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I ordered this 40% shade cloth last year and I'm quite happy with it - my lettuce and kale plants did great. My backyard gets zero shade, so the cloth was very necessary. I built an archway over the bed by bending some very flexible PVC pipes over the garden and securing them to the walls of the bed with galvanized tube straps. Then I draped the shade cloth over that and secured it to the tubes with some rounded clips. It roughly resembles a covered wagon when all said and done. I took the cloth off during the winter and rehung it this spring.
Tomatoes are always grown with some sort of outside support that holds the plant up. Tomato cages are the most common, but I have yet to find one that doesn't disappoint me in the long run. You can buy them at home depot, lowes, nurseries, etc. More expensive ones likely work better. Amazon Burpee example.
Creating a tomato trellis is the better option, but it takes some elbow grease to build and some continual legwork to make sure the plant is tied to/by the trellis as it grows.
You don't want any of your tomato plant's leaves or fruit touching the ground. Pathogens and/or critters are going to devour it pretty quickly.
Amazon has them for sale in bulk, I bought some a while back and they're great in the little packs:
These guys! I don’t know if it’s just because of these, but I’ve had more success this year than ever so far, after a few years of not realizing how much work and knowledge gardening really is. Lol
Gardeneer Red Tomato Enhancing Trays, Pack of 12 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013IROH4Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_P41F6J61WEHQSJ39XH9H
There's a liquid solution called pH Down that exists specifically for this purpose. I've used it occasionally for plants that are really sensitive and it seems to do the trick, although a little goes a long way.
I got this one a couple months ago & has worked great so far:
Melnor 65035-AMZ AquaTimer 2-Zone... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NW6TZ9D?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I also got a water hammer arrester to go with it after reading thru reviews:
HYDRO MASTER 0611001 Tee Water Hammer Arrestors, 3/4 in. FHT x 3/4" in. MHT https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088KC9FW4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xtUxFbGGTPE7V
Thuricide is the only answer. My winning combination with this raised bed was mixing Thuricide and Medina Hasta Grow in a sprayer and applying 1-2x weekly and after every rain. I have been slacking off the last 3 weeks and haven’t sprayed at all and you can see the caterpillars are back in business.
This treatment was recommended to me. It seemed like the easiest, longest lasting option. Just applied it last weekend.
My most used reference book is Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region by Sally Wascowski. Besides practical advice and many examples it has a huge list of native plants and their characteristics and best usage and tips. https://www.amazon.com/Native-Texas-Plants-Landscaping-Region/dp/0891230777/ref=nodl_?dplnkId=e78c1222-276d-4669-9e63-d614f107aa6a
Right on. That's kind of why I asked; I really like ollas, but they're often really pricy for what they are, just unglazed terra cotta. You can DIY ones by using a regular clay pot, some silicone sealer to plug the drain hole, and then an extra large plastic pot tray to cover the top. Also, if you're thrifting and can find terra cotta wine bottle chillers, those also work pretty well; less capacity but good for smaller container gardens. They were really popular in the 1980's and a bunch ended up in the back of cabinets, so when they go to thrift they're usually just a buck or two.
The kit:
There's some kind of probiotic starter bacteria used to get the pond going when it's new. Good bacteria to populate the filter, break down fish waste, etc. I waited a few months before adding anything live. Then there's the chemical for the tap water - removes chlorine & chloramine. Just a splash of that once in awhile. Does not take much water to keep it topped up. Very low maintenance.
Here's the kit
I bought plants at my local nursery - there's nothing funky here. I did buy 4 aquatic plants online. 2 survived, 1 is really thriving. The heat is not a factor at all. Neither is the cold this past winter. The fish eat all bugs and chew on the algae all day - I do not feed them with supplemental fish food. They take care of cleaning out the pond. It's also packed with snails (you can get those on Amazon too, weird, right?). Check out trapdoor snails on Amazon. Buy one lot of them and they breed like crazy - you never have to buy again.
Just did a few of mine, assuming you are half inch this might work for you too.
Dig up the old riser Screw this on: https://www.amazon.com/Orbit-Female-Flexible-Sprinkler-Riser/dp/B07X48VH86
Screw the manifold mentioned in this thread on
Attach micro drip line and some of these along with some stakes https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B087WRYQ3K?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
Good luck!
Here you go! It came to about 106 after tax, but still, totally worth it. Set up is definitely easier with 2 people, but it still didn't take all that long for us.
DripDepot.com is my reccomendation. Quality stuff, holds up, and very well priced.
