I never plant anything in rows. My garden beds usually look like a riotous mix of plants with herbs and flowers tucked into every available spot between vegetables. I'm a big fan of using companion planting to enhance the growth of plants, repel pest bugs, and attract beneficial bugs to my gardens. A little knowledge can go a long way towards keeping harsh chemicals far away from your vegetables and flowers. My favorite book on companion planting is Carrots Love Tomatoes by Louise Riotte. But you can get started with this useful link on companion planting. It's not as comprehensive as the book, but it is a very good start.
Link - GardenToad's Companion Plant Guide
Texoma Gardening focuses on gardening, homesteading, wild foraging, and country life in North Texas & southern Oklahoma.
We planted our first tiny garden this year, we have enjoyed radishes and cukes so far. We planted a few stalks of corn, and it's doing okay, but the fire ants have taken over every developing ear! We were attacked while planting, so we put down some "Amdro" near the garden, but they are back, with a taste for corn! Do you think a sprinkle of diatomaceous earth will help? And we planned on trying deep mulch gardening, will that be a help or hinderence to the evil ants?
ReplyDeleteWith fighting ants, blister beetles, bermuda grass and drought, I am beginning to wonder if it's worth it!
I find that diatomaceous earth does great in our garden. I sprinkle it on and around anything being attacked by bugs (including ants). For some reason, ants love corn. The Amdro and a generous helping of DE should help out with the problem, but it is an ongoing battle. Nothing but time, elbow grease and patience can help with the Bermuda grass. I still fight it in our garden. Jennifer's double dig garden beds are fairing a little better as far as weeds go. I think that removing as much grass as possible to start with and then heavy mulching on her part help a lot with that (I'll let her tell you more about that part of things, as it's a type of ground preparation I haven't tried yet).
ReplyDeleteDon't give up! The first year always presents the most challenges, but each year it gets easier. You learn so much from each success and failure that you'll be amazed at how much easier next year, and the next and next will be. You'll figure out what grows best for you, how best to keep the plants watered in the heat, and even how to deal with rabbits and other hungry critters wanting to cash in on your work. The real satisfaction comes from knowing you grew it yourself and that you and your family are getting the freshest, healthiest vegetables to be found.
It is worth the effort!
Hey, texomamorganlady, I'm so sorry! It looks like Michele's response to you, which she sent the same day as your question, strangely landed in the spam folder instead of publishing. We certainly weren't trying to ignore you.
ReplyDeleteIt has been about a month. Did the diatomaceous earth help with your corn? Are you still going strong with your efforts to learn to garden?