last frost date - Knowledgebase Question

Bethel, Co
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Question by subecca
April 25, 2009
I LIVE IN BETHEL CT. AND WANT TO KNOW WHEN THE LAST FROST DATE IS THIS YEAR.ALSO, PLANTING DATES FOR DIFFERENT VEGETABLES.
HOW ABOUT VEGE GARDEN PLANS THAT TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION COMPANION PLANTING. THANK YOU


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Answer from NGA
April 25, 2009
April 26 is your average last frost date. Companion planting means growing a planned diversity of veggies, herbs and ornamentals together. Pest control is the aim, but it can also include better space and nutrient efficiency. Put companions to work in your garden by arranging them as borders or mix them with the veggies in your rows and beds. Beneficial insects, like parasitic wasps or predaceous flies depend on pests for nourishment. Attractant plants offer an alternative food source for beneficials when pests are in short supply. Many of these attractant food plants are members of the carrot and daisy families. They have tiny flowers to provide the pollen and nectar that maintain beneficials. Encourage these little insects by mixing flowering plants among your veggies. Some good choices are: angelica, anise, dill, fennel, yarrow and zinnias. Other plants like tansy, mint, basil, thyme and santolina will repel pests from vegetables planted nearby. Mix and match to see which combo works best for you. Marigolds are said to control root-feeding nematodes. Plant them thickly as a cover crop and turn them into the soil at the end of the season. Companion planting is just one of the ways to reduce the pest population in your garden. By keeping your plants healthy and happy, you'll make them less susceptible to insect and disease problems. Plant your veggies in a sunny site, in well amended soil. Water and feed regularly, and inspect your plants frequently, removing any leaves that look diseased. Good luck with your garden!

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