It is with great difficulty that I write this column today. I received a “kindle” for Christmas and for an avid reader, it’s like being locked inside a great candy store would be to a child. Such a big wide world of books. “So many books and so little time.” But on to a column for those of you who read this column each week.

Gardeners learn some neat tricks over many years of gardening and I have picked up some things to share, some of which you may have read before and for some new readers, they may be things which you haven’t heard.

Since we are all looking forward to fresh-from-the-garden tomatoes, here are some tips that help with growing the best tomatoes. Save egg shells and crush them to make a mote around each tomato plant of the crushed egg shells to discourage cut worms. Did you know that alyssum planted near your tomato vines will attract the insects which pollinate the tomato plants to give you bigger crops? On the other hand, marigolds planted near tomatoes will repel insects.

Crushed marigold leaves and blooms added to a sprayer (sprinkler kind) will make a good spray to repel insects. Rain will wash it away so you will need to repeat this each time it rains but it really works.

For the rest of this story, see this week's issue of The Cadiz Record or subscribe to our e-Edition by calling 270-522-6605.