I've used a lot of hose end timers, and this is by far my favorite: https://www.amazon.com/Orbit-B-hyve-21004-Faucet-Compatible/dp/B0758NR8DJ/ref=sr\_1\_4?keywords=bhyve&qid=1657403280&sr=8-4
Use the product in the link. I use a small scale to only use enough for a 32ounce spray bottle. With the 32 ounce spray bottle you will get 4 uses out of this package.
As others have said just spot spray as needed. This stuff works extremely well if you follow the instructions (I think the temps needs to be below 85 so spray early morning)
I got these from amazon. The ratings look good but haven't tried myself to tell you if they will do well. Will post after I plant them.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0984X3ZGW?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
I just ordered the 6x8 ones from Amazon. They will hang over but that’s what I wanted. Maybe look at this?
Agfabric 30% Sun-Block Shade Cloth Net Mesh Shade with Clips for Garden Patio&Plants, 6x8ft Black https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01E4V11DK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_57ZDHHCTNDA6APC8NWDA
I have that, I am talking more about ones for hard water/chorine etc like this one that I see a lot locally
Garden Hose Filter - Removes Chlorine, Chloramines, VOCs, & Pesticides/Herbicides https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007I6MN72/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0JCB32X65VCRFZ5TXXE0
Go nuts.
This is the type of drip irrigation system I use:
Rocky Mountain Goods Soaker Hose Flat (50’ Pack of 2) - Heavy Duty Double Layer Design - Saves 70% Water - Consistent Drip Throughout Hose - Leakproof Guarantee - Garden/Vegetable Safe https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07S47PJDK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_MR95FYFZE24NSE9TTZNF
- Vivosun 48”x24” tent (I found a folding table at Home Depot that fits inside)
- Vivosun 48” x 20.75” seedling heating mat (highly recommended)
- Light: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CHCFCG1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_87D4XTMATGT0NZW21H5F?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
4: Miracle Grow “Moisture Control”potting soil (home depot)
I used bottom up watering method and kept it full 99% of the time. It over watered the tomatoes unfortunately but the peppers like it. I watered with a gallon jug every weekend (fill pan below seedlings) and used all purpose Miracle grow fertilizer in the gallon every other watering.
https://www.amazon.com/Tree-That-Would-Not-Die/dp/0590437240
Is this the book? I'm thinking that must be a real memory haha. I'll have to pick up a copy to check it out!
I have left mine for over a week before. They were sad, but most survived.
I just got these grow lights for the room we move our plants to: EZORKAS LED Grow Light, 4 Head Timing, 5 Dimmable Levels, Plant Grow Light for Indoor Plant with Full Spectrum, Adjustable Goosencck, 3/6/12H Timer, 3 Switch Modes https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086XCJ29B/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_3SS7C9DADV3PKQ5W1FF1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
My friend has been using these lights to avoid the constant shuffling in & out and her plants looked amazing the other week, hoping mine like the lights too.
I bought this off Amazon after I lost all my lettuce last month and replanted. The new transplants I planted are still alive. Agworth Plant Covers Freeze... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094FCBN9T?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
You may consider something like these automatic thermal openers
There's different types, but they open up around 60-70°F and allow your greenhouse to vent.
It’d be way cooler if you grew a sequoia.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HZR1XQG/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_9PFE73SFYE4ME9NBZ042
www.etsy.com/listing/558456234/10-giant-sequoia-trees-california?ref=share_v3_lx
That grow light is WAYYYYY too dim to be of use. You'd need about ten of them. They're good for supplemental light, but they have way too low of a lumen rating for growing vegetables.
In order to not get leggy seedlings, you need to essentially not be able to look at the light source. I have six of these attached to a 2x4 foot piece of plywood:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B091DJBW16
... that's enough light.
You need something like 2000-5000 lumens per square foot to replace sunlight at minimum; less for succulents and shade plants and much more for food crops.
Here's about what that looks like:
https://www.reddit.com/r/AustinGardening/comments/ejpho6/its_the_most_wonderful_time_of_the_year/
Phase 1 (Getting water to the shed)
Install a Y splitter at the spigot by the patio. First side just goes to the a short folded garden hose with a nozzle. The second side gets connected to the trenched hose. The trenched hose runs through the side of the yard by zone 2 all the way to the back of the shed where it will be connected to a Freestanding Garden Hose Holder Stake with Brass Faucet. Add another y splitter to 2 50ft hoses. One is rolled up and connected to a nozzle. The otherside is hooked up to the current oscillating sprinkler with a timer.
I think half the inconvenience is having to struggle with the garden hose and attachments then walking around. Once there's water at the shed and the splitters, things shouldn't be so daunting.
