Tom's Blog on Life and Livingness
They might look a little scary now, but these tiny creatures will soon grow into one of nature’s most effective mosquito hunters—dragonflies! These little aquatic nymphs spend their early life underwater, feeding on pests, before transforming into the delicate, darting beauties we love. A single dragonfly can eat hundreds of mosquitoes a day, making them an ally in any garden. So next time you see one, give it a little patience—it’s growing into a garden guardian
I wish we had owls in Glebe!
How does it work?
Fruits: Plants that produce fruits, like tomatoes or peppers.
Leaves: Crops such as lettuce, beets, or spinach.
Roots: Carrots, radishes, beets, etc.
Legumes: Beans, peas, and other legumes that enrich the soil with nitrogen.
Why is this important?
Prevention of nutrient depletion. Helps control pests and diseases that often target specific plants. Improvement of soil structure and its ability to retain water. Legumes, for example, fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits subsequent crops.
Example of a Rotation Cycle:
Key Tip: Avoid planting the same type of plant in the same spot for consecutive years. This reduces the risk of nutrient depletion and limits pest spread. 
Three ingredients. Per gallon/4 liters of water:
Half cup of Clorox pool salt.
One quarter cup of 45% vinegar.
3-4 ounces of soap.
Mix until dissolved and water or spray on paths. Best done when hot and dry. This mix does kill soil microbes so if used on soil you intend to plant in, the soil will need to be left for a year before planting.
In this video I will share seven common raised bed garden mistakes. Gardening in raised beds is easier because you have control over more variable and can grow more in less space, unless you make these mistakes. So watch this video and avoid all 7 of these raised bed gardening mistakes.
You don’t need a large garden to produce a large harvest. Sometimes, turning in armfuls of fresh crops from the garden is just a matter of choosing the right plants in the first place.
Knowing which crops produce the most food per square foot of soil is also a great approach to making the most out of small garden spaces for those residing in cities and urban communities.
Read on to learn more about the best crops that guarantee you a bountiful harvest by the end of the season.
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The Joyful Gardener
Ocean Robbins writes:
Hi Tom,
Gardening can be great for your mental and physical health.
Not to mention that you can grow the healthiest, freshest, most nutrient-packed, and delicious superfoods on the planet!
My friend Stacey Murphy is hosting an eight-part docuseries, The Joyful Gardener, that will show you how to grow thriving gardens in ANY space, no matter your level of experience.
This free virtual event will share:
Why gardening is powerful medicine for your mind and body.
Secrets to abundant harvests, even in tiny spaces.
Simple ways to transform gardening into a joyful, stress-free experience.
Click here to learn more and save your spot today.
Yours for growing food and loving life,
Ocean Robbins
P.S. All levels and abilities are welcome! No matter how much experience or space you have, I’m sure you’ll agree that Stacey is a fantastic teacher. Reserve your spot today.
