Tag Archives: tomatoes

Harmonious Gardening: Our No-Till, Organic Garden

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At the Veggie-Bed, we foster a diverse array of vegetables with thoughtful crop rotation in our no-till, raised-row, organic garden.

Welcome to the Veggie-Bed, a harmonious world where we’ve cultivated a no-till, raised-row, organic garden for over a decade. Through thoughtful crop rotation, we rejuvenate the soil naturally, manage weeds, pests, and diseases. Our meticulously planned garden spans 450 square feet, divided into purposeful sections for root, leaf, legume, and fruit vegetables. Nestled in Chesapeake, VA, our commitment to quality over quantity shines as we infuse each row with organic compost. The Veggie-Bed thrives, nourishing both body and soul, weaving a tapestry of life through crop rotation. As winter approaches, our compost-infused rows rest, preparing for the next chapter of growth and renewal:

The Veggie-Bed, Summer 2024

Here, we carefully nurture a diverse array of vegetables through thoughtful crop rotation, ensuring the continuous rejuvenation of our soil and the natural management of weeds, pests, and diseases.

Our meticulously planned garden is divided into two 20 by 10-foot sections, further subdivided into two ten by 10-foot plots. This purposeful layout allows us to cultivate various types of vegetables—root, leaf, legumes, and fruit—maximizing both the garden’s productivity and the beauty of its composition.

Nestled in the enchanting suburbs of the Western Branch area of Chesapeake, VA, our efficient backyard garden spans approximately 450 square feet of our intimate property, which measures just under 1/2 acre.

In our garden, we prioritize quality over quantity, granting each plant the space and care it needs to thrive and yield abundantly. Before winter sets in, we lovingly infuse each row with our own organic compost, resulting from our dedicated compost pile. Additionally, we remain steadfast in our commitment to an all-natural approach, eschewing the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.

The Veggie-Bed is truly a testament to our dedication and love for the natural world. As the seasons change, our no-till, organic oasis continues to thrive, nourishing both body and soul. The rhythmic cycle of crop rotation dances through the soil, weaving a tapestry of life that sustains not only our vegetables but also the countless microorganisms that call our garden home. When winter approaches, our compost-infused rows rest, quietly preparing for the next chapter in this beautiful story of growth and renewal.

And to our fellow gardeners, may your gardens always be a sanctuary of abundance and harmony!

Videographer: Tom Myrick

Writer/Digital creator/Prompt designer: Tom Myrick

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@urbangardening4u2day17

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Tips for Protecting Tomato Plants During Heat Waves

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Tomato plants during a heat wave in a hot garden with the sun bearing down

With the current heat wave hitting the East Coast, here at the Veggie-Bed, we suggest keeping the following information in mind:


Excessive heat can significantly impact tomato plants. When temperatures consistently rise above 90°F (32°C) during the day and above 75°F (24°C) at night, tomato plants experience severe stress.

Hot temperatures hinder pollination, causing flowers to fall off. As a result, you’ll have fewer fruits than your plant can produce. Tomato plants shift their energy toward survival rather than fruit production. Leaves may droop, dry out, or fall off, exposing ripening fruits to sunscald.

Choose heat-tolerant varieties that thrive in hotter climates. Early fruiting determinate varieties can also help you harvest before heat stress sets in.

Remove excess foliage to improve air circulation and reduce heat stress.

Water in the morning to prepare plants for the day’s heat. Water deeply and consistently to prevent drought stress.

Apply organic mulch around the base of plants to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

While tomatoes need sunlight, excessive heat can harm them. Find a balance by providing adequate sun without subjecting them to scorching conditions. If possible, shield plants from the intense afternoon sun. Use shade cloth or row covers during extreme heat to protect plants.

Remember, maintaining optimal conditions helps your tomato plants thrive even during hot spells!

