Did You Plant Marigolds in Your Garden this Year?

They are exceptionally easy to grow, and they keep away aphids, thripes, Mexican Bean beetles, squash bugs, tomato hornworms and whiteflies.

Marigolds also repel harmful root node nematodes (soil-dwelling microscopic white worms) that attack tomatoes, potatoes, roses and strawberries. The root of the Marigold excretes a chemical that is toxic to nematodes, and kills them as they enter the soil.

Marigolds will bloom well into November. These flowers make charming and beneficial garden companion plants for many different types of herbs and vegetables: including beans, basil, cabbage, cucumber and tomatoes.

A Turd in My Punchbowl (or Cats in My Garden), Part I

I was very proud of my first flower bed, even though it consisted of just three Hosta plants. One of the Hostas (the smallest one), is the first plant that I have overwintered outside. It was purchased when Hostas were on sale last Fall. What I didn't know at the time was they can't be kept inside. When I showed it to one of my neighbors, she exclaimed, "What are you doing with that Hosta so late in the year??" I didn't really know myself.

Upon further research and trying to keep the poor thing alive indoors until Spring. I found that if it were to survive at all, before the ground froze, I would have to: cut off what was left of the leaves, dig a semi-deep hole and bury the entire plant upside-down. I insulated it with extra soil and hoped for the best.

In April, after the last snow, I dug up the hibernating Hosta. I discovered that it was in great shape. So, I proceeded to plant it right side up, and wait for the first leaves to emerge. After about a week, it began to sprout! My first success as an outside gardener since I was a child. Everyday, the Hosta seemed to grow larger, stronger and more beautiful.



After a couple of weeks of feeling like a proud parent, I decided to create a Hosta bed. This is when the trouble began...