Tag: vertical gardening

Gardener’s Vertex Lifetime Tomato Cages

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Review of Gardener’s Vertex Lifetime Tomato Cages

In this post, I review Gardener’s Vertex Lifetime Tomato Cages. Keep reading to see what I think of this new product from Gardener’s Supply.

Disclaimer: This is my honest review of the products provided to me. See my disclosure policy for more information.

Gardener’s Vertex Lifetime Tomato Cages can be placed around existing tomato plants

Let’s face it, you get tomatoes planted and mean to stake them but often forget about them. The next time you notice them, the plants have grown faster than anticipated. Trying to get a typical tomato cage around the plant at that stage is difficult at best and at worst, will break off several of the delicate tomato stems.

My favorite feature of the Vertex tomato cage is that it solves this problem. (Spoiler alert — I love these cages!) You can easily put the Vertex tomato cages around existing plants because the cage is open, and you wrap it around the plant and then clip it into place. Genius! The installation is simple and takes minutes – no tools are needed.

The tomato cage clips easily together with the included clips.

Gardener’s Vertex Lifetime Tomato Cages are made of rust-proof aluminum

My problem with typical tomato cages has been they bend easily and often don’t last even one season in the garden. They are less expensive than the Vertex tomato cages but don’t seem to last.

The Vertex tomato cages are lightweight and made of rust-proof aluminum. It will be simple to disconnect the pieces and take the cage off when the season is over. This tomato cage will last as long as my garden, and I hope that’s a very long time!

Gardener’s Vertex Lifetime Tomato Cages’ sizes are good for determinate and indeterminate tomatoes

I often grow indeterminate tomatoes, and my plants typically reach 8 feet high. Traditional tomato cage’s usefulness is short-lived as they quickly pass the cage up in height. Pruning the tomato to a central leader with one stake is possible, but it requires constant attention to attach the tomato to the stake and keep pruning so it doesn’t flop over and break.

I love the tall Vertex tomato cage because it is over 6 feet tall (installed) with large pockets to support the tomato as it climbs, even if the gardener isn’t paying attention.

The standard size Vertex tomato cage is perfect for determinate tomatoes (like Roma). There is plenty of room inside the cage for the plant to grow, and the branches are easily supported by the cage.

Gardener’s Vertex Lifetime Tomato Cages make harvesting easy

The openings in the Vertex tomato cage are nice and big. This is good for a couple of reasons: they provide great airflow to the plants and make harvesting easy. The plant isn’t cramped inside a small cage; instead, it can spread out within the cage. Come harvest time, it’s simple to reach in and pick tomatoes without breaking stems.

Gardener’s Vertex Lifetime Tomato Cages fold easily for storage

Traditional tomato cages don’t store well, so they often get tossed with tomatoes. The great design of the Vertex tomato cages allows you to remove the cage from around the plant and fold it up, ready for next season. That being said, because we grow year-round here in Arizona, I think these cages will always be in use somewhere in my garden. I love to garden cucumbers, melons, and squash vertically. I can see using the Vertex tomato cage for those vegetables as well.

My overall review of Gardener’s Vertex Lifetime Tomato Cages

My overall review? The Gardener’s Vertex Lifetime Tomato Cages are a game-changer for the home gardener, combining problem-solving and innovative design with excellent execution. Gardener’s Supply hit a home run with this product.

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Angela Judd

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August 16, 2024

How to Grow Cantaloupe: Tips for a Sweet and Flavorful Harvest

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Growing cantaloupes can be a rewarding experience, especially when you enjoy the sweet, juicy fruits of your labor. To ensure your cantaloupes are sweet and bursting with flavor, it’s crucial to follow a few key practices. From choosing the right variety to perfecting your soil and watering techniques, this guide will help you grow cantaloupes that are deliciously sweet and ripe for the picking.

Article Outline:

Choose a cantaloupe variety suited to your climate and growing conditions

Each climate and garden is different; luckily, there is probably a type of cantaloupe that will grow well where you live. Check with local growers or seed companies for their suggestions. You can also use these ideas to help you find the best cantaloupe for your area. If you have a short growing season, look for shorter days to harvest varieties.

* = My favorite varieties to grow in the low desert of Arizona.

When to plant cantaloupe

Cantaloupe prefers warm weather, so don’t plant it before temperatures have warmed in the spring. Cantaloupe does best when direct sown. Sow seeds outside about 2 weeks after the last frost date when soil temperatures are about 65℉ (18°C). In the low desert of Arizona, the best time to plant cantaloupe is from February 15 through July.

In cooler zones, transplants are probably a good idea. Start seeds indoors about 3 weeks before planting outside. Transplant cantaloupe seedlings 1-2 weeks after your last frost date or when the soil is at least 65℉ (18°C) and nighttime temperatures are above 50℉ (10°C). Be careful not to disturb roots when planting to avoid transplant shock.

