle cut to reinforce that. I placed flowers in, filled it rest of way with dirt, hung it up.
Now, I think I’ll work on my spacing a little better, for cuts. We will see how it goes!
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–Reflective Wind Fan Decoration things near plants. SHINY tails off kites, one end tied off. Wind blows to move them, reflecting light and making noise. In turn, keeping pests away. Birds don’t care for the sudden reflective shine. Our problem was momma birds taking seeds. Upside down crates help, too.
»Extra Useful Tips«:
-I over watered Corn during fruiting. Just opened first one! Delicious!
-PICK YOUR PEAS AND GREEN BEANS! More picking, more producing. Beans best stored dry in ziploc bag, in fruit drawer of fridge.
-It just might work!
I’ve broken quite a few plants in my gardening life. As a joke, a bandaid was placed around a green bean plant. It worked! Thrived. Duct taped my tomaters too. Pictured is broken limb of orange pepper plant, from storm. Taped it and the wilted leaves spruced right up, as if never broken. So far so good, like other plants I’ve tested out.
It just might work…
In SOME cases it actually works. So, before giving up on them… Try it out.
–Potatoes (Grown in ground): Once plants are a foot or so, throw more dirt onto them. Helps keep them cool and prevents sun getting to those close to the top of soil and spoiling them. Do this a few times in the growing year.
–Try New Things. Our newbie is a Potato Tower! I’ve wanted last few years!
– Potato Towers! This year we are gonna try our hand at a few. Along with what we know works (Our Russets in the Good Ol’ Ground). Only downfalls I’ve read about successful towers- The amount of dirt you need!
A few options about potato towers that most people don’t realize. There’s Indeterminate (Usually later season) and Determinate (Usually early season) Potatoes. Indeterminate, with longer lifespan, continue to produce. They are able to vine (To an extent), producing more stolons (Horizontal shoots). If provided it’s nutrient needs. Determinate, usually have a limited lifetime (Early season producer) and will usually set one layer of stolon growth outward with limited produce. Most people have fails with towers, not realizing this info! Using WRONG POTATOES!
I’ve read that INDETERMINATE (Later Season Types) type potatoes do BEST in towers that grow up (Not out sides). For highest yield. They continue to grow and produce. Once a stem is above ground for so long, it will stop producing tubers. So, continue adding dirt to increase productions. (I’ve read about 7-14days, or sooner, above ground can stop em.) We are trying our hand at Fingerlings (Later seasoner) in 1 tower this year. It’s Late Season and Indeterminate. Also, I’ve read some can remove bottom potatoes when ready, as needed, as they grow up. I will test that on one tower. Also note… Too high of temps will limit production (Towers can heat up, so use straw to help shade some)
My INDETERMINATE Potato Tower Plans (One w/ fence support and one w/o extra support-DIRECTIONS IN PHOTOS-CLICK):
Indeterminate/Later Season Tower
With Vinyl fencing support.. 2 snow poles. If using small square vinyl-Leave 10-12in space for grabbing lower, ready to pick, potatoes. No need if using larger squared fencing. Cut bottom of burlap open. Place around fence and lower. Plant seeds. Roll up burlap and keep adding dirt as stems show. Lift up bottom of burlap to take potatoes, as needed (I may or may not do that)… I also may put straw along the inside of fence (Outer inside circle) to help keep cooler and moist)
For Idea Click Here – For More on this photo and on More of Our Tips, Tricks, and Decor
– Another Tower Type is one for, mainly, Determinate Potatoes (Usually, shorter season types). These will grow out the SIDES of this tower. (Indet. Potatoes CAN be grown here, too. But, you won’t get it’s yield potential.) DETERMINATE UPDATE: I’ve had MORE success WITHOUT the Burlap! And, I did vertical layers of Hay and Dirt (Using MORE HAY than Dirt, to not over weigh down on the seeds/plants)!
