DENVER — Vegetables and weeds can't coexist. While annual flowers such as marigolds can be grown alongside vegetables and provide a benefit by attracting pollinators, weeds hog space and steal nutrients and water.
There's no magic solution to weeds. Some people use vinegar to kill weeds. This works on small annual weeds early in the season. But it won't kill tall weeds or perennial weeds. Pull them. And never use salt. You'll ruin your soil.
Small weeds can also be eliminated by using a shuffle hoe. You really do shuffle it back and forth. It undercuts shallow-rooted weeds.
I use "waffle" beds. These are vegetable beds that are below surface grade. They collect rain like the indentations in a waffle collect syrup. To water, you just lay the hose in the bed and let it fill up. It just takes a few minutes in my 4' X 4' beds. This uses water wisely.
Because I water by hose, I need hose guards at the four corners of each bed. This prevents me from accidentally dragging the hose across the beds and breaking the plants. Old doorknobs decorate the hose guard posts.
I've also turned strawberry jars into decorative additions. The jars are pretty much useless for growing strawberries but hens and chicks thrive in them. They survive outdoors with no winter protection.
Cucumbers, peppers and yellow squash are producing well. When you pick them, cut rather than yank them off the plant. This prevents damage to the plants.
If your tomato production is erratic, blame the heat. Tomato flower pollen dies at temperatures over 90 degrees. There's nothing to be done about it except be patient. When the heat abates, production will rise. That's why we have more tomatoes to pick in late summer and fall.
More Proctor's Garden:
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Proctor's Garden
> Top stories curated daily just for you! Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER to get can’t-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.
MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