How and where to plant cantaloupe

Cantaloupe prefers a sunny location with well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Prior to planting, amend the soil with compost and a balanced organic fertilizer. Rich soil produces sweeter cantaloupes.

Plant 2-3 seeds 1/4″ (.6 cm) deep.
Thin seedlings and keep only the strongest seedling in each group.

Spacing:

Space plants 24-36″ (60-90 cm) apart if left to sprawl on the ground.
Space plants 12-18″ (30-45 cm) apart if growing up a trellis.
If using square-foot gardening methods, allow 1-3 square feet for each plant if grown at the end of a bed or on a trellis. Allow more room for other areas.

Looking for ways to add vertical space to your garden? This post shares 10 of my favorite ideas. Find even more ways to add vertical space to your garden in this blog post.

How to care for cantaloupe throughout the season

Cantaloupe thrives in warm weather and grows best when it gets regular water and plenty of sunshine.

Water plants deeply to encourage strong root development. Allow the top couple of inches of soil to dry out before watering again.
Mulch cantaloupe plants to help retain moisture, regulate temperature, control weeds, and keep fruit clean.
Male flowers will appear first, followed by female flowers. If female fruit withers and dies, consider hand-pollinating future blooms.

For troubleshooting tips for common cantaloupe growing problems, read this article.

Should you prune cantaloupe plants?

Generally, allowing more leaves to remain on the vine sweetens the fruit, so pruning cantaloupe isn’t necessary. However, there are situations where it’s helpful.

Pruning about one-third of the suckers (side shoots that form along the vine where a leaf, tendril, and flower meet) can help with airflow and disease prevention and make plants easier to the trellis.
Pruning damaged, diseased, or infested leaves can help prevent the disease from spreading to the rest of the plant.
Pruning off excess fruit helps you grow larger, sweeter melons. For the most flavor, allow only 1-2 melons per plant.
If you live in a cold climate, remove blossoms that will not have time to develop before your first fall frost. This will allow the fruit already growing to ripen.

Tips for growing sweet cantaloupe that is full of flavor

Don’t overwater while the fruit is growing. Too much water (or rain) produces bland-tasting fruit.
Remove additional fruit once several fruits have formed. Ripening only one or two fruit at a time maximizes sweetness. The more fruit ripening on a vine at the same time, the less sweet it will be.
Do not prune off leaves or shoots. The leaves produce the sugars that sweeten the fruits.
About a week before melons are ripe, cut back watering as much as possible to concentrate the fruit’s sugars.
Harvest cantaloupe at the right time (see chart below).

When to harvest cantaloupe for the sweetest flavor

Once picked, cantaloupe will continue to soften, but it won’t get any sweeter. Leaving it on the vine as long as possible gives it the sweetest flavor. When you grow your own cantaloupe, you can pick it at the peak of sweetness. It is so good!

Not Ready to Harvest	Ready to Harvest	Overripe
Rind is green or gray	Rind is yellow	Fruit cracks
“Netting” on cantaloupe is smooth	“Netting” on cantaloupe becomes rough
Stem has to be forcibly removed from melon	Stem easily separates from melon	Fruit falls off stem
End opposite of stem is hard	End opposite of stem is slightly soft; rind has a little “give”	Fruit is mushy or soft
No aroma	Musky, sweet aroma	Rotten or overripe smell
Green vines	Tendrils around fruit dry out and turn brown

How to Grow Cantaloupe: 9 Tips for Growing Cantaloupe

Melons last 3-5 days if left at room temperature. Uncut cantaloupe stored in the fridge lasts up to 2 weeks. Once the fruit is cut, it will keep for about 3 days in the refrigerator.

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Angela Judd

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July 30, 2024

How to Grow Passion Flower Vine
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The prolific vines of Passion Flowers produce elaborate flowers. The vines and flowers of this warm-region perennial vine attract pollinators and are a host plant for Gulf Fritillary Butterflies. Learn how to grow Passion Flower Vine, when to harvest the fruit, and how to save Passion Flower seeds so you can add it to your garden.

Passiflora caerulea, commonly known as the Blue Passion Flower, is a beautiful and exotic vine that can add a unique touch to any garden. While native to South America, it has quickly become a favorite among gardeners everywhere (including me).

Passion Flower Vine (Passiflora caerulea)

This is what Passion Flower Vine flowers look like.

Passion Flower Vine fruit.

How to grow Passion Flower Vine

Passion Flower Vine planting information:

Direct sow seeds or start indoors 6-8 weeks prior to planting in the spring or fall. Plant seeds ¼” deep.
- Seeds may take some time to germinate; be patient and keep soil hydrated.
- Prefers full sun and deep, well-drained, rich soil.
- Moderate moisture requirements can be somewhat drought-tolerant.
Size and spacing details for Passion Flower Vine:

Plant seeds and/or transplants 5 feet (1.5 m) apart.