Determinate Potato Tower Plan (Click to Enlarge & Read More):
Make a 2-3ft wide circle, using wide square wire fencing. Start with bottom, layer few inches of straw around inner wire (Outside circle). Fill center w/ dirt. Repeat til about 4ft tall. Near bottom of tower (Layer1), plant 3 potato seeds (2 if towers diameter is less than 3ft), evenly, around the tower (Planting right through fence & straw, into dirt.) Then go up a foot or so, do another layer, alternating w/first layer seed positioning. (Keep in mind, dirt settles, and you don’t want to overcrowd layers) Repeat to about 3 layers
UPDATE: I had to cut burlap vertically (Making slits), because Potatoes grew upward, not straight out the hole. Grew up, then out. Burlap will stop it from getting the exit they need. Quick fix, with quick slice from razor blade. Easy.
Determinate Potato Tower
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Another tester for this year is:
Red Mulch Plastic. Creates light wavelengths that bounce up to tomato plants. The phytochromes tell fruits to grow more, and fast. Thus, increasing ripening time and bigger fruit. Studies show more yield. Better ground heating. And Helps against Nematodes. Other colors are proven to help in aiding growth. BLUE is ANOTHER great color for tomatoes! Here’s a great link about more: Click Here Tip: You want the mulch a few feet out from each side of plants.
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– We soak our produce in the sink w/ water and vinegar. It helps to remove/kill some bacteria. Also, with doing this, our produce seems to last longer. When harvesting tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, strawberries, peas, beans, etc. We noticed they all lasted longer when soaked in vinegar water vs. not.(Some people also amp this up by adding lemon juice, even baking soda in with water- I have yet to try that.)
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Water Softener Owners!!!: After some years, we turned our Water Softener on. I do enjoy the benefits of it… BUT, noticed my Once Thriving Baby Plants were starting to do horrid. Dying. I couldn’t explain it! Only new thing, was watering with Softened Water (I started plants using UN-Softened Water. But, after using it, they started doing horrid). Now, there is NO science behind this. Maybe a Co-Wink-A-Dink. But, once I switched back to non-softened, they did great. (Ones that didn’t see too much of a difference- Peppers. They were good whole way thro.). I did some research of reviews with same problems. Tho, most stated, YES! Ruined my plants! A few stated, no effect. Or, can’t affect plants…
So, for your own determining whether to use or not softened water on your plants… Here is a quote I’ve read (Going against what I believe to be happening- That water softener affected my plants), “The salt is only used to clean the media and is never mixed with or released into the home water feed. Any salt that may still remain in the resin beads after the rinse cycle is infinitesimal at best unless you’re using a totally generic softener system….After the saltwater bath, the beads are rinsed thoroughly to remove any remaining salt residue and this rinse water is discarded. Then, and only then, the softener stops diverting the water and the water is directed back through the resin beads to be softened and then out to the rest of the house.”
My newbies have done horrid since watering with softened water, now better without softened water… Sure, could be altering reasons. May be due to being baby plants. I will be RE-TESTING softener soon. I’m not a scientist. You determine, with your own testing! If you’re using softener and your plants suck… Switch the softener off (Or something similar to that- So, water does NOT run through softener when using.)… Then water plants.
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– For all those extra Zucchinis… Try this! Vegetable Candy! CLICK HERE for Recipe
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—Other’s junk is my greatest treasure. Keep that crap! Almost all of our decorations were free or dirt cheap at a yard sale. I love a colorful garden. Just spray paint blah decorations. Some I used an old paint brush and stroke another color over the base color to give aged look. Also, to tie in all the colors. I used some ugly wood shelf supports and painted for corner decorations. LAYERS is my rule of thumb. Just keep adding stuff. Added post tops to top of tomato trellis posts. etc.
– Add Sparkle to your Yard and Garden! Cheaply Beautifying your Garden! Tie/Knot Reflective Jems onto Fishing Line. Hang randomly throughout garden. Shimmers and Sparkles. Kids think they’re Fairies! Jems also help to keep chickens out of gardens (Photos of this in Gallery below). Photo Above shows what we have NOW. Multiple sizes and color. Here’s a Video Example (Only a few SMALL clear beads hung for video- About 1/4 size of finger nail! And, this is through a Dusty Window Screen! CLICK HD Button!):
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(Pictured “Starting” 2015 Garden) Garden Decor (This isn’t even all of it!). Upcycled junk, painted. Back of chair, painted and treated for plant support. I love our idea of Colored Stones around the Tomato Trellis, making a CANDYLAND Game for the kids (Miss Pea, Mr. Tomato). Have 1 dice that states Go Ahead, Go Back, Lose a Turn… And another dice that has the color of the stones! !
