“It’s difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato.” ― Lewis Grizzard
I admit it… I haven’t always trellised my tomatoes. I’ve always used the standard tomato cage, but trellising is something I recently started doing. Yes, I have always known it is the best way to grow my tomatoes, I just never took the time. Well friends, I am taking the time now as it will provide me with a healthier & more abundant crop of tomatoes!
Quite friendly, I got tired of my tomato plants sprawling all over the tomato cages & the raised beds taking up valuable space all the while making it difficult to harvest those ripe, juicy fruits. Trellising my tomato plants will provide more space for me to grow around them. This will allow me the opportunity to succession plant more effectively.
It will also improve airflow and reduce the risk of diseases. Not to mention, trellised tomatoes are easier to care for and harvest, resulting in a better yield.
Now you are asking, “Ok that’s all great Jean, but where do I start? You start right here friends! In today’s episode, I’ll provide you with 5 tips for successfully trellising your tomato plants, from choosing the right trellis to proper pruning techniques. Whether you’re a veteran gardener or novice just starting out, these tips will help you achieve a bountiful tomato harvest & beautiful garden. So let’s get started and take your tomato growing to the next level!
Watch my YouTube Video as I explain Why Trellising Your Tomato Plants is a Must-Do and 5 Tips for Success!
I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!
If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest stories in your inbox.
If you aren’t following me on Facebook or Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!
Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day, Jean
Copyright Policy
All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through an affiliate link, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. You can see my full disclaimer here.
“The first gatherings of the garden in May of salads, radishes, and herbs made me feel like a mother about her baby ― how could anything so beautiful be mine. And this emotion of wonder filled me for each vegetable as it was gathered every year. There is nothing that is comparable to it, as satisfactory or as thrilling, as gathering the vegetables one has grown.” ― Alice B. Toklas
Throughout the winter months I long for the warm days when I can get back into the dirt and smell the scent of plants growing. Yes, they do have a scent and all gardeners know it. It’s like the smell of the first lawn cutting, or the way the air smells after a heavy rain.. It is simply a romantic aroma!
Have you ever wondered how some of your gardening friends always have fresh produce when your garden seems to have given up the ghost? Or how farmers market vendors have fresh lettuce all season, and yours turns bitter and bolts?
What you may not know is their secret… and that’s what I’m going to share with you all of you today! It’s called succession planting, and it’s super easy to incorporate into your gardening plan.
Let’s talk about the benefits & techniques of succession planting. With this method, you can maximize your garden’s yield and enjoy a steady supply of fruits, herbs, & veggies throughout the growing season.
In today’s blog post, I’ll teach you the various benefits of succession planting, including increased productivity and reduced waste. I’ll also discuss the different techniques and strategies you can use to implement this method successfully. So, whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting, today you will discover how to make the most of your garden with succession planting.
I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!
If you enjoyed this blog , please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest stories in your inbox.
You can get some really great tips in Elliot Coleman’s, Four Season Harvest! Great book! **Information adapted from Organic Gardening Magazine, “Keep It Coming” By Barbara Damrosch. Feb/Mar 2010, pg.s 42-47
If you aren’t following me on Facebook or Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!
Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day, Jean
Copyright Policy
All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content.
“My passion for gardening may strike some as selfish, or merely an act of resignation in the face of overwhelming problems that beset the world. It is neither. I have found that each garden is just what Voltaire proposed in Candide: a microcosm of a just and beautiful society. ” Andrew Weil
Check out my easy YouTube video tutorial on how to properly plant invasive herbs such as mint, oregano, & thyme so they don’t overtake your gardens!
Supplies you’ll need:
Large planter Ground cover or landscape fabric to line the inside of the planter 2 cups of pea gravel Enough organic potting mix to fill the planter leaving about 2 inches of head space 1 perennial herb plant of your choice such as mint, oregano, thyme, rosemary, or sage.
I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!
Tips & Tricks on what & how to grow to ensure a successful growing season! In today’s class Jean Roman will discuss the best fruits, vegetables, and herbs to grow in your home garden, and how to care for them. She’ll share her wealth of knowledge on growing and how you can have a bountiful harvest. Roman will provide information on gardening in containers, raised beds, and traditional tillable gardens. Downloadable PDF will be provided to all attendees.
“In our society growing food ourselves has become the most radical of acts. It is truly the only effective protest, one that can ―and will ― overturn the corporate powers that be. By the process of directly working in harmony with nature, we do the one thing most essential to change the world ― we change ourselves.” ― Jules Dervaes
Strawberries are a really easy & delicious fruit for the home gardener to grow! Even if you don’t have a garden, you grow these beauties in a container. You may not be able to overwinter them if you live where the snow flies, but in warmer climates, you bet you can.
