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7 Tips for A Better Summer Garden
Summer has arrived and for a lot of us, that means long, hot days in the garden. Before you get too exhausted or overwhelmed, consider these 7 easy tips for having a beautiful and happy summer garden!
TIP # 1 – BE WISE WITH YOUR WATER
Make sure to keep your garden beds cool and moist by adding plenty of organic mulch around the base of your vegetables, herbs, and flowers. This will also greatly help reduce unwanted weeds from coming up.
Whenever possible, use drip irrigation, and water close to the base of the plant. If using sprinklers or wands, water as early or as late in the day as possible to avoid evaporation.
During the day, avoid splashing water on the leaves as it can sometimes cause them to burn in the hot temperatures.
TIP # 2 – KEEP YOUR COOL SEASON CROPS SHADED
Cool-season crops can generally only take between 3-6 hours of sun per day. If you still have some spring veggies in the ground you can keep them from bolting by adding shade cloth over them, or if they are in containers you can move them to a location with more shade.
Some of these crops might include: Arugula, Asparagus, Beets, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Garlic, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Lettuce, Mizuna, Mustard Greens, Parsnips, Peas, Potatoes, Radishes, Rhubarb, Rutabagas, Scallions, Spinach, Swiss Chard, and Turnips.
TIP # 3 – FRESHEN UP YOUR DECK OR PATIO
Summer should be enjoyed! Take pride in your outdoor space by making it a comfortable gathering place for friends and family. Consider adding a new patio set, or painting an old one!
Add a festive shade umbrella, new pillows or an outdoor rug. Compliment your outdoor gathering space with a container garden full of fresh culinary herbs! These will not only come into use while cooking up your favorite dishes, but some of them can actually help deter mosquitos!
TIP # 4 – KEEP THE POLLINATORS HAPPY
Insects, hummingbirds and bees all play a crucial part in healthy vegetable gardens. Make sure you incorporate plenty of native plants and flowers to help attract these pollinators into your garden.
STEP # 5 – START A GARDEN JOURNAL
If you didn’t start a journal during your spring plantings, make sure you start one now! Begin recording things like what you’re growing, and dates you harvest.
You can purchase a small food scale, and document the size of all of your harvests! You can also include beautiful photographs, or other important information such as problems with the weather or pests that you may encounter through the summer months.
Use your garden journal in the future as a reference for what worked in years past or what didn’t to avoid making the same garden mistakes twice.
TIP # 6 – PLAN YOUR FALL AND WINTER GARDEN
Now is the perfect time to start planning your fall/winter garden and sourcing seeds for the next round of plantings. You can also start drafting up new designs for plot layouts or raised beds.
Use the internet to do plenty of research for what designs might best suit your needs. When you’re ready to start planting, check out this planting calendar to find out when it’s safe to start planting your fall/winter crops for your exact grow zone.
TIP # 7 – ENJOY THE FRUITS OF YOUR LABOR
It’s summer, so don’t forget to kick back and relax! Enjoy your beautiful gardens and be proud of all of the hard work you have put in.
Maybe try one of these refreshing and delicious drink recipes made with your homegrown mint!
12 Plants That You Can Grow To DETER Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes can quickly ruin the enjoyment of your outdoor garden experience. Ordinary repellents are full of nasty chemicals that you probably don’t want to put onto your family, and bug zappers are annoying. It also can be debated, how effective candles or incense really is.The threat of contracting a disease from a mosquito is very real. Not only are humans being infected with dangerous illnesses, so are animals including household pets. Over one million people are said to die each year from contracting diseases from mosquitoes. In the US, the most common disease is West Nile, but they also carry diseases like malaria, dengue fever, dog heartworm, chikungunya and the recent Zika Virus, which is responsible for outbreaks in tropical areas throughout the world and was found in 2015 for the first time in the Western Hemisphere. More can be learned about the Zika Virus, here.
To help keep mosquitoes from using your yard as a breeding ground, make sure you eliminate all standing water, trim back un-needed vegetation, and consider planting these mosquito repelling plants.
1. Basil
In addition to repelling mosquitoes, it’s also quite an attractive plant to grow.
In addition to repelling mosquitoes, it’s also quite an attractive plant to grow.
2. Catmint
While the catmint plant does repel mosquitoes that are close, you can try adding crushed leaves or oil for even stronger protection. Watch out though, if you own cats they will probably respond to you the same way they respond to the plant itself. If you’re a cat owner, you might want to try other natural ways to deter mosquitoes.
