THE CROTON GARDENER #3

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools, our houses of worship--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

BY SPECIAL REQUEST AND BACK FOR 2026 #3...THE CROTON GARDENER... useful tips, alerts, shopping, and much more...AS WE MOVE INTO THE SEASON! Here's the 3rd installment....(#1 is here).   CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW AND ENJOY. P.S. #2 IS HERE.

AND NOW IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER:

---It seems we had extra heavy debris to clean up this year in the tomato bed but that didn't stop us from getting our plants in the ground---in early April!  Yes....it can be done.......and we have tomatoes earlier than anyone else as a result. (The rule is not until mid-May.)

If you are prepared for some losses, this procedure has worked out well for us for years.  We simply cover--and uncover--our fledgling plants with plastic bottles, cups and a plastic bag on those days when the temps drop, essentially creating temporary greenhouses.  Our 2026 plants have not only survived the recent frosts but are doing fantastic.  Just remember---being diligent and methodical is key---the plants must be covered, uncovered and re-covered again when needed.

---IRIS SEASON....bearded (click on the photo above) or Japanese, we love these flowers....read all about them here AS WE MOVE INTO IRIS SEASON.

---ABOUT THOSE MOLES, VOLES & SHREWS.  We have a few and have learned to live with them...within reason. Some people however have major issues....Tips and Techniques for Keeping Moles and Voles Out of Your Garden - GreatGardenPlans

---WE LIKE THIS BOOK FROM CROTON'S JAN JOHNSEN: FLORATOPIA https://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2021/02/press-release-celebrated-gardener-and.html

--HEIRLOOM TOMATOES; we love the flavor, although admittedly many varieties are not "pretty" and the yields are often inconsistent.  Our favorite is PURPLE CHEROKEE CHIEF (you can generally find it at Super Foodtown of Croton)....we mix in heirlooms with BETTER BOY, EARLY GIRL AND the cherry tomato variety known as BLACK CHERRY (AMAZING COLOR AND YIELDS).  You can find these at Croton Shoprite, Super Foodtown, etc.

--SPONGY MOTH INVASIVE UPDATE; GO TO EverythingCroton: NEW FROM DEC DELIVERS--2026 SPONGY MOTH OUTLOOK FOR NEW YORK STATE

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