Mulch

One thing I need to add for future reference. This year I'm using mulch, grass clippings in fact, around the plants. This keeps the soil moist instead of drying out in the hot sun. Well, now I'm noticing that in spots where I have mulch, I also have a LOT of roots near the surface! I just might have discovered something.

Now when I mow the lawn, I think of it as "harvesting mulch."

One more item to note: At our local nursery, McKee's, they have started carrying a product made in Blackfoot called "Shot". From what I can tell, it's actually aerobic compost tea made from worm castings. I'm giving the plants a "shot" once or twice a week, mostly in an attempt to keep my leaves healthy. Wow, with healthy leaves and more roots near the surface, maybe I can get up to.......? (It's nice to dream.)