Grows to 15-30 feet (4.5-9m) tall; provide a trellis for the long vines.

Passion Flower Vine growing tips:

Grows best in full sun. Water deeply. Allow the top several inches of soil to dry out before watering again. Mulch soil well. In my low desert Arizona garden, I provide shade during the hottest months of the year.

What about Gulf Fritillary Caterpillars?

Gulf Fritillary Butterflies love Passion Flower Vines. I love having a garden full of butterflies, and this is one of the reasons I grow this vine. The caterpillars may overtake the vine and cause severe damage. I allow this to happen and don’t intervene.

The Gulf Fritillary Butterfly and the Passion Flower Vine (Passiflora caerulea) share a fascinating yet intricate symbiotic relationship, demonstrating nature’s delicate balance.

The Passion Flower Vine is a host plant to the Gulf Fritillary Butterfly, providing a site for these butterflies to lay their eggs. Though this process may cause damage to the vine, it plays an essential role in the life cycle of the butterfly.

Once the eggs hatch, the emerging larvae feed on the vine. This process, while seemingly destructive, is a crucial part of their growth and development. Despite the harm, the vine often continues to flourish, demonstrating its resilience.

Although the vine is damaged, as the adult butterflies move from flower to flower, seeking nectar, they inadvertently facilitate pollination, helping the plant reproduce. This mutualistic relationship underscores the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of each species’ role in promoting biodiversity.

Passion Flower Vine harvesting tips:

Flowers form first and then develop into fruit. Harvest the fruit when it is yellow or orange in color. The fruit should be soft to the touch. Allow harvested fruit to ripen for a few days at room temperature.

The fruit of the Blue Passion Flower is edible but not especially tasty. We like other varieties of passionfruit much better. My chickens, however, love to eat the fruit. Once harvested, the fruit should be kept in a cool, dry place.

How to save Passion Flower Vine seeds:

Saving Passion Flower seeds

I like saving the seeds from Passion Flower to plant again and share with others. Here’s how to do it:
1. Extract the Seeds: Start by extracting the seeds from a ripe passion fruit. Cut the fruit open and scoop out the pulp, which contains the seeds.
2. Begin Fermentation: Place the pulp and seeds into a small, transparent container. Add just enough water to cover the seeds and loosely cover the container. Leave this in a warm place.
3. Wait for Mold: Over the next 3-7 days, a layer of mold will form on the surface. This is a positive sign as it indicates the fermentation process is underway. The fermentation process helps to break down the hard seed coat and remove any germination inhibitors.
4. Rinse and Dry: Once the seeds have fermented, rinse them thoroughly under running water using a fine strainer. After rinsing, spread the seeds out to dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
5. Store Properly: Store the dried seeds in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant them next season. A paper envelope or a glass jar with a good seal works well for storage.
Saving Passion Flower Vine Seeds

Fermenting Passion Flower seeds has several benefits. It mimics the natural process if the fruit fell to the ground and decomposed naturally. The fermentation process can also help to protect the seeds from diseases and improve their overall health. As a result, you will be more likely to have strong, healthy plants in the coming growing season.

Are you looking for more information about how to grow vines?

This Arizona Vine Planting Guide shares some of my favorite vines that grow well in Arizona and gives growing and planting details for each one.

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Angela Judd

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July 7, 2024
How to Grow Cucamelons
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Wondering how to grow cucamelons? You’ve come to the right place. Cucamelons may look like a mouse-sized watermelon, but they taste like a cucumber with a citrus kick. Called “sandía de raton” (or “watermelon for a mouse”) in Mexico, cucamelons are also called Mexican Sour Gherkin and Mouse Melon.

No matter what you call them, cucamelons are easy to grow and resistant to pests and disease. Learn how to grow cucamelons and add this crunchy, vitamin-packed fruit to your garden.

Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy for more information.

6 Tips for How to Grow Cucamelons

1. Understand how cucamelons grow

Cucamelons are a tender perennial; this means they are sensitive to frost but if cared for properly can live for several seasons. Over the course of a season, cucamelons develop an underground tuber.

At the end of the season in cold climates, dig out and remove the tuber to overwinter in a sheltered location. Once the plant dies back in mild winter areas, mulch the ground around the roots well and it should survive over the winter and begin to regrow in the spring.

2. Plant cucamelons at the right time

Cucamelons thrive in warm, humid weather. Plant cucamelons outside after all danger of frost has passed in the spring, and nighttime temperatures have warmed to about 50℉.

In the low desert of Arizona (and many other hot summer areas), here are the planting dates for cucamelons:

Start seeds indoors: December – March and June – August

Plant transplants outside: February 15 – April and August 15 – September

In Arizona, spring-planted cucamelons may not produce until cooler temperatures come in the fall. You may get a spring and a fall harvest if you can keep the plant alive over the summer.