Strawberries are also a fun thing to have the kids help you grow… and boy oh boy, do they love the harvest. I’ll be sharing with you my recipe for Homemade Freezer Strawberry Jam at my blog today as well, so be sure to head over there for more on strawberries!
“I grow plants for many reasons: to please my eye or to please my soul, to challenge the elements or to challenge my patience, for novelty or for nostalgia, but mostly for the joy in seeing them grow.” ― David Hobson
Spring is finally here, and if you’re a newbie or avid gardener, you’re probably itching to get your hands in the dirt. Of course many of you know I started several of my seeds indoors early in March, but now it’s time to plant outdoors!
But wait! If you live in zones 4 and 5 like I do, where the winters are harsh & the growing season is short, you may be wondering which vegetables are hardy enough to survive the cold temperatures.
Thankfully, there are plenty of cold hardy veggies you can grow! In today’s blog post, I’m going to discuss my top 10 cold hardy vegetables to plant in zones 4 and 5 this April. From beautiful heirloom lettuces & leafy greens to root vegetables, I’ve got you covered. Not only will these vegetables survive the cold weather, but they’ll also thrive and produce delicious, nutrient-rich crops for you and your family to enjoy. So grab your gardening gloves and let’s get started!
To watch this episode tune into my YouTube Channel!
If you enjoyed this blog , please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
Join Jean & Tim as they connect for their Spring Garden Talk.
This month Tim & Jean will be discussing the importance of creating natural habitats and pollinator gardens. Learn the importance of incorporating native plants to your area specifically along with specific pollinator plants.
Join Jean each week as she chats it up about gardening, cooking, organizational tips & tricks, chatting about healthy lifestyles, and of course having conversations with incredible entrepreneurs!
If you enjoyed this blog , please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
If you aren’t following me on Facebook & Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!
Happy Day,
Jean
Copyright Policy
All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content
“Change the food in the schools and we can influence how children think. Change the curriculum and teach them how to garden and how to cook and we can show that growing food and cooking and eating together give lasting richness, meaning, and beauty to our lives.” ― Alice Waters
If you have been following me for any length of time, you know I am an advocate for kids in the garden. Over the years, you’ve watched my children grow in my gardens helping to build new raised beds, harvesting the crops, and finally helping prepare the fruits of our labors in the kitchen.
I believe every school in the country should have a school garden in order to teach our children where food comes from. I will be discussing in upcoming blogs how to incorporate kids in the garden, as well as the anonymity of food in our culture today. This is the main reason why I think it is crucial to incorporate school gardens!’
Thankfully, school gardens have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Incorporating a garden into a school’s curriculum can have a range of benefits for students, teachers, and the wider community.
In today’s blog post, I am going to provide you with the many benefits of incorporating a school garden and why it’s a worthwhile investment for any educational institution.
Now let’s look at the many benefits school gardens can have!
Let’s Look at the Academic Benefits of School Gardens!
School gardens have the ability to provide a hands-on and engaging way for students to learn about science, math, and other subjects. For example, students can learn about the life cycle of plants, the importance of pollination, and the role of soil nutrients in plant growth. They can also use math skills to measure the growth of plants and calculate the amount of water and fertilizer needed.
School gardens also provide an opportunity to help students develop critical thinking skills as they problem-solve and make decisions about garden design, plant selection, and pest management.
Besides enhancing academic learning, school gardens can also foster teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. Students can work in groups to plan and plant the garden, share responsibilities for watering and weeding, and harvest the produce. They can also take on leadership roles by leading garden tours, organizing fundraising events, and teaching younger students about gardening. Through these activities, students can develop a sense of responsibility, confidence, and teamwork.
What are Some of the Potential Health Benefits of School Gardens?
School gardens can promote healthy eating habits and improve overall health. When kids can grow their own fruits and vegetables, they now have the opportunity to learn about the nutritional value of different foods and develop a taste for fresh, healthy produce. They can also learn about the benefits of eating a variety of fruits and vegetables and the importance of balanced diets.
School gardens can help address issues of food insecurity and promote healthy eating habits among students and their families. The produce grown in the garden can be used in school meals or donated to local food banks, providing fresh and nutritious food to those in need. By involving families in the garden project, schools can also encourage parents and caregivers to incorporate healthy foods into their own meals.
And let’s face it… kids are more likely to try something they decided to grow!
What are Some of the Potential Environmental Benefits of School Gardens?
School gardens can promote environmental awareness and encourage sustainable practices. By learning about the importance of soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity, students can develop a sense of stewardship for the environment. They can also learn about the impact of human activities on the environment and ways to reduce their ecological footprint.
Moreover, school gardens can provide habitat for wildlife and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. By planting native species and avoiding the use of pesticides and herbicides, school gardens can help support local ecosystems and promote biodiversity.
