There are times we forget things. What variety of tomato was our favorite last year? What was the name of that plant by the garage?

Here’s a suggestion to help with that.

When adding a new plant to the landscape, note its location and name on a sheet of paper. Keep the paper in a three ring binder. Take the tag from that new plant and punch or drill a small hole through it. It can then go in the binder as well.

You’ll not only have a name and location, but all the information pertaining to the plant. The best part is it will be all in one place.

This same procedure will work in the vegetable garden as well.

I’ll see you in the backyard!

If you plan on using tomato cages, put them on right after you plant. This year, I am also using cages on the pepper plants. Last year’s crop had the plants bent over and some were even breaking. Here is another quick tip for planting:

• Plant a grouping of 3 or 4 plants.
• Berm the soil around the plants so it appears they are in a saucer. This keeps the water where you want it.
• Place a pot of compost in the middle of the grouping. Make sure there are at least 4 holes (one in each corner) in the bottom of the container.
• When watering the plants, water the pot of compost instead. The water drains out of the bottom, bringing nutrients with it.

I’ll see you in the backyard!