The larger spring-planted cucamelon plants often yield a larger harvest than fall-planted cucamelons. The trick with growing cucamelons in dry, hot summer areas like Arizona is to have them survive the summer heat.
PLANTING GUIDE: Each month lists vegetables, fruit & herbs to plant outside & seeds to start indoors.

HARVEST GUIDE: Photos show what may be ready to harvest that month.

Planting dates are for the low desert of Arizona (zone 9b).
3. Plant cucamelons from seed or transplants in the correct location

In all but the warmest areas, give cucamelons full sun. In very hot summer areas, grow cucamelons in a spot with afternoon shade.

Plant cucamelon seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep. Seeds generally take between 7-14 days to germinate. Because cucamelon seeds germinate slowly, it can be difficult to start them outdoors. You may want to start seeds indoors 4 weeks before the last spring frost, and then transplant them outside. You can also look for transplants at local nurseries.

Space cucamelon plants and seeds about a foot apart in a location with compost-rich, well-draining soil.

How to grow cucamelons in square foot gardening:

Plant one cucamelon plant per square. Plant the cucamelon on the edge of the garden bed and give them something to climb.

How to grow cucamelons in containers:
- Grow one plant in a large 12-18 inch container (at least 5 gallons).
- Give cucamelons in containers something to climb.
4. Care for growing cucamelons
- Plants tolerate dry conditions, but do best with regular watering.
- Fertilize cucamelon plants once or twice during the growing season with a high-potassium liquid fertilizer to encourage fruiting.
- Once vines reach about 8 feet, pinch back growing tips to encourage branching and fruiting.
- Cucamelons produce male and female flowers. Male flowers wither and die; female flowers develop into fruit after pollination.
5. Give cucamelons something to climb

Cucamelons are a sprawling vine that can be difficult to contain. Provide a trellis for the tendrils to climb as the cucamelon vines grow. Growing cucamelons vertically on a trellis allows for better airflow and helps prevent damage from feet and pests. Ripe cucamelons grown on a trellis are also easier to spot and thus harvest.

6. Harvest cucamelons at the right time

Cucamelons typically begin producing 65-75 days after transplanting. Harvest cucamelons when the fruits are the size of small grapes, firm, and bright green.

Cucamelons left on the vine past their prime will soften and develop a yellow tint. Pick cucamelons often to encourage production. Leaving cucamelons on the plant signals to the plant to stop producing.

Eat cucamelons fresh like grapes (our favorite way) or slice them and add them to salads. Enjoy them pickled (so cute!) or even added to salsa.

Harvested cucamelons will store for 5-7 days in the fridge. I love using these containers to help my produce last longer.

Bonus Tip: Save seeds from cucamelons to plant and share

At the end of the season, leave a few cucamelons on the vine until they are very overripe, soft, and yellow. These are the perfect stage to save seeds from.

How to save cucamelon seeds:
- Cut cucamelons in half and scrape seeds into a half-pint glass canning jar.
- Fill the jar partway with water.
- Allow the water to ferment for 1-2 days (not longer); this removes the gel covering around the seed that prevents germination.
- Remove the seeds and pulp that float to the top of the water.
- Rinse off the seeds that settle on the bottom of the jar, and let them dry on a paper plate.
- Store in a paper seed sleeve in a cool, dry location.
Visual planting guides for vegetables, herbs, fruits, flowers & vines.

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Robert

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April 3, 2024
How to Grow Cucamelons
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Facebook152
Wondering how to grow cucamelons? You’ve come to the right place. Cucamelons may look like a mouse-sized watermelon, but they taste like a cucumber with a citrus kick. Called “sandía de raton” (or “watermelon for a mouse”) in Mexico, cucamelons are also called Mexican Sour Gherkin and Mouse Melon.

No matter what you call them, cucamelons are easy to grow and resistant to pests and disease. Learn how to grow cucamelons and add this crunchy, vitamin-packed fruit to your garden.

Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy for more information.

6 Tips for How to Grow Cucamelons

1. Understand how cucamelons grow

Cucamelons are a tender perennial; this means they are sensitive to frost but if cared for properly can live for several seasons. Over the course of a season, cucamelons develop an underground tuber.

At the end of the season in cold climates, dig out and remove the tuber to overwinter in a sheltered location. Once the plant dies back in mild winter areas, mulch the ground around the roots well and it should survive over the winter and begin to regrow in the spring.

2. Plant cucamelons at the right time

Cucamelons thrive in warm, humid weather. Plant cucamelons outside after all danger of frost has passed in the spring, and nighttime temperatures have warmed to about 50℉.