This is another opportunity to teach kids about the benefits of organic gardening and incorporating companion planting, rather than using harmful chemicals.
Can the Local Community Benefit From School Gardens?
The answer to this question is a responding YES! School gardens have the ability to serve as a valuable resource for the wider community. By donating produce to local food banks or hosting community events such as farmers’ markets or garden tours, schools can help promote healthy eating habits and support local food systems.
They can also serve as a gathering place for community members, fostering social connections and community involvement.
School gardens can also provide opportunities for intergenerational learning and mentorship. By involving older adults or community members with gardening experience, schools can create meaningful connections between generations and promote lifelong learning.
That Sounds Great! Now, How can I Help Start a School Garden in my Community?
Starting a school garden can seem daunting, but with the right resources and support, it can be a rewarding and successful project. Here are some steps to get started:
Get support from school administrators, teachers, and parents. Starting a school garden requires buy-in from all stakeholders, as well as support for funding and maintenance.
Find a suitable location for the garden. Look for a sunny, well-drained area with access to water and close to the school. Ensure that the site is safe and accessible for students.
Develop a garden plan. Consider the garden’s size, layout, and design, as well as the types of plants to grow. Involve students in the planning process to ensure that the garden reflects their interests and needs.
Secure funding and resources. Look for grants, donations, or partnerships with local organizations or businesses to support the garden’s development and maintenance.
Involve students in the garden project. Encourage students to take ownership of the garden by involving them in the planning, planting, and maintenance. Provide opportunities for leadership and teamwork.
Integrate the garden into the curriculum. Use the garden as a teaching tool to support academic learning and promote healthy lifestyles.
We Have Our School Garden! Now, How Do We Maintain It?
Maintaining a school garden requires ongoing care and attention. Here are some tips to keep the garden healthy and productive:
Develop a maintenance plan. Create a schedule for watering, weeding, fertilizing, and pest management. Involve students in the maintenance activities to ensure that they take ownership of the garden.
Provide ongoing support and training for teachers and volunteers. Ensure that they have the knowledge and skills to maintain the garden and address any issues that may arise.
Use sustainable practices. Avoid the use of pesticides and herbicides, and use organic methods for weed and pest control. Compost garden waste to improve soil health.
Involve the wider community. Encourage families and community members to volunteer in the garden and participate in events such as harvest festivals or farmers’ markets.
What are Some Curriculum Ideas for School Gardens?
School gardens can be integrated into a range of subjects and learning activities. Here are some curriculum ideas for school gardens:
Science: Learn about plant growth, soil health, and the life cycle of plants.
Math: Use the garden to teach measurement, geometry, and data analysis.
Language arts: Write garden journals, poetry, or stories about the garden.
Social studies: Learn about the history of agriculture, food systems, and cultural traditions related to gardening.
Art: Use the garden as inspiration for art projects such as painting, sculpture, or photography.
Nutrition: Learn about the nutritional value of different fruits and vegetables, and use the garden to prepare healthy meals and snacks.
If you enjoyed this blog, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
If you aren’t following me on Facebook & Instagram go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!
“ Growing your own fruit at home is a wonderful treat and a huge money saver. Homegrown food of any kind tastes delicious and being able to go outside and pick fresh fruit from a tree is something everyone should experience.” ― Julio Belson
You may think growing grapes is for those who want to make wine. Well, that is only one of many reasons you would grow grapes. I had a beautiful grape arbor of just four vines to make my own grape juice and jellies. I never used any of them for wine, however that’s not to say you can’t.
So let’s get started! Today I’m going to show you how easy it is to plant your own grape arbor and to care for them!
So why bother growing grapes you ask? Well, maybe you’re someone who enjoys gardening and wants to try something new. Planting grapes and building a grape arbor can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only will you have fresh grapes to enjoy, but you’ll also have a beautiful addition to your garden or backyard.
But how do you get started? In today’s Gardening 101, I’m going to walk you through the steps of planting grapes, building an arbor, and caring for your grapevines. From selecting the right variety of grapes to pruning and harvesting, I’ll cover everything you need to know to create a thriving grapevine. So grab your gardening gloves and let’s get started on creating your very own grape arbor.
How do I decide the perfect location for my grapes?
The first step in planting grapes is selecting the perfect location. Grapevines need plenty of sunlight, good drainage, and protection from strong winds. Ideally, you should choose a spot that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day, with well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid planting in areas that are prone to flooding or have poor drainage, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. You’ll also want to make sure the area is protected from strong winds, as this can damage the vines and reduce grape production.
When selecting the location for your grapevines, consider the size of the area you have available. Grapevines can grow quite large, so you’ll need to make sure you have enough space to accommodate them. If you’re planting more than one vine, you’ll want to space them at least six feet apart to allow for optimal growth. Keep in mind that grapevines can also be trained to climb trellises or arbors, which can help save space and create a beautiful focal point in your garden.