Image: AI-Generated
Prompt/edited: Tom Myrick
Written by: Tom Myrick

Writer/Digital creator/Prompt designer: Tom Myrick

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@urbangardening4u2day17

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To Prune or Not to Prune Cherry Tomato Plants

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Balancing Growth and Yield

Should you prune your cherry tomato plants? Indeterminate cherry tomatoes thrive, and pruning can help manage their growth. It improves airflow, keeps the plant dry, and reduces the risk of fungal diseases. Pruning also allows more sunlight to reach the cherry tomato clusters, leading to quicker ripening and better flavor. Regularly picking ripe tomatoes encourages the plant to produce more flowers. If left unpruned, cherry tomato plants can become tall and may break under their own weight. To prune them, leave the main stem and 1-2 suckers (side shoots) for optimal results, and regularly remove new suckers to prevent overcrowding. Start pruning from the day you transplant seedlings into the ground and be consistent throughout the growing season.

On the other hand, some gardeners argue that cherry tomatoes don’t need pruning because even unpruned plants can be productive. Unlike larger slicing tomatoes, cherry tomato suckers don’t significantly affect fruit production. But it’s essential to consider spacing and disease prevention, as unpruned cherry tomato plants can create a dense jungle if planted close together, trapping moisture and encouraging diseases like blight. It’s also worth noting that determinate cherry tomatoes and dwarf varieties don’t benefit from pruning, as these types have a predetermined size and fruiting period.

In summary, a moderate approach to pruning can significantly improve the health of plants, yield better fruit, and ease of management when growing indeterminate cherry tomatoes. However, cherry tomatoes can still thrive without extensive pruning if you prefer a more hands-off approach.

Image: AI-Generated
Prompt/edited: Tom Myrick
Written by: Tom Myrick

Writer/Digital creator/Prompt designer: Tom Myrick

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@urbangardening4u2day17

View on Facebook: The Veggie-Bed

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Whispers of Resilience (audio-only)

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Whispers of Resilience is part of a planned series of audio-only short stories:

Whispers of Resilience (audio-only 2:41)

Writer/Digital creator/Prompt designer: Tom Myrick

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@urbangardening4u2day17

View on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555328057879

Image: AI-Generated
Prompt/edited: Tom Myrick

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A Colorful Garden Ally with Natural Pest-Repelling Powers

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Lantana (Lantana spp.) is a captivating plant that graces gardens with its vibrant colors and natural pest-repelling properties

Lantana is such a fascinating plant – it’s not only beautiful but also has some natural pest-repelling properties. Lantana is naturally hardy and doesn’t suffer from many pest issues. It releases an aromatic scent that repels some annoying insects, including mosquitoes. The leaves contain volatile organic compounds that mosquitoes find unpleasant. Additionally, the essential oil made from lantana leaves contains substances like eucalyptol, alpha-humulene, and germacrene, which are toxic to mosquitoes.

Lantana produces vibrant clusters of flowers in various shades, including red, orange, yellow, and pink. These colorful blooms appeal visually to your garden and create a cheerful atmosphere. These blooms attract pollinators and enhance biodiversity in your garden. Lantana flowers are irresistible to pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. You’ll encourage these beneficial organisms to visit your garden by planting lantana near your vegetables. They’ll help pollinate, creating a better fruit set for your veggies.

The lantana’s natural aroma wafts through the air, providing a pleasant scent for garden visitors while serving as an effective deterrent to mosquitoes. You can picture these hardy plants bordering the garden, forming a natural barrier that enhances the garden’s aesthetics and protects the vegetables from annoying invaders.

Lantana is a delightful addition to any garden, including vegetable gardens. However, there are a few potential disadvantages to consider when it comes to growing lantana. Lantana camara, a species within the Lantana genus, is highly invasive. It can dominate wild areas by overtaking native plants. If not controlled, it can spread rapidly and become a problem, especially in larger areas. However, it’s simple to remove in smaller gardens. Keep in mind that not all Lantana species are invasive. To identify invasive lantana, look for alternating flower colors within the same flower, woody stems, and flat leaves. Non-invasive Lantana species have uniform-colored flowers and more curled leaves. If you choose to grow lantana, consider the specific species and its potential impact on your garden and local ecosystem.

Lantana, the captivating plant, offers more than just beauty. Its vibrant clusters of red, orange, yellow, and pink flowers attract pollinators, creating biodiversity in your garden. But that’s not all! Lantana’s aromatic scent repels mosquitoes, making it a natural pest deterrent. Just beware – some species can be invasive, so choose wisely!

