Lessons from an Urban Gardener Part 2

Remember this? This was Marty's garden a month ago in early June. 

This is Marty's garden now. 

Following are a few tips that you can use this month in your own garden:
 

Lesson #1: Mulch! Using straw or dried grass clippings around your plants, especially tomatoes, will retain moisture, reduce weeds, and help prevent early blight. 

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Lesson #2: At planting time Marty used recycled nursery pots with no bottoms around her squashes and cucumbers to protect them from rabbits. She leaves them in place to make watering easier. 

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Lesson #3: Companion planting. Nasturtiums planted with cucumbers and squashes deters squash bugs and cucumber beetles. Add nasturtium leaves to salads for a peppery flavor.

Plant sage with broccoli to repel cabbage moths.

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Lesson #4: Stake tomato plants. She uses a variety of repurposed supports for her indeterminate tomato plants. Growing them in this way allows more light and good air flow for better fruiting.  

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Watch for more tips next month.