October 15, 2024 – There are many so-called “rules” about vegetable gardening. Unfortunately, what was gospel yesterday may be ridiculous today! For example, potting soil does NOT need changing several times a year. It’ll last for the growing season before requiring a complete change.
Watering plants on a sunny day WON’T burn plants. Water droplets DON’T act as a magnifying glass. When to water is important. Water early. 6-10AM is best. Watering later risks losing much to evaporation, and late afternoon can lead to large cracks in your tomatoes.
You DON’T need large spaces for your garden. Peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes grow well in a 5-gallon bucket, and “patio” veggies require even less space. Small gardens, particularly raised-bed gardens, seem to be the new norm, and they work great, especially in urban settings.
Gravel in the bottom of planters/containers does NOT improve drainage but does reduce the amount of nutrient-rich soil. Direct container contact with the soil, however, slows water drainage. Small bricks or other solids under the container keep the container above ground level.
Start-up expenses are NOT nearly what many would have you believe. A biggie here is to start small and grow as you gain experience. Have a trellis for flowers? Put in a tomato or cucumber plant and let it use that trellis!
OK, green pine needles are acidic. So, wait until they turn brown and are dry. Most of the acid will be gone, and they’ll break down faster. Crushed egg shells can take years to break down. Pureeing them lessens the time needed, but bone meal, calcium carbonate or wood ashes work faster works much faster.
Water deeply 48 hours BEFORE (not 24 hours before) a predicted frost/freeze to give the water a chance to get below the first level of soil. With fertilizer, more is NOT better.
