DragonsEye
carnivorous plants of the world -- unite!
I would not jump on the granulate lime Kevin suggested without first having your soil tested to make sure it is actually needed.
Weed control:
You can also lay down thick cardboard or a layer of newspaper several layers thick to help smother weeds. (Newspaper will require getting wet down. The cardboard is particularly useful for your walkways between rows of plants.
There is a composting method referred to as lasagna gardening which may be of interest. You can do a search and read a bit about it here: http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/soil/
(This method also can help cut down on weeds.) Cow or horse manure definitely does wonders for tomatos. Keep in mind though, that it should not be used "fresh". You will want either aged manure or to put fresh manure down in the fall so it can age over the course of the winter.
Many municipalities have free compost available. Do keep in mind that pretty much ANY compost obtained will likely have weed seeds in it. Just goes with the territory.
When choosing tomato plants, do keep in mind how long your growing season is. Some varieties take a fair bit longer to produce mature fruit than others. (Typically, cherry or grape tomato types have the shortest time to harvest.)
Both tomato and pepper plants typically enjoy lots of sun and heat. (If you were down south I'd have to qualify that statement a bit.)
Most veggie plants will not be hardy in you zone so a relatively moot point.
Bug control
Safest method is catch-n-squish.
Aphids, beetles, some types of caterpillars will be you most likely pests. Some like the "tomato horn worm" are large caterpillars but do morph into large interesting moths (look up sphinx or hummingbird moths). Setting aside a few sacrificial plants for them can be cool. (They greatly enjoy dill as well.)
There are substances like Neem oil that can be effective deterents.
Many plants such as tomatoes or melons/cukes can be space hogs if you let them. Cages or staking can help greatly and if floor space is really tight, melons/cukes can be trellised.
Dracunculus vulgaris should definitely be hardy in your area. Just don't plant it anywhere near an open window or porch. heh
Weed control:
You can also lay down thick cardboard or a layer of newspaper several layers thick to help smother weeds. (Newspaper will require getting wet down. The cardboard is particularly useful for your walkways between rows of plants.
There is a composting method referred to as lasagna gardening which may be of interest. You can do a search and read a bit about it here: http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/soil/
(This method also can help cut down on weeds.) Cow or horse manure definitely does wonders for tomatos. Keep in mind though, that it should not be used "fresh". You will want either aged manure or to put fresh manure down in the fall so it can age over the course of the winter.
Many municipalities have free compost available. Do keep in mind that pretty much ANY compost obtained will likely have weed seeds in it. Just goes with the territory.
When choosing tomato plants, do keep in mind how long your growing season is. Some varieties take a fair bit longer to produce mature fruit than others. (Typically, cherry or grape tomato types have the shortest time to harvest.)
Both tomato and pepper plants typically enjoy lots of sun and heat. (If you were down south I'd have to qualify that statement a bit.)
Most veggie plants will not be hardy in you zone so a relatively moot point.
Bug control
Safest method is catch-n-squish.
Aphids, beetles, some types of caterpillars will be you most likely pests. Some like the "tomato horn worm" are large caterpillars but do morph into large interesting moths (look up sphinx or hummingbird moths). Setting aside a few sacrificial plants for them can be cool. (They greatly enjoy dill as well.)
There are substances like Neem oil that can be effective deterents.
Many plants such as tomatoes or melons/cukes can be space hogs if you let them. Cages or staking can help greatly and if floor space is really tight, melons/cukes can be trellised.
Dracunculus vulgaris should definitely be hardy in your area. Just don't plant it anywhere near an open window or porch. heh
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