What’s the right grape variety for me?
There are hundreds of grape varieties to choose from, each with its own unique flavor and growing requirements. When selecting grape varieties, consider your climate, soil type, and personal taste preferences. Some popular grape varieties for home gardeners include Concord, Niagara, and Thompson Seedless. These varieties are easy to grow and produce delicious grapes that are perfect for eating fresh or making wine. I grew the Concord variety due to what I wanted to make with my grapes. Take into consideration what you are going to do with them.
If you’re looking for a specific flavor or want to grow grapes for wine-making, do your research to find the best variety for your needs. Some grape varieties are better suited for cooler climates, while others thrive in warmer temperatures. You’ll also want to consider the type of soil you have, as some grape varieties prefer sandy soils while others do better in loamy or clay soils.
Once you’ve selected your grape varieties, it’s time to prepare the soil for planting.
Now it’s time to build your grape arbor!
This photo was my grape arbor at my farm.
A grape arbor is a beautiful and functional addition to any garden or backyard. It provides support for your grapevines to climb on, as well as a shaded area to relax and enjoy your grapes. To build a grape arbor, start by selecting the right materials.
You’ll need sturdy wooden posts. I recommend using 4x4x8 pressure-treated pine posts. I used hog paneling for my grapes to grow on. They are easy to attach to the posts with U shaped nails and are heavy-duty enough to withstand the weight of the vines when weighed down with the grape clusters. You can also add decorative elements such as lattice panels or climbing plants to make your arbor even more beautiful. Metal twine also works, but it will rust quickly and evenly break in a few years. I don’t recommend the wire for anything you want long term.
PRO TIP: The key thing to remember when choosing your material for the grapes to grow on is allowance for your hand to go through the holes to harvest the grapes, as well as the grape clusters to grow through!
To build the arbor, start by digging holes for the posts at least two feet deep. Set the posts in the holes and fill with concrete to secure them in place. I use Quikrete because it dries quickly.
Once the posts are set, attach the material you chose for the grapes to grow on. If you use the metal wire, attach to the top of each post and stretch it across to the other side, securing it with nails or screws. Repeat this process until you have created a grid of wires or twine for the grapevines to climb on.
When can I plant my grape vines and how do I?
Grapevines can be planted in the spring or fall, depending on your climate and grape variety. When planting, make sure to dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the grapevine’s root ball. Gently loosen the roots and place the vine in the hole, making sure the soil is level with the surrounding ground. Plant each vine centered between the two posts, only one for each 6 foot section.
The vine will more than likely not be long enough to reach the bottom of your new trellis or arbor. You will need to watch, and as it grows, carefully begin training it onto the material you choose to grow your grapes on. You can use garden tape in the beginning to secure the vine onto the fencing. This will help the vine grow upward and make it easier to prune and harvest the grapes.
After planting, water your grapevines thoroughly and add a layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and prevent weeds. I recommend you purchase a bale of straw for each vine and spread it out evenly about 2 feet wide between each 6 foot section.
Grapevine care and maintenance
To ensure your grapevines grow and produce healthy grapes, it’s important to provide proper care and maintenance. This includes regular watering, fertilizing, pruning, and pest control.
Grapevines need regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. Aim to water your grapevines at least once a week, giving them a deep soaking to encourage deep root growth. You can also add a layer of mulch around the base of the vines to help retain moisture and prevent weeds.
Fertilizing is also important for grapevine growth and grape production. You can use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 8-8-8 blend, and apply it in the spring and early summer. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced grape production.
Pruning is essential for grapevine growth and grape production. In the winter, prune your grape vines by removing any dead or damaged wood, as well as any shoots that grew from the base of the plant. You’ll also want to thin out any overcrowded or crossing branches to improve air circulation and sunlight exposure. During the growing season, remove any new shoots that emerge from the base of the plant to encourage upward growth.
Finally, it’s important to protect your grapevines from pests and diseases. Common grapevine pests include aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles. You can use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control these pests, or introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs or lacewings. To prevent diseases such as powdery mildew or black rot, make sure your grapevines have good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Now it’s time to harvest & enjoy your grapes!
After all your hard work, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Grapes are typically ready to harvest in late summer or early fall, depending on the grape variety and climate. To harvest grapes, simply cut the grape clusters from the vine using a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears.
You can enjoy your grapes fresh, or use them to make juice, jelly, or wine. There are many resources available for home winemakers, so do some research to find the best method for your needs.
PRO TIP: Your grapes will be able to endure a light frost, and being frosted will make them sweeter!
If you enjoyed this blog, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
If you aren’t following me on Facebook & Instagram go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!
For Dragonflies And Me 