3. Garlic
“If you have a high allicin (garlic’s active anti-microbial ingredient) blood count, mosquitoes will refuse to engage with your blood. If you are infected, garlic can eliminate the virus because it is a proven anti-microbial, killing both viruses and bacteria. According to the good people of zhealthinfo.com, a friend of theirs had lost a couple of horses to WNV.” -source “NaturalNews.com“
4. Lavender
Lavender repels mosquitoes because mosquitoes dislike the scent of the lavender plant.
5. Lemon Balm
For an easy homemade repellent, crush lemon balm leaves and then rub them onto your skin. Keep the plants growing near doorways where the leaves will be readily available when you need them.
6. Lemon Grass
Mosquitoes do not care for the fragrance of lemon grass. Grow these attractive “grasses” near walkways and near seating areas to deter them.
7. Lime Basil
The leaves and their extracted juices will help to repel mosquitoes from feeding on you.
8. Marigolds
“Potted marigolds can be positioned near entrances to your home and any common mosquito entry points, such as open windows. The smell may deter mosquitoes from going past this barrier. While marigolds can be used as border plants around the patio, we do not advise putting marigolds on the patio table since the bright blooms may attract wasps.
Besides repelling mosquitoes, marigolds repel insects which prey on tomato plants, so you may want to plant a few marigolds in your tomato bed for added protection.” -source “Learn.EarthEasy.com“
9. Pennyroyal
“Crushed pennyroyal stems stuck in your hat and pockets really will repel gnats and mosquitoes. Dog owners often see their dogs rolling in pennyroyal patches, and dog instincts can usually be trusted.” -source “MotherEarthNews.com“
10. Rosemary
A Recipe for a Simple Rosemary Mosquito Repellent:
“A simple repellent spray is made by adding 1 cup dried rosemary to a quart of water, boiling it in a pot for 20 to 30 minutes. Pour a quart of cool water into another container (that holds at least half a gallon), then strain the rosemary water into the container. Pour small amounts of the blend into squirt bottles to apply directly to skin and outdoor pets. Store the unused portions in the refrigerator; discard it when it no longer smells strongly of rosemary.” – source “HomeGuides.SFGate.com“
11. Tansy
Tansy is a strong herb, beautiful & yet suitable for growing around doorways to act as an mosquito deterrent.
12. Wormwood
Wormwood can make a lovely, unique border and the strong odor does a good job of keeping mosquitoes at bay. Note: Do not rub on skin.
Enter our PHOTO CONTEST to win FREE SEEDS!
Enter our UOG Photo Contest to win a FREE 6 month, 3 month, or 1 month subscription full of heritage garden seeds! Your subscription will be customized to your grow zone, location, and garden type! Entering is fast and easy. Good-luck!
Strange Ways To Use 30 Most Common Household Things In Your Garden!
Learn 30 Things That Can Make Your Garden Better!
1. Cardboard and Newspapers
Must you have cardboards and newspapers? Do you know you can use them in your garden? From putting them into the compost to suppressing weeds or this DIY newspaper seed starter, there are many ways. Find out more cardboard uses here!
2. Wine Bottles
From creating a water fountain to bird feeder to self-watering pots, there are not just 3 or 4 uses; your old wine bottles can be used to complete these 26 DIY projects listed here
3. Pennies
Have pennies? Use them to control tomato blight. Also, drop a penny into the vase as it’s made of copper, which is a known fungicide (especially the older one, made before 1982) and helps in keeping your cut flowers fresh or you can create a penny birdhouse!
4. Aspirin
Have aspirin tablets? Use them in your garden–fight fungal diseases, propagate plants from cuttings successfully and quickly, and improve the productivity of your fruit trees. Check out the science behind these claims in this article.
See 26 MORE Common Household Things that can make your garden better, HERE at Balcony Garden Web
Win a FREE Seed Club Subscription!
Win a FREE 1 Month Subscription to UOG’s Monthly Seed & Garden Club! https://urbanorganicgardener.cratejoy.com/offer.html
Everything is delivered to you at just the right time of the year. [All based on your grow zone – growing conditions – garden location – preferences – and more!]
Now is the perfect time to join as we are currently getting ready for the upcoming spring planting season!
Let our Garden Guru’s curate a collection of seeds & garden supplies just for you – your grow zone – garden space – location – and more. Includes everything you need to grow 5 new edible plant varieties every month – varieties can include herbs, vegetables, flowers, sprouts, micro-greens, bulbs, and more! Join the rest of the UOG community and get growing now!
ENTER TO WIN: https://urbanorganicgardener.cratejoy.com/offer.html
Join UOG’s Monthly Seed Club, Just in Time for Spring!
Collect heritage seeds and GROW A GARDEN, ALL-Year-ROUND!
