Author Archives: Steve Jones

How To Grow Sweeter Tomatoes

Whenever this subject comes up, it turns into a massive debate because everyone seems to have an opinion. I tend to do as much research as I can and then come to a decision on any given subject. That’s why I want to tell you how to grow sweeter tomatoes, i have touched on this before on how to grow the tastiest tomatoes. This post however is just about how to grow sweeter tomatoes. To get the best from any plant you need to start at the bottom and in this case that’s the soil. Whether you’re growing tomatoes in… → Read More

Flowers That Repel Pests [15 top Plants To Repel Pests]

There are many reasons for growing flowers, they brighten up the garden, attract insects and birds, and some can be used to repel pests. I am not a great one for growing flowers really, unless they are beneficial in my vegetable garden. That’s why flowers that repel pests appeals to me and why I’ve written this post. Flowers That Repel Pests So here’s a list of flowers that repel pests that can be integrated into your garden design. Use as many as you like and you too will benefit from a healthier environment for your plants. Larkspur A member of… → Read More

Companion Growing

There’s a lot of talk lately concerning companion growing or companion planting and whether it works. Is it mumbo jumbo made up for peoples amusement? I have been using companion growing for years and I have had some impressive results. What Is Companion Growing? Any plant growing in close proximity with another plant could be called a companion plant. To my mind companion growing is all about assisting the plants I want to grow and to make them healthier, happier plants. Plants that will produce more fruit/vegetables and that crop will be the tastiest, most fullfilling flavoured produce. So by… → Read More

How To Clone Tomatoes

Sounds really technical and complicated doesn’t it? Well it’s not, in fact it’s easier than you could possibly imagine. I’m going to show you how to clone tomatoes and believe me if I can do it then anyone can. What Is A Clone? According to Merriam-Webster.com a clone is a copy of:- clone verbcloned; cloningDefinition of clone (Entry 2 of 2)transitive verb1: to propagate a clone from2: to make a copy ofintransitive verb: to produce a clone Merriam-webster.com How To Clone Tomatoes As any tomato grower will tell you, tomatoes grow from seeds however it is incredibly simple to clone tomato plants. Especially if you are growing… → Read More

Flowers That Attract Bees

We need bees to help pollinate our plants and bees need flowers to survive. Growing flowers that attract bees in the vegetable garden means everybody wins. We get more produce and the bees get nectar to feed themselves and their young. Flowers That Attract Bees There are many flowers that attract bees and during a normal summer they have no problem finding food. Which is good for the bee population however, us gardeners need to be sure of pollination. We need to be proactive in creating the type of garden bees will frequent. To achieve this we have to consider… → Read More

Companion Planting Lavender

A classic garden plant and no garden is complete without a lavender plant. There are many benefits from growing lavender and companion planting lavender will improve your garden. Not only in appearance but also fragrance and by the wealth of beneficial insects it attracts. Companion Planting Lavender To Repel Pests Grow lavender to repel many pests including fleas, moths, and white flies. Sprigs of lavender placed under the carpet will stop fleas from entering your home. Lavender attracts many beneficial insects as well and these will improve pollination and cut down on pests. Bees and hoverflies are attracted to lavender… → Read More

Companion Planting Sage

My son has a large pot full of sage and on my last visit I took a small cutting as sage will root easily. It’s a handy herb to use and companion planting sage will deter many pests and attract beneficial insects as well. Companion Planting Sage Sage deters cabbage white butterflies, flea beetles, and carrot root flies. Companion planting sage will benefit these plants:- Broccoli and Sage Plagued by cabbage white caterpillars, broccoli will benefit from the strong aroma from sage which will repel cabbage whites. As with all brassicas, broccoli is also susceptible to flea beetle damage and… → Read More

How To Tell Determinate From Indeterminate Tomatoes

I keep getting asked this question, it’s a valid question because they both need to be treated differently. The easiest way to describe how to tell determinate from indeterminate tomatoes is speed of fruiting. Determinate tomatoes usually fruit first but not for as long as indeterminate tomatoes. How To Tell Determinate From Indeterminate Tomatoes What Are Determinate Tomatoes They are often described as dwarf or bush tomatoes and their growth is limited. Determinate tomatoes will only produce one crop of fruit and do not need to have suckers removed (more on this later). Determinate tomato plants are smaller and don’t… → Read More

What To Plant In A Planting Box

My son recently set me up with a vegtrug to make growing vegetables and watering easier for me. After he put it all together I planted it up and now he’s made me a planting box. So what to plant in a planting box. What To Plant In A Planting Box My post entitled vegtrug planting guide gives all the information about what I’ve planted in there. This new one is like a large raised bed, it stands about 3 foot(90 cms) high and is roughly 3 foot x 6 foot (0.9 metre x 1.8 metres) and a depth of… → Read More

How To Get Rid Of Aphids On Roses (without chemicals)

There’s nothing better than a healthy rose in full bloom to brighten up the garden but aphids can sap your plants health. There are many chemical applications for sale that claim to clear aphids but what harm are they doing to the environment? How to get rid of aphids on roses without chemicals gives you the safer and also the prettier alternatives. If you’ve come to this page then you probably already have an issue with aphids so read on for the best organic cures for aphid infestations on roses. For the most effective Sprays To Get Rid Of Aphids… → Read More