Beech Tree News Network

Watching plants grow in the summer is one of my pleasures. And I’ve done some reading in preparation for selecting this year’s plants. I have focused on berry patches, popular vegetables, and container herbs as well as mosquito-repelling plants.

First, the Gardener’s Path article, “Juicy and Sweet Tips for Starting Your Own Berry Patch,” by Matt Suwak (gardenerspath.com) was realistic. He warned, “The only solution to your edible woes is to plant your own berry patch. And it’s not a project for people unwilling to put in the hard work. Most berries require carefully prepared soils and growing areas to grow to their fullest, and they require regular care to do their best.” In the past, I have tried to grow berries, but perhaps the soil and/or the level of care I provided were not what the berries needed. The blueberry bush died (about year three). The blackberry bush tried to take over the area (I dug it up and gave it away.). I have strawberries; however, in the past, the birds and squirrels were the ones to benefit. This year I ordered some garden netting which should help. If not, I may give up on growing berries.

Second, EatingWell’s article, “The Most Popular Vegetable in Every State,” by Jessica Ball (msn.com) interested me because I hope to set a few vegetable plants in my raised garden bed again this year. According to Ball, potatoes were the favorite of most states with tomatoes a close second. Following those two, Ball listed the next most popular vegetable for each state. Results for nearby states are listed below:

-Virginia: bell pepper

-West Virginia: summer squash

-Ohio: zucchini

-Indiana: corn

-Illinois: broccoli

Missouri: onion

Tennessee: sweet potato

Kentucky’s favorite was summer squash. I do love fresh summer vegetables, including summer squash. I usually grow tomatoes and squash, but may add peppers this year.

Third, I have an interest in growing herbs in containers as well as growing plants that repel mosquitos. On PlantInstructions.com, I read the article “10 Best Herbs to Grow in Pots.” The author stated that the best herbs for pots were: mint, chive, sage, bay laurel, thyme, rosemary, parsley, cilantro/coriander, basil, and sorrel. Last summer, I grew mint, an easy-care plant. I hope to try cilantro this year. Additionally, a SouthernLiving.com article, “12 Plants that Repel Mosquitos,” reported the following plants as mosquito repellants: basil, catnip, citronella grass, garlic, lavender, lemon balm, lemongrass, marigold, pennyroyal, peppermint, rosemary, and scented geranium. I’ve made a list of these repellant plants and plan to grow a number of marigolds along with one or two others to make use of their natural repellant.

Summer gardening is an adventure. Whether we grow berry patches, vegetables, or container herbs and mosquito-repelling plants, they require planning and work. However, for me, watching summer plant growth is worth the effort.