Join the club that delivers you garden seeds at just the right time of the year to plant them – hand selected based on your garden specs. Start by telling us a little bit about your garden, preferences, and location. Then, each month we’ll send you a curated collection of heritage garden seeds.
Now is the perfect time to join.
Spring is right around the corner!
Visit: https://urbanorganicgardener.cratejoy.com
**NEXT SHIPMENT: FEBRUARY 5**
UK Gardener Grows Giant Organic Vegetables for Garden Shows
CropSwap is Hosting a FREE Seed Club Giveaway!
Our friends at CropSwap are hosting another giveaway!
Enter to win a FREE 3 Month Subscription to our Monthly Seed & Garden Club. Entering is fast and easy!
Just head on over to their Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/cropswapapp/, to enter. Good-luck!
To LEARN MORE about our Monthly Seed & Garden Club, please visit us at: https://urbanorganicgardener.cratejoy.com
WIN a FREE 3 Month Subscription to UOG’s Monthly Seed Club!
Extra Strength Seed Trays from Bootstrap Farmer!
WHAT WE DO
At Bootstrap Farmer, we want to help you get your small farm, garden or business off the ground. Whether that’s through our equipment line, fertility management services or our blog resources, we are here to help make your project a success.
HOW IT STARTED…
Bootstrap Farmer sprung out of my Farm-to-Table Food Truck Model, Veg2Bowl, in Eastern North Carolina. I was growing vegetables & herbs in high tunnel greenhouses which would go right onto the mobile kitchen. Since it’s a certified commercial kitchen, I am able to harvest, prepare and serve it in meals to customers all on the same day with little to no waste.
Some of the foods that I most frequently grow are lettuce, kale, chard, microgreens, tomatoes, peppers, and onions. And of course, a few chickens for pasture raised eggs. I was doing a local & fresh version of Blue Apron, except everything was already prepared ready to eat or ready to be heated, along with private events & festivals.
AN IDEA…
For better or worse, while I was building the farm for Veg2Bowl, I was noticing tons of things on my little farm that I wish were better or more efficient. After months of research, I had figured out the most efficient way to build a high tunnel greenhouse, because knowing I had to build it myself with savings from living with mom & dad, I was not going to waste a dime. Then while running the farm, I had the tiny idea of making seed trays so durable, I’d stop breaking them myself.
Maybe it was because I had already quit my previous job and left everything behind, I was feeling adventurous? I still don’t know, but, what I did know is that I could provide value to people. From there, there was no turning back. The idea to create an ultra durable seed tray & a better high-tunnel greenhouse kit was the germination of Bootstrap Farmer, which has now grown into something I could have never imagined.
THE EVOLUTION…
However… that came at a cost. I was struggling trying to run 2 completely new businesses. I was running a food truck, greenhouses and building an e-commerce business – all from scratch & all by myself (did I mention I also had no previous experience in any of it?) Somehow, by some miracle, both businesses were off to a great start, but it was becoming clear, in order to build either one of them into a long-term business, something had to change.
Check out the rest of their products, HERE!
Grow a Fall/Winter Garden! Join the Monthly Seed Club, TODAY!
ORDER BEFORE 11:59 PM PST November 4th to receive a shipment THIS MONTH! https://urbanorganicgardener.cratejoy.com/
Grow food ALL-YEAR-ROUND with us! Now is the perfect time to start stockpiling seeds for your fall, winter and even early spring gardens!
All of our seed club members will be receiving varieties that are perfect for growing during the cooler months. Let us hand-select 5 varieties of heirloom, GMO-free seeds to ship to you EVERY MONTH! 
TO LEARN MORE or SIGN UP just visit: https://urbanorganicgardener.cratejoy.com/
Start Planning Your Fall and Winter Gardens NOW!
Now is the time to start planting seeds for your fall/winter gardens. Let our Garden Guru’s hand select popular heirloom, GMO-FREE varieties for you to start each month, customized to your location and grow zone! (Think frost hardy crops or varieties that can be grown indoors such as sprouts, lettuces, leafy greens and MORE!)
Sign up today at https://urbanorganicgardener.cratejoy.com
During sign-up, just let us know whether you prefer to grow indoors, outdoors, in partial shade or in the sun. Do you grow hydroponically? Not a problem, we’ve got that figured out too!
CropSwap APP – NOW available in the App Store! (FOR FREE)
Buy, sell and trade homegrown produce from your phone. Cropswap is the groundbreaking local food app that connects urban gardeners, farmers and casual growers who happen to have an extra tree!
Go download it and start selling, buying and trading produce with folks around you.