In the low desert of Arizona (and many other hot summer areas), here are the planting dates for cucamelons:

Start seeds indoors: December – March and June – August

Plant transplants outside: February 15 – April and August 15 – September

In Arizona, spring-planted cucamelons may not produce until cooler temperatures come in the fall. You may get a spring and a fall harvest if you can keep the plant alive over the summer.

The larger spring-planted cucamelon plants often yield a larger harvest than fall-planted cucamelons. The trick with growing cucamelons in dry, hot summer areas like Arizona is to have them survive the summer heat.
PLANTING GUIDE: Each month lists vegetables, fruit & herbs to plant outside & seeds to start indoors.

HARVEST GUIDE: Photos show what may be ready to harvest that month.

Planting dates are for the low desert of Arizona (zone 9b).
3. Plant cucamelons from seed or transplants in the correct location

In all but the warmest areas, give cucamelons full sun. In very hot summer areas, grow cucamelons in a spot with afternoon shade.

Plant cucamelon seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep. Seeds generally take between 7-14 days to germinate. Because cucamelon seeds germinate slowly, it can be difficult to start them outdoors. You may want to start seeds indoors 4 weeks before the last spring frost, and then transplant them outside. You can also look for transplants at local nurseries.

Space cucamelon plants and seeds about a foot apart in a location with compost-rich, well-draining soil.

How to grow cucamelons in square foot gardening:

Plant one cucamelon plant per square. Plant the cucamelon on the edge of the garden bed and give them something to climb.

How to grow cucamelons in containers:
- Grow one plant in a large 12-18 inch container (at least 5 gallons).
- Give cucamelons in containers something to climb.
4. Care for growing cucamelons
- Plants tolerate dry conditions, but do best with regular watering.
- Fertilize cucamelon plants once or twice during the growing season with a high-potassium liquid fertilizer to encourage fruiting.
- Once vines reach about 8 feet, pinch back growing tips to encourage branching and fruiting.
- Cucamelons produce male and female flowers. Male flowers wither and die; female flowers develop into fruit after pollination.
5. Give cucamelons something to climb

Cucamelons are a sprawling vine that can be difficult to contain. Provide a trellis for the tendrils to climb as the cucamelon vines grow. Growing cucamelons vertically on a trellis allows for better airflow and helps prevent damage from feet and pests. Ripe cucamelons grown on a trellis are also easier to spot and thus harvest.

6. Harvest cucamelons at the right time

Cucamelons typically begin producing 65-75 days after transplanting. Harvest cucamelons when the fruits are the size of small grapes, firm, and bright green.

Cucamelons left on the vine past their prime will soften and develop a yellow tint. Pick cucamelons often to encourage production. Leaving cucamelons on the plant signals to the plant to stop producing.

Eat cucamelons fresh like grapes (our favorite way) or slice them and add them to salads. Enjoy them pickled (so cute!) or even added to salsa.

Harvested cucamelons will store for 5-7 days in the fridge. I love using these containers to help my produce last longer.

Bonus Tip: Save seeds from cucamelons to plant and share

At the end of the season, leave a few cucamelons on the vine until they are very overripe, soft, and yellow. These are the perfect stage to save seeds from.

How to save cucamelon seeds:
- Cut cucamelons in half and scrape seeds into a half-pint glass canning jar.
- Fill the jar partway with water.
- Allow the water to ferment for 1-2 days (not longer); this removes the gel covering around the seed that prevents germination.
- Remove the seeds and pulp that float to the top of the water.
- Rinse off the seeds that settle on the bottom of the jar, and let them dry on a paper plate.
- Store in a paper seed sleeve in a cool, dry location.
Visual planting guides for vegetables, herbs, fruits, flowers & vines.

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Angela Judd

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March 19, 2024
How to Grow Tomatoes in Arizona – 10 Tips for Growing Tomatoes
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Learning how to grow tomatoes may feel overwhelming. Entire books have been written about growing tomatoes, but these 10 tips will fast-track you to tomato-growing success.

The taste of homegrown tomatoes is the reason many people begin a garden. In the United States, it is said that more gardeners grow tomatoes than any other vegetable.

Wondering about how to grow tomatoes in Arizona, the low desert, and other hot climates? Keep reading; there is plenty of information for you too!

Low desert includes elevations below 3500 ft in the Southwest, such as the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links See my disclosure policy for more information.

10 Tips for How to Grow Tomatoes

Tip #1 for Growing Tomatoes: Choose a tomato variety suited for your tastebuds and climate

Decide which type of tomato you want to eat. Different types of tomatoes are suited for eating fresh, canning, making salsa, or cooking.

Choose a type of tomato suited to your climate for the best chance of success. Because of the heat of Arizona summers, we have a short growing season. Look for plants with short (60-90) days to maturity. These are often types with small to medium fruit or Roma or paste varieties.