Writer/Digital creator/Prompt designer: Tom Myrick

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@urbangardening4u2day17

View on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555328057879

Image: AI-Generated
Prompt/edited: Tom Myrick

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The Intriguing World of Non-Photoblastic Seeds

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Unlocking Dormancy

Non-photoblastic seeds, often shrouded in mystery, exhibit fascinating germination behavior. Unlike their photoblastic counterparts, which crave sunlight to sprout, non-photoblastic seeds rely on other cues to break free from their dormant state. These cues might include temperature fluctuations, moisture levels, or even chemical signals from neighboring plants. In this botanical enigma, non-photoblastic seeds reveal their unique strategies for survival and growth, challenging our understanding of seed biology:

Non-photoblastic seeds are primarily influenced by temperature and moisture conditions. When the right balance of warmth and moisture is present, the seed’s metabolic processes are triggered, leading to germination. The exact temperature range required varies depending on the plant species.

Some non-photoblastic seeds have hard seed coats that must be broken down before germination. Scarification is a process of weakening the seed coat either chemically or mechanically. Natural scarification can occur through exposure to environmental factors like freezing and thawing cycles or abrasion from soil particles. Gardeners can also intentionally scarify seeds by nicking or sanding the seed coat.

Certain non-photoblastic seeds require a period of cold stratification. This process replicates the natural winter conditions the seeds would experience in their native environment. During stratification, seeds are kept in a cool, moist environment (usually in the refrigerator) for a specific duration. This cold treatment breaks seed dormancy and prepares them for germination when conditions improve.

Non-photoblastic seeds respond to chemical signals from neighboring plants or soil microorganisms, which can influence germination. Some seeds germinate better when exposed to specific plant hormones or compounds released by decaying organic matter.

Non-photoblastic seeds are less light-sensitive, so their planting depth does not significantly affect germination. However, planting them at the appropriate depth ensures they receive the right balance of moisture and oxygen.

Beans (including green and snap beans), peas, and tomatoes are vegetable seeds that are non-photoblastic. On the other hand, seeds that require light to germinate, (lettuce, celery, dill, rosemary, and thyme) are photoblastic.

In summary, non-photoblastic seeds rely on temperature, moisture, scarification, stratification, and chemical cues to break dormancy and begin their growth journey. Seeds that require light to germinate are called “photoblastic.

Remember that seeds rely on different factors to germinate. When germinating seeds, be sure to do your research on their specific requirements. Understanding these mechanisms helps gardeners optimize conditions for successful seed germination.

Writer/Digital creator/Prompt designer: Tom Myrick

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@urbangardening4u2day17

View on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555328057879

Image: AI-Generated
Prompt/edited: Tom Myrick

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From Seedlings to Sunlight: A Veggie-Bed Garden Update

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Hello! Come join us for a brief update on what’s happening at our vegetable garden here at the Veggie-Bed.

The young tomato plants are adjusting to their new outdoor home after being nurtured in the grow tent. Their leaves are beginning to stretch toward the sun, embracing the change.

The cucumbers, too, are in transition. They’ve left the shelter of the indoor environment and are now exploring the open garden. Soon their tendrils will reach out, seeking support as they climb.

Meanwhile, in the germination tent, the peppers await their turn. Their tiny seedlings hold the promise of future spice and flavor. Patience is key as they continue to grow.

Planted out in mid-March, the kale and collards have become dependable producers. Each week, we harvest their lower leaves, savoring the fresh greens. These hardy plants thrive in the changing weather.

The potato plants initially started indoors but have now embraced the great outdoors. Their roots dig deep into the soil, gathering nutrients for the tubers that will form beneath the surface.

Lastly, the sugar snap peas are on a mission. They’ve begun their ascent, winding their way up the trellis. Soon, their delicate white flowers will give way to crisp, sweet pods. Unlike the other vegetables, these sugar snaps were directly sown into the garden soil at the end of March.

As spring unfolds, the garden becomes a canvas of life, color, and growth, and we invite you to follow us. Happy gardening!

Writer/Digital creator/Prompt designer: Tom Myrick

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@urbangardening4u2day17

View on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555328057879

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