Vegetables

Tomato Leaves Curling

I have received many questions about tomato leaves curling. The most common reason for this during this time of the year is environmental. It even has its own name: physiological leaf roll. The plant is growing rapidly and the roots are not keeping up with the top, the leaves’ natural response is to curl to reduce its transpiration. This common when it is excessively hot or windy. The good news is the plants will gradually outgrow this.

To help the roots out, try a layer of organic mulch like straw or rotting alfalfa hay. This keeps the roots cooler allowing for quicker growth preventing drying out especially if they were root-bound before planting.

A quick note: tomatoes and peppers like a smaller dose of fertilizer than a high dose.

Landscaping decor

Have an Unattractive Stump in the Yard?

If you have an unattractive stump in the yard, try making it into a planter. The easiest way is to hollow out the center and drill some holes in the side to allow the excess to drain away. They will preserve the stump longer. Fill with potting soil and plant some annuals in it. Also, dig around the stump and plant more annuals. Now you want to draw attention to the stump instead of away from it.


Another way to provide a focal point with your stump is to place a birdbath onto the top. Chisel out some of the center of the stump and place a layer of cement in it to the outside. Then place the birdbath on it. You can place a sculpture or statute instead of a birdbath.


Add a tabletop on the stump with chairs and place patio stones around. You have a patio area.
If you do not want to chisel and drill, use the stump to set a flowering container on it. This provides elevation to your creation instead of looking at the container from the top.

Flowers (annual and perennial)

Calendula

Calendula gets its name from the Romans in that the plant blooms every month of the year in warmer climates. In the early history of the plant, it was grown as an herb in easing headaches, toothaches, and fevers. You will find lotions and oils made of flowers for insect bites, sunburns, and reducing itchy skin. Later it was grown as a potherb and use in cooking stews and soups as a flavor.

Orange Sherbert Calendula

The original plant bloom with orange-colored flowers. Now the plant comes in many shades and bi-colors ranging from white to pink. An easy-to-grow annual which can be grown from seeds to transplants (for some reason you will not find these in greenhouses). They like full sun but will grow in part shade in our hotter climate. The only drawback is they need to be dead-headed, to keep them freely blooming.

Pink Blush Calendula

People call calendula a pot marigold. They are completely different families and calendulas have no pungent smell.