Danny Lipford

Tomatoes

Tue, 06 Feb 2007 15:50:02 +0000

Tomatoes are one the most popular fruits grown by homeowners, but many of us aren’t really sure what the best method is to insure we have healthy plants and good fruit. First, protect the plants from cutworms. These creatures gnaw at the base of the stem, so wrap a two-inch wide strip of aluminum foil around the stem before you plant and let it extend an inch or so into the soil. If you fertilize, choose one that has higher second and third number. Chemical fertilizers have a three number code that describes the percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in them. The two latter elements control fruit production, disease resistance, stem strength, color and taste. Finally, water consistently. Inconsistent watering may cause the fruit to crack or split.

Fruit Tree Production

Fri, 12 Jan 2007 01:13:56 +0000

Strange as it may seem, shaking your fruit trees will help them produce more fruit. This is because it loosens the vessels that carry sap to the leaves and buds. Some people even opt to “whip” their fruit trees with a rolled up newspaper. Don’t worry, this really does hurt you more than it does them. Keep in mind that many fruit trees will take years to bear fruit.

Raised Vegetable Bed

Sun, 07 Jan 2007 15:55:05 +0000

Raised vegetable beds are an excellent way to manage your produce patch, especially if your home is on a hilly lot. Here are a few tips if you’re considering building one.

If you use wood timbers to construct your raised bed, interlock them at the corners by overlapping the timbers (log cabin style). This creates a sturdy structure to contain your soil. For a vegetable garden, don’t use timbers treated with creosote.
Build the bed(s) long and narrow so that the middle can easily be reached from either side. This way you don’t have to actually climb into the bed for weeding or harvesting.
If animals are a concern in your area, surround the bed with a wire or fabric fence to keep the critters from feasting on your produce. To stop burrowing animals lay chick wire in the bottom of the box before adding soil and amendments.
The bed begins with rich soil so be sure to include plenty of organic matter in the mix you add to the bed once your box is constructed.

Natural Remedies

Sat, 23 Sep 2006 15:34:48 +0000

If you look hard enough you can find solutions to many of your lawn and garden problems “naturally.” The pungent aroma of many herbs acts as a natural insect repellent. Planting herbs like parsley or basil among your vegetables will offer them some protection from bugs and simplify harvesting a salad. Marigolds, another pungent smelling plant, can help keep mosquitoes at bay if positioned around the perimeter of a deck or patio. If larger pests, like dogs, cats and squirrels are digging in your garden, try sprinkling a little cayenne pepper around on the ground to discourage them from future visits.

Feed Flowers Fruit

Tue, 12 Sep 2006 01:19:30 +0000

Roses love banana peels. They rot quickly, releasing minerals roses need such as calcium, sulfur, magnesium, and phosphates. Just cut them up and mix them in the soil at planting time or anytime you want to give your roses a boost. You can also make a banana peel tonic for use after the plants are established. Just soak chopped pieces in a closed jar of water for two weeks. Pour the remaining mush under the rose bush.

Strawberry Plant Irrigation

Wed, 02 Aug 2006 20:02:02 +0000

Strawberry pots may be attractive, but they’re inefficient for the growth and health of the plants. To make sure the plant is properly watered, take a section of PVC pipe and put it in the center of the planter. Add compost all around the pipe, tapping it in and holding the pipe straight. After it’s set, add some relatively coarse small stones and then carefully pull out the pipe. This creates a central core that will allow the water to penetrate throughout the pot.

Tomato Wagon

Wed, 15 Mar 2006 17:56:31 +0000

A child’s wagon makes an easy-to move base for off-season tomatoes. Two tomato plants in separate 10-gallon containers can easily fit in such a wagon. Let the plants grow outdoors as long as the warm weather lasts; as temperatures begin to fall, wheel the plants indoors overnight and back outdoors during the day. It doesn’t take long and you could harvest fresh tomatoes until Christmas. Remember to stake the plants well and make sure that the plants can fit through the door. Also keep on eye on them so that they don’t become root bound in their containers.