Vegetable Garden Tips

We are planning on tilling our garden this weekend to get ready to plant in a few weeks. So I thought I would share some new gardening tips that I recently learned.

• Plant pepper plants so that the leaves touch each other - they will yield more.
• Add 1 tsp of Epsom salt around the base of each tomato plant at planting for better production.
• Use old newspaper as a weed block.
• Group corn in rows as they pollinate by the wind.
• Group squash, corn, and beans together for better growing.
• Always water in the morning to prevent fungus growth and insects.
• Marigolds or Chrysanthemums planted at the edge of the garden keeps Japanese beetles away.
• Always water at the base of plants using a soaker hose if possible. Avoid getting tomatoes wet on the vine - it causes spots.
• You can use mulch in gardens - it holds in moisture and helps block weeds.

Please feel free to share any gardening tips you might have!

Summer Sunflower Project

I saw this at Cheaper by the 1/2 Dozen and thought it looked like a great family project for the summer. It's all about growing sunflowers to help the bee population. They provide a free kit with all the supplies. Check it out!

Imagine...
Doing science right in your own backyard

Take part in “The Great Sunflower Project”

Great family activity
Prior knowledge of bees not necessary
It’s easy
It won’t take any more than 30 minutes
Do it in pots, or a private or public garden
All you need is a sunflower
Free materials (including information and seeds)
Participate alone or with others
Share observations online or by mail
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For more information: http://www.greatsunflower.org/