Customer Reviews
Genius!!! Love the app 😀by EstefaniaRebellon
I just signed up a friend recommended this app to me because I don’t like shopping at over priced groceries store like Whole Foods or even Ralph’s in LA. Sometimes you can taste the chemicals on the fruit and it’s expensive to eat healthy which is crazy to me but that’s a whole other deal. Anyways CROPSWAP is easy to follow and I love the chat option. I don’t have a garden so I don’t have anything to swap but I am on it as a hungry customer looking for organic produce from people who I don’t mind giving my money too lol. Great app if you’re trying to eat healthy and save!!! Love it!!!!
Revolutionary!by farmerjacky
This app is giving power to the people! We don’t have to rely on the industrial farming and grocery system, we can grow our own and share with others. Thank you Cropswap for making this life changing tool! This is sure to reduce waste, packaging, travel distances, chemicals and everything else that gives conventionally grown and purchased food such a large carbon foot print. No more! Drawdown is within our hands. We can live in a way that sequesters carbon, fosters personal growth, and inspires community building. Three cheers for this app!
Love this!by Mathgirl22
I grow a lot of my own food at home but don’t have room to grow everything I want. This app is awesome at connecting you with other local growers so you can trade for other crops! I love this idea, it’s so unique and helpful for people who want to be more self sustaining. Just like the old days of bartering! I just wish more people would join soon so I can get more variety of crops 😉
Compatibility: Requires iOS 10.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Grow a Fall Garden! Join UOG’s Monthly Seed Club NOW!
Now is the time to start collecting seeds for your fall/winter gardens. Let our Garden Guru’s hand select popular heirloom, GMO-FREE varieties for you to start each month, customized to your location and grow zone! (Think frost hardy crops or varieties that can be grown indoors such as sprouts, lettuces, leafy greens and MORE!)
Sign up today at https://urbanorganicgardener.cratejoy.com
During sign-up, just let us know whether you prefer to grow indoors, outdoors, in partial shade or in the sun. Do you grow hydroponically? Not a problem, we’ve got that figured out too!
Each month you’ll receive a 5 varieties, and everything you need to start growing more food! Happy Gardening to you, in 2017!
Enter to WIN a FREE 1 Month Subscription to UOG’S Monthly Seed & Garden Club!
Join UOG’s Monthly SEED & GARDEN Club!
🍉 Get Seeds & Garden Supplies Delivered Every Month – Fully Customized Around You! We are now preparing our members for Fall planting season! 
👏 Visit: www.UrbanOrganicGardener.club
Subscriptions are only $9.99/month + s/h.
💧
🌱💧 NOW AVAILABLE: Options for RAISED BEDS -&- CONTAINER GARDENS -&- TOWER GARDENS – & – HYDROPONIC SYSTEMS💧
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We’re making it easy for everyone to grow organic food all-year-round! 
👍
Ready to sign-up or just learn more? Visit: www.UrbanOrganicGardener.club
Help Support Nicaragua’s Education Farm & Nutrition Kitchen
HELP SUPPORT THIS PROJECT
“Since moving to Nicaragua, a day doesn’t go by when we bite into produce grown here and taste the bitter flavor of chemicals. The use of these chemicals goes back generations. This, along with a changing climate and five years of drought has had a devastating impact on the environment, depleted soil quality, and caused malnutrition. With your support we can build a hands-on farm model that teaches sustainable growing methods, nutrition education, and improves health for families and children.”
What Mesa Sostenible Looks Like Now:
So far they have been successful at securing land, and growing various plant varieties from seed in two small greenhouses. They’ve also started a composting initiative to help reduce waste and promote soil health.
What Mesa Sostenible Can Look Like with Your Help and Support:
The GOAL is to build a sustainable, working farm that will provide the community and visitors a-like the experience to participate in a unique and memorable educational experience in sustainable farming, living & healthy food preparation.
“MESA Sostenible aims to have the following social, environmental and economic impacts:
- Demonstrate the importance of year-round crop diversity to reduce malnutrition through a varied diet and nutrition education.
- Increase soil fertility and reduce topsoil erosion.
- Eliminate agricultural chemicals used on productive land.
- Maximize rainwater infiltration and on-site treatment to improve ground water storage through water harvesting techniques.”
Here’s The Plan:
Our goal is to raise $95,000 in funds to bring the MESA Sostenible Sustainable Farm and Nutrition Kitchen to life.
Help us reach our funding goal!
Other ways you can ACT NOW:
- SHARE: Facebook, Twitter – use the social icons at the top right
- SHOW your family and friends, encourage them to help fund us.
- EMAIL to five friends, show them you care. Click here.
- VISIT our website to learn more about our work.
Thank you for your support!
Make Your Own Biodegradable Seed Starters, 4 Different Ways
Got Kids? Here’s a Fun Gardening Project for Little Ones!