»Check out the below photos for gardening«: Sign ideas, decoration ideas, layout ideas, color scheme ideas, pest control ideas, etc.
»Companion List is Below these photos!«
Prepping cucumber trellis
Peas came along nicely.The Multi colored stepping stones are cheap stones painted. MY IDEA: To make a Candyland Version of a game for kiddos to play. I will have these in a path going around the garden. Each area will have a sign with characters (Miss Pea, Mr. Tater, Dr. Mato, etc.). The kids can have fun going from color to color stones, eating the vegis/fruits along the way. Adds a colorful path, with a purpose. Give em a hoe while you’re at it… Get to work kiddo!
For Idea Click Here – For More on this photo and on More of Our Tips, Tricks, and Decor 
I had weed paper down for potatoes, but, cut out to add dirt later.
Painted Sign with leftover boards… Love the one pointing to weeds!
Scrap metal grate painted.
Our Bell. The corner is a shelf supporter, painted. I am changing this to some better ones I painted.
This is NOT done, yet. But, you get the idea. Used to hang bird feeder. Will get one that fits better and paint it.
Got some post tops painted and added to tomato trellis posts. Layers! Adds color.
Garden Direction Sign.
Great Garden Tier with Hydrangea behind angel. Photo taken May. This was made with leftover materials. Flowers are perennial ON SALE to save $ later. Flowers in dirt are cheap flowers kids picked out and planted. Once grown in, it will cover entire area. Thus, BEAUTIFYING CHEAPLY!!!!
Click Here for Our Highest Rated Garden Post 
Garden 2014
Garden 2014
Garden 2014
Garden 2014
Garden 2014
Garden 2014
Garden 2014
This one was taken July 23. Decorative Plant Support. Look at the flowering on the cukes… Better get hungry! More info on this and MUCH MORE
Click Here 
July 18 (Or earlier?). Flowers filled in nicely. My Flowering Bush has flower clumps in back, more coming up front. My fault for cutting it back too much. Usually, they drape over the angel. More info on this and MUCH MORE
Click Here 
July 18. Came back for trip… Grew a lot! 1 section of corn and 3 zucchinis. (Well, 2 zucc. that you can see. One over more.) More info on this and MUCH MORE
Click Here 
July 18. Butterfly Trellis. Cucumbers already reaching top of trellis. More info on this and MUCH MORE
Click Here 
On accident, I mixed up my bush and pole beans. There was only supposed to be 1 tower… But, now 2! With bushes in between. Oh well. Producing very nicely.
Tomato trellis. You may be able to see how tall tomatoes already are. Lots of tomatoes, none red, yet. CLOSE! Then center is OVERLY producing herbs! Growing faster than we can use! You can see how GREAT the Romaine Lettuce is doing, too.
2015 Beginning of July Garden
Shake N Bake’s Coup
TONS of cukes
More pickings. And, yes. Enough fertilizer, and you too can grow a living room.
Companion planting, in gardening, is the planting of different crops in proximity for pest control, pollination, providing habitat for beneficial creatures, maximizing use of space, and increase crop productivity.