Varieties highly recommended for desert climates like Arizona include: Punta Banda, Celebrity, Pearson, Speckled Roman*, Black Krim*, Atomic Grape*, Sungold, Sweet 100, Yellow Pear, Canestrino*, and Cherokee Purple.

(* Local Master Gardener Carol Stuttard recommended varieties.)

Florida gardeners battle high heat and humidity. The Everglades tomato does well in those conditions.

Different climates have other considerations and growing conditions. Ask a local grower for varieties that do well in your area.

Tip #2 for How to Grow Tomatoes: Plant tomatoes at the correct time

To give tomato plants the best chance for success, plant tomatoes right after the last spring frost date. This is usually around February 15th – March for the low desert of Arizona. For this planting, start seeds indoors from December – January.

Once planted, if necessary, protect plants from cold nighttime temperatures. Plant tomatoes in the morning, so tomatoes have the day to settle in before cooler nighttime temperatures.

There is a second (monsoon) planting window for planting tomatoes in Arizona’s low desert from July through September. For this planting, start seeds indoors from May – July.

Once planted, protect plants from high daytime temperatures with a shade cloth. Plant tomatoes in the evening so tomatoes have a cooler evening to settle in before hot daytime temperatures.

Tomatoes grow best in temperatures of 70℉ to 90℉, with nighttime temperatures consistently above 55℉. In Arizona, you want tomatoes to flower and set fruit before it gets too hot. Once temperatures reach 90℉, tomato pollen is not viable. Fruit that has set will continue to mature, but new fruit will not set if pollen is not viable.

Tip #3 for Growing Tomatoes: Plant tomatoes in the right location
- The most important requirement for productive tomatoes is plenty of sunshine.
- Give tomatoes full sun for the entire plant with adequate growing space around each plant for air circulation.
- Allow 2 feet between each plant for healthy and productive plants.
- Do not plant tomatoes in the same location year after year. Rotate the location to prevent the build-up of disease in the soil.
Tip #4 for How to Grow Tomatoes: Prepare soil correctly

Tomatoes need soil rich in organic matter; make a habit of amending your soil with compost. Good drainage is important as an area with standing or puddling water invites disease. Prepare your soil correctly, and your plants will thank you. If you are growing tomatoes in raised beds, this article talks about the best soil for raised beds.

Tip #5 for Growing Tomatoes: Plant tomato seedlings deeply

Planting deeply encourages a more extensive root system and a healthier plant.
- Remove the bottom 2/3 of the leaves on the tomato transplant.
- Dig a shallow trench or deep hole (depending on the depth of the planting bed) and plant transplant so that only the top leaves are above the ground.
- Roots will grow along the entire stem of the plant.
- Bear in mind that plants may appear to do nothing for a bit after planting the tomato- but they are growing roots.
Tip #6 for How to Grow Tomatoes: Mulch tomato plants well

Use compost, straw, leaves, or pine needles to reduce evaporation and insulate the soil from extreme hot and cold temperatures; soil will stay at a more even temperature.

Mulching helps control weeds, and plants will not have to compete with weeds for water and nutrients. Most mulch ultimately becomes fertilizer as it decomposes into the soil around the plant. Learn more about how to mulch in this post.

Tip #7 for Growing Tomatoes: Water tomato plants correctly
- Water early in the day to prevent excessive evaporation.
- It’s best to water at the soil level, so leaves do not get wet. Wet leaves encourage disease.
- Water to a depth of at least 12 inches to encourage roots to grow deep in the soil to find nutrients and moisture.
- Water slowly and deeply.
- Deep, extensive roots help plants withstand dry spells.
- Water regularly as needed, but do not allow plants to become soggy as plant roots need oxygen. How often you water depends on your soil and the weather conditions. Water deeply each time you water and then let the top few inches dry out before watering again. During the hottest months of the summer, that might mean every day. During the winter, that often means every 7-10 days.
Tip #8 for How to Grow Tomatoes: Feed tomato plants

When planting, if your soil is low in phosphorus it’s important to provide a source of phosphorus (bone meal or rock phosphorus) and again as plants begin to bloom and produce fruit. A soil test can determine if your soil is low is phosphorus. Without proper fertilization, plants do not produce well and are prone to weeds (which invite pests and other diseases).

Once tomatoes set fruit feed them about once a month. Tomatoes do best with regular feeding from organic sources of fertilizer. I feed mine with a diluted fish emulsion/seaweed fertilizer.

