Tomato plants:
Tomato plants are ready for transplanting outside when they are 3 to 4 inches tall and have at least 3-4 sets of true leaves, not the first two seed leaves. The root system needs to be well-developed, filling the container. Make sure all the frosty cold days are gone before transplanting them outside and gradually acclimate the plant to outdoor conditions for a week or so, gradually increasing the time each day. This helps avoid shock from their environment changing. Choose a spot that receives at least six to eight hours of sunlight daily. Dig the hole deep enough to bury the tomato stem to the first set of leaves. Loosen the roots carefully,don't disturb the root too much. Place a crushed Egg in the hole first, then the tomato plant. Eggs are packed with calcium, which helps prevent blossom end rot in tomatoes and promotes stronger cell walls. Plus, as the egg decomposes, it releases nitrogen, essential for healthy plant growth. Cover the plant up to the first set of leaves. Water deeply, making sure the ground around the roots is wet. Tomato plants need something to climb while growing. To keep the fruit off of the ground because they are heavy and fall over, when the tomatoes start producing. So, tomato cages, stakes, or cow panels are good ways to help them stay standing.
Don't plant these next to tomato plants:
CORN- corn and tomatoes attract the same sort of pests and fungal infections. Moth larvae feed on both corn and tomato crops. Putting these vegetables near each other in a garden makes it an easy access buffet for the pests!
CAULIFLOWER, CABBAGE, BROCCOLI- are part of the brassica family. which is one family to avoid when seeking out companion plants for your tomatoes. they all feed heavily on the soil's nutrients. If they're planted close together in the garden, their competition for nutrients could result in smaller less productive tomato plants
EGGPLANT, PEPPERS, POTATOES- Nightshade plant species are also susceptible to infectious fungal diseases like blight. If these plants develop this, there’s a good chance it will spread to tomato plants growing next to them.
DO PLANT THESE NEXT TO TOMATO PLANTS:
Basil- enhances the flavor of tomatoes, and repels pests like aphids, mosquitoes, and flies. Garlic- is a natural pest repellent that can help keep moths away from tomato plants by masking the smell of ripening fruit.
Onions and Chives: They have a strong scent that helps deter pests and chives can also boost plant health and prevent fungal infections.
Marigolds: repel nematodes, aphids, and tomato hornworms, and attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and pollinators.
Beans: add nitrogen to the soil, which tomatoes need in abundance.
Lettuce: benefits from the shade a tomato plant provides
Sage: repels slugs, flea beetles, and spider mites.
Thyme: attracts beneficial insects and can deter pests.
Carrots: help loosen the soil, which is good for tomato roots.
Asparagus: tomatoes repel asparagus beetles and asparagus protects tomatoes from root nematodes.
Borage: attracts pollinators and improves soil health.
PEA SEEDS:
It is recommended to soak pea seeds in lukewarm water for 8-12 hours or overnight. if any seeds float to the top throw them out. drain and plant! I tried a different way though. I planted them in the ground and light covered with just a dusting of dirt. Then it rained and the next day I went out and covered them back up. Nearly every seed has sprouted! It is best to plant seeds directly in the ground that way their roots aren't disturbed. Plant the seeds 4 to 6 weeks before the last spring frost date when the soil is cool. Usually around February,March, or April depending where you live! Plant the seeds 1 inch deep and 3-4 inches apart. Peas thrive in full sun (at least 6-8 hours per day). Peas come in two heights: bush peas and climbing peas. No matter what kind of pea it is, it'll benefit from some sort of support for it to grow up. bush peas are only 2 to 3 feet tall, but they will flop on the ground if they don't have some type of support. Climbing peas may reach 6 to 8 feet tall. They need a sturdy trellis at least 6 foot.
PLANT THESE NEXT TO PEAS: ROOT VEGETABLES SUCH AS:
BEETS: they help loosen the soil around the base of the plant. Which can help with water absorption and airflow.
CARROTS: aerate the soil which helps with airflow RADISH: radishes are perfect pest deterrents. Turnips: also loosen the soil and are excellent soil aerators
AROMATIC HERBS:
MINT, SAGE, THYME, OREGANO, PARSLEY all of these help keep pests away from the pea plants and also give the peas a better flavor.
Peas put off nitrogen which benefits mostly every plant.
Stringless jade bush green beans:
Green bean roots are fragile so Direct sowing is best. Plant the bean seeds 1 inch deep and about 4 to 6 inches apart. With the rows being 2-3 feet apart. Make sure it is after the last frost! Do not over water the seeds because Green bean seeds can rot easily. Green beans like it warm and sunny! 😎 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Germination should start 7-10 days after being planted. Beans do best in loose, well-draining soil, if you go by the soil ph, a ph of 6.0-6.8 is best
Soak plants in water 1–2 times a week And
Avoid touching bean plants when wet to prevent disease spread. Beans can also get beetles ,but Diatomaceous earth helps keep off any and all bugs. Diatomaceous earth can be applied in several different ways : One way is to Use a powder duster and apply it directly to leaves and stems. Make sure to cover the plant thoroughly. Another way is to create a barrier around plants by applying DE to the soil surface, using a generous amount. diatomaceous earth can also be mixed with water and sprayed on plants, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Making sure to cover the Tops and bottoms of the leaves.
CORN:
Corn is a warm weather crop so it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Prep the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve fertility and drainage. Direct sow the corn in the ground and plant it in blocks of at least 4 rows, instead of single rows. Corn will cross pollinate so don't plant sweet corn, popcorn, or field corn next to each other. When the wind blows it spreads the pollen. If they are planted next to each other the corn kernels will be an unexpected mixed variety
Corn is a heavy feeder, so fertilize with a balanced fertilizer or water-soluble plant food regularly, especially during the growing season. Making sure to keep the ground moist. Regularly remove weeds to prevent them from competing for nutrients and water that the corn needs.
Monitor plants for pests and diseases. Diatomaceous earth can help with that!
Corn is ready to harvest when the silks are brown and dry, and the kernels are plump and leak a milky liquid when punctured. Sweet corn is best picked at peak ripeness because the sugar will turn to starch after it has ripened
Okra:
Okra loves sun light and heat! So, pick a sunny spot and transplant them in late April or early May. Two or three weeks after the last frost. Make sure the soil drains well. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Plant them 12-18 inches apart and 3-4 feet apart for rows. Water okra every day when the seedlings are still maturing, but after the plant has grown a good amount it can withstand being water once a week. Laying mulch around the bottom of the plants can also help hold in moisture so it can go longer periods between watering. Pick the okra pods when they become 2-4 inches long. When they are still tender and not woody. Harvesting the pods every 2 days is ideal to keep the plant continuously producing.