Phase 2 (Install Irrigation)
Replace the oscillating sprinkler with drip irrigation or microsprays mostly focused on zone1, 3 and 4
I have this light, it's cheap and works great for seedlings. I use a wifi outlet to schedule it to turn on and off automatically, and only put the seedlings outside to harden for about a week when they're pretty much ready to go in the ground.
A cheap jackhammer is the way to go if you're not into the pick axe thing. Highly recommend https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IO3Z5MS/. Has worked wonders for me digging through limestone. Get the spade attachment if you run into clay.
As a new, quarantine-induced gardener, with 2 8x3 beds now, I can say that this book has provided a wealth of information to me. And it’s all together in one place so I don’t have to cross reference from various places. The author has a plethora of knowledge and education regarding gardening. 3 of my friends now have this book as well.
Texas Fruit & Vegetable Gardening: Plant, Grow, and Eat the Best Edibles for Texas Gardens (Fruit & Vegetable Gardening Guides) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/159186531X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_z-alFbPZV1232
In my opinion, tarp would block all of the sunlight. I used the following which lets air through and blocks 50% sunlight to create a cooling effect, yet allow light for photosynthesis .
Agfabric 50% Sunblock Shade Cloth... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LO0JPHO
You cannot rule out other factors as well.
You can always get expert opinion at local extension office by asking for information at - https://ask.extension.org/ask Its a free service.
They're aphids. Grab some Azamax (azadirachtin) from amazon or Brite Ideas hydroponics locally and it will sort them right out. Azadirachtin is derived from neem but significantly more effective than neem oil. Unlike neem you don't have to apply it directly to each aphid & you get short term residual activity of about 5-7 days. It will usually get rid of the worst aphid infestations in 1-2 applications. It works on thrips and a lot of other insects but is safe for pollinators. It's one of my favorite pesticides for edibles.
It's still organic like neem oil & safe to use up until the day of harvest on fruiting plants like peppers. Since it's oil based like neem you want to apply it during early morning or late evening since it can burn plants if applied during the daytime.
https://www.amazon.com/General-Hydroponics-GH2045-AzaMax-Ounce/dp/B0032JYKGG
If you don't have a sprayer you should grab one like this with a nozzle you can angle upwards so you can spray the bottoms of leaves easily. https://www.amazon.com/2-Liter-One-Hand-Pressure-Adjustable-Telescoping/dp/B000AQNQ4Q
They ones that say you need special lights aren’t quite right. What you need is enough light and it’s hard to do that without using special lights. You also need 5K or better light temperature if you go with plain bulbs.
I have 7x 6K 3,000 lumen LED tubes and that’s just about enough light to get tomatoes to grow without getting leggy. The good news is you can find 4 packs of these tubes on amazon for about $50. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D3NZSTV/ ... that’s the correct tube, but you don’t need a 25 pack. Find one that’s a smaller package size.
Don’t get fluorescent T5s or HID lights, those put out tons of heat.
Looks like whiteflies. Everyone always suggests neem but I have significantly better results from Azamax(azadirachtin) which is derived from neem but significantly more active. Unlike neem you won't have to keep reapplying this frequently, 1 spray will likely do it or 2 max. Safe to use up to day of harvest on most fruiting plants too.
https://www.amazon.com/General-Hydroponics-GH2045-AzaMax-Ounce/dp/B0032JYKGG
Spray early morning or late evening like all oil based pesticides to prevent leaf burn and also avoid hurting bees. Once dried it is harmless to bees and other beneficial insects.
Also if you're on the north side of town one of my friends found it for stupid cheap at planet K off northbound 183 near duval just the other day. They also had GH Maxigro 2.2lb bag for $7 on sale (retails $26 on amazon).
Another place in town that carries it is Brite Ideas Hydroponics, they're my favorite store in town.
I got this kit from Amazon and it worked like a charm. I also bought the extension kit.
Rain Bird GRDNERKIT Drip Irrigation Gardener's Drip Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LO4FFG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_iLlmEb177YZ6Q
Rain Bird ET63-100S Drip... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LO2R2Y?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
No cool guides, but I just set up something similar to start tomatoes and peppers inside.
I bought four 6500k 4’ LED strip lights from Amazon, hung them from one board with eyes on the back, and I have enough room for three trays of 4” pots. The 6500K light temperature is important. “Warmer” lights won’t have as much of the light near the edges of the spectrum as plants need.
Don’t mess with light fixtures that take T-8 or T-5 lights, the LED shop lights that can be daisy chained are great: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D3NZSTV