Tip #9 for Growing Tomatoes: Provide support for growing tomato plants

It’s important to encourage tomatoes to grow vertically.
- Growing tomatoes vertically keeps the plant upright, and prevents the stems from breaking from heavy fruit or wind.
- Trellising tomatoes also keeps the leaves off the ground which helps reduce diseases.
- Fruit is easier to harvest when it is off the ground as well.
Tip #10 for Growing Tomatoes: Provide shade for tomato plants in extreme climates like Arizona

Provide shade for tomatoes in extreme heat

Your plants may need a little help to get through a long, hot summer in the low desert of Arizona.
- Shade can reduce the air temperature for tomatoes by several degrees, and it also extends the growing season.
- Providing shade in desert climates helps reduce stress on tomato plants, and can prevent sunscald on ripening tomatoes.
- Shaded tomato plants are more likely to survive the extreme heat of the desert, and may perform better when cooler temperatures return in the fall.
Sunscald on tomatoes

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Angela Judd

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January 1, 2024
How to Grow Passion Flower Vine
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The prolific vines of Passion Flowers produce elaborate flowers. The vines and flowers of this warm-region perennial vine attract pollinators and are a host plant for Gulf Fritillary Butterflies. Learn how to grow Passion Flower Vine, when to harvest the fruit, and how to save Passion Flower seeds so you can add it to your garden.

Passiflora caerulea, commonly known as the Blue Passion Flower, is a beautiful and exotic vine that can add a unique touch to any garden. While native to South America, it has quickly become a favorite among gardeners everywhere (including me).

Passion Flower Vine (Passiflora caerulea)

This is what Passion Flower Vine flowers look like.

Passion Flower Vine fruit.

How to grow Passion Flower Vine

Passion Flower Vine planting information:

Direct sow seeds or start indoors 6-8 weeks prior to planting in the spring or fall. Plant seeds ¼” deep.
- Seeds may take some time to germinate; be patient and keep soil hydrated.
- Prefers full sun and deep, well-drained, rich soil.
- Moderate moisture requirements can be somewhat drought-tolerant.
Size and spacing details for Passion Flower Vine:

Plant seeds and/or transplants 5 feet (1.5 m) apart.

Grows to 15-30 feet (4.5-9m) tall; provide a trellis for the long vines.

Passion Flower Vine growing tips:

Grows best in full sun. Water deeply. Allow the top several inches of soil to dry out before watering again. Mulch soil well. In my low desert Arizona garden, I provide shade during the hottest months of the year.

What about Gulf Fritillary Caterpillars?

Gulf Fritillary Butterflies love Passion Flower Vines. I love having a garden full of butterflies, and this is one of the reasons I grow this vine. The caterpillars may overtake the vine and cause severe damage. I allow this to happen and don’t intervene.

The Gulf Fritillary Butterfly and the Passion Flower Vine (Passiflora caerulea) share a fascinating yet intricate symbiotic relationship, demonstrating nature’s delicate balance.

The Passion Flower Vine is a host plant to the Gulf Fritillary Butterfly, providing a site for these butterflies to lay their eggs. Though this process may cause damage to the vine, it plays an essential role in the life cycle of the butterfly.

Once the eggs hatch, the emerging larvae feed on the vine. This process, while seemingly destructive, is a crucial part of their growth and development. Despite the harm, the vine often continues to flourish, demonstrating its resilience.

Although the vine is damaged, as the adult butterflies move from flower to flower, seeking nectar, they inadvertently facilitate pollination, helping the plant reproduce. This mutualistic relationship underscores the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of each species’ role in promoting biodiversity.

Passion Flower Vine harvesting tips:

Flowers form first and then develop into fruit. Harvest the fruit when it is yellow or orange in color. The fruit should be soft to the touch. Allow harvested fruit to ripen for a few days at room temperature.

The fruit of the Blue Passion Flower is edible but not especially tasty. We like other varieties of passionfruit much better. My chickens, however, love to eat the fruit. Once harvested, the fruit should be kept in a cool, dry place.

How to save Passion Flower Vine seeds:

Saving Passion Flower seeds

I like saving the seeds from Passion Flower to plant again and share with others. Here’s how to do it:
1. Extract the Seeds: Start by extracting the seeds from a ripe passion fruit. Cut the fruit open and scoop out the pulp, which contains the seeds.
2. Begin Fermentation: Place the pulp and seeds into a small, transparent container. Add just enough water to cover the seeds and loosely cover the container. Leave this in a warm place.
3. Wait for Mold: Over the next 3-7 days, a layer of mold will form on the surface. This is a positive sign as it indicates the fermentation process is underway. The fermentation process helps to break down the hard seed coat and remove any germination inhibitors.
4. Rinse and Dry: Once the seeds have fermented, rinse them thoroughly under running water using a fine strainer. After rinsing, spread the seeds out to dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
5. Store Properly: Store the dried seeds in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant them next season. A paper envelope or a glass jar with a good seal works well for storage.
Saving Passion Flower Vine Seeds

Fermenting Passion Flower seeds has several benefits. It mimics the natural process if the fruit fell to the ground and decomposed naturally. The fermentation process can also help to protect the seeds from diseases and improve their overall health. As a result, you will be more likely to have strong, healthy plants in the coming growing season.

