If you’re following our last Blog, Planting with the Moon, this is the week to get your tomatoes, melons, squash and peppers in the ground. When we first started growing, we'd typically plant everything in one weekend and be done with it. Since we're actually planting alongside the Moon cycle this year, I've had lots of time to review my gardening notes taken over the years while growing.
One thing I learned is companion planting can be confusing and daunting. Which is why, so long as you knowing what NOT to plant together is a huge step for a successful harvest. Per my notes:
(previous years' bounty)
First off, crop rotation is extremely helpful in preventing pests, however melons, squash and cucumbers attract the same bugs so you don’t want to rotate these crops with one another. You also don't want to plant these together, obviously.
Picky Potatoes do not like cucumbers, pumpkin, squash, sunflowers and tomatoes as neighbours.
Avoid planting Cruciferous Veggies (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, etc.) anywhere near tomatoes. Strawberries don't like 'em either.
Keep the Onion Family away from the Bean/Pea Family; they do not get along.
Corn and Tomatoes have restraining orders against each other.
Dill and Carrots, keep them very far apart. Same with Basil and Rue, but apparently everyone already knows this, according to 1 book I have!
KEEP THEM BUNNIES OUT!
Marigolds planted around the gardens will help prevent not only bunnies, but chipmunks and squirrels who do not like its scent. Remember to cut the dead-heads off and watch these beautiful annuals grow all summer long until first frost.
AND LASTLY, HERE'S BEFORE AND AFTER PICS OF POISON IVY FOUND AROUND THE GARDEN THAT HAD TO BE CAREFULLY ERADICATED:
I am happy to report, it's been 2 days and I did not break out. This was a lot of work as I had to dig deep to get to all the roots which, to make things more challenging, was underneath the fence line and a stone paver! When done, I had to carefully dispose of my garden gloves and backup latex gloves. I then put on a fresh pair of latex gloves and stripped out of my ‘exterior clothes’ and left my boots outside before immediately jumping in the shower. Every part of this plant is noxious and I seem to be lucky and tolerant, unlike my partner who only has to stand within a foot of this bugger, and Yikes! So don’t attempt this if you don’t know what you’re doing. Alternately, boiling water will kill new growth but unfortunately not the roots. ***And don't forget to sterilize the garden tools; bleach and/or bake in the sun for days !!