*Companion Planting:
Asparagus–
aster flowers, dill, tomatoes, parsley, basil, mints, marigolds AVOID onion, garlic, potatoes
Beans Legumes Phaseolus and vicia –
beets, cukes, cabbage, cauli., potato, lettuce, squash AVOID Tomatoes, chili peppers
Beets –
bush beans, onions, catnip, garlic, lettuce, mint AVOID runner or pole beans
Bush Beans –
celery, strawberry AVOID Alfalfa soybeans, dry beans
Pole Beans–
radishes AVOID sunflowers, beets
broccoli–
tomatoes, lettuce, beets
Brassicas (broccoli, brussels, cabbage, cauliflower, chinese cabbage, radish, turnip)-
beets, spinach, chard, aromatic plants, celery, chamomile, marigolds, sage, peppermint, sage, rosemary, onions, potatoes, geraniums, alliums, nasturtium, thyme, beans AVOID nightshade, tomatoes, peppers, pole beans, STRAWBERRIES
Brussels
sage, thyme
cabbage–
marigolds, dill, onions, beets, lettuce, garlic AVOID grapes
Carrots–
lettuce, onions, shallots, sage, beans, flax AVOID dill, parsnip, radish
Cauliflower–
spinach, peas
Celery–
daisies, snap dragons, leeks, tomatoes, cabbage, bush beans AVOID corn aster flowers
Corn (Maize sea mays)-
Sunflowers, legumes (beans, peas, soybeans), peanuts, clover, morning glory, parsley, potato AVOID tomato, celery
Cucumber– radishes, marigolds, sunflower, peas, beans, beets, carrots, dill, onions, garlic, celery, spinach AVOID potato, aromatic herbs
Lettuce–
radish, beets, onions, beans, carrots, cukes, strawberries, broccoli, thyme, cilantro AVOID celery cabbage cress, parsley
Onion–
carrots, beets, strawberry, tomato, lettuce, chamomile AVOID lentils
Peas–
garlic, turnip, cauliflower
Peppers–
beans, tomatoes, marjoram, okra, geraniums, petunias, sunflowers, onions, basil AVOID beans, kale, cabbage, brussel sprouts
Potatoes–
horseradish, beans, peas, onions, garlic, clover AVOID carrots, cukes, pumpkin, raspberries, squash, sunflower, tomato
Pumpkin– catnip, radishes, nasturtiums AVOID potatoes
Radish–
lettuce, pole beans, nasturtiums AVOID grapes
Spinach–
strawberries, peas, beans, cauliflower
Squash–
beans, catnip, radishes, marigolds, nasturtiums
Sweet Potato–
Okra
Tomatoes–
asparagus, basil, oregano, parsley, marigolds, alliums, garlic, leeks, celery, geraniums, petunias, nasturtium, coriander, corn, dill, barley, carrots, eggplant, okra, flower strips? AVOID alfalfa, corn, fennel, chili peppers, peas, dill, potatoes, beetroot, rosemary
Apple- AVOID CEDAR, walnuts!!!
Strawberry–
bush beans, caraway, bush lettuce, beans, onions, spinach AVOID tomatoes, potatoes, egglpant, peppers, melons, okra, mind, roses
Chives–
apples, carrots, roses, tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, etc. AVOID beans peas
Cilantro–
cabbage, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, beans, peas AVOID dill
Dill–
cabbage, corn, lettuce, onions, cukes AVOID carrots, tomatoes, cilantro
Garlic–
roses, tomatoes, cukes, lettuce, celery, peas, CHINESE cabbage, potatoes AVOID cabbage, grapes
Lemon Grass–
Eggplant
Oregano–
Basil
Parsley–
Asparagus, corn, tomatoes, apple, rose AVOID lettuce Alliums
Sunflower helps Peppers, corn, cukes, tomatoes AVOID pole beans ::: Was grown as a companion for corn(maize) before modern Europeans arrived in the Americas, supposedly increases their production, ants herd aphids onto sunflowers, keeping them off neighboring plants. Works as a trap plant for thrips keeping them off of bell peppers
Marigolds –
Most plants, especially tomatoes and peppers, cucurbits (cucumbers, gourds, squash), alliums, brassicas, zucchini ::: Marigolds are a wonder-drug of the companion plant world, invoking the saying “plant them everywhere in your garden”. French marigolds (T. patula) produce a pesticidal chemical from their roots, so strong it lasts years after they are gone.
Mexican marigolds (T. erecta) do the same, but are so strong they will inhibit the growth of some more tender herbs. Stinking Roger (T. minuta) has also been found effective against certain perennial weeds.
–CLICK HERE to check out how I start my seeds, prep for Garden Season: https://dinkingaround.wordpress.com/2014/02/23/already-started-my-zone-4-garden/
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