Are you looking for more information about how to grow vines?

This Arizona Vine Planting Guide shares some of my favorite vines that grow well in Arizona and gives growing and planting details for each one.

If this post about how to grow Passion Flower Vine was helpful, please share it:
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Angela Judd

Source link
January 1, 2024
How to Grow Passion Flower Vine
[ad_1]
The prolific vines of Passion Flowers produce elaborate flowers. The vines and flowers of this warm-region perennial vine attract pollinators and are a host plant for Gulf Fritillary Butterflies. Learn how to grow Passion Flower Vine, when to harvest the fruit, and how to save Passion Flower seeds so you can add it to your garden.

Passiflora caerulea, commonly known as the Blue Passion Flower, is a beautiful and exotic vine that can add a unique touch to any garden. While native to South America, it has quickly become a favorite among gardeners everywhere (including me).

Passion Flower Vine (Passiflora caerulea)

This is what Passion Flower Vine flowers look like.

Passion Flower Vine fruit.

How to grow Passion Flower Vine

Passion Flower Vine planting information:

Soak seeds for 24 hours and direct sow or start indoors 6-8 weeks prior to planting in the spring or fall. Plant seeds ¼” deep.
- Prefers full sun and deep, well-drained, rich soil.
- Moderate moisture requirements can be somewhat drought-tolerant.
Size and spacing details for Passion Flower Vine:

Plant seeds and/or transplants 5 feet (1.5 m) apart.

Grows to 15-30 feet (4.5-9m) tall; provide a trellis for the long vines.

Passion Flower Vine growing tips:

Grows best in full sun. Water deeply. Allow the top several inches of soil to dry out before watering again. Mulch soil well. In my low desert Arizona garden, I provide shade during the hottest months of the year.

What about Gulf Fritillary Caterpillars?

Gulf Fritillary Butterflies love Passion Flower Vines. I love having a garden full of butterflies, and this is one of the reasons I grow this vine. The caterpillars may overtake the vine and cause severe damage. I allow this to happen and don’t intervene.

The Gulf Fritillary Butterfly and the Passion Flower Vine (Passiflora caerulea) share a fascinating yet intricate symbiotic relationship, demonstrating nature’s delicate balance.

The Passion Flower Vine is a host plant to the Gulf Fritillary Butterfly, providing a site for these butterflies to lay their eggs. Though this process may cause damage to the vine, it plays an essential role in the life cycle of the butterfly.

Once the eggs hatch, the emerging larvae feed on the vine. This process, while seemingly destructive, is a crucial part of their growth and development. Despite the harm, the vine often continues to flourish, demonstrating its resilience.

Although the vine is damaged, as the adult butterflies move from flower to flower, seeking nectar, they inadvertently facilitate pollination, helping the plant reproduce. This mutualistic relationship underscores the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of each species’ role in promoting biodiversity.

Passion Flower Vine harvesting tips:

Flowers form first and then develop into fruit. Harvest the fruit when it is yellow or orange in color. The fruit should be soft to the touch. Allow harvested fruit to ripen for a few days at room temperature.

The fruit of the Blue Passion Flower is edible but not especially tasty. We like other varieties of passionfruit much better. My chickens, however, love to eat the fruit. Once harvested, the fruit should be kept in a cool, dry place.

How to save Passion Flower Vine seeds:

Saving Passion Flower seeds

I like saving the seeds from Passion Flower to plant again and share with others. Here’s how to do it:
1. Extract the Seeds: Start by extracting the seeds from a ripe passion fruit. Cut the fruit open and scoop out the pulp, which contains the seeds.
2. Begin Fermentation: Place the pulp and seeds into a small, transparent container. Add just enough water to cover the seeds and loosely cover the container. Leave this in a warm place.
3. Wait for Mold: Over the next 3-7 days, a layer of mold will form on the surface. This is a positive sign as it indicates the fermentation process is underway. The fermentation process helps to break down the hard seed coat and remove any germination inhibitors.
4. Rinse and Dry: Once the seeds have fermented, rinse them thoroughly under running water using a fine strainer. After rinsing, spread the seeds out to dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
5. Store Properly: Store the dried seeds in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant them next season. A paper envelope or a glass jar with a good seal works well for storage.
Saving Passion Flower Vine Seeds

Fermenting Passion Flower seeds has several benefits. It mimics the natural process if the fruit fell to the ground and decomposed naturally. The fermentation process can also help to protect the seeds from diseases and improve their overall health. As a result, you will be more likely to have strong, healthy plants in the coming growing season.

Are you looking for more information about how to grow vines?

This Arizona Vine Planting Guide shares some of my favorite vines that grow well in Arizona and gives growing and planting details for each one.

If this post about how to grow Passion Flower Vine was helpful, please share it:
[ad_2]

Angela Judd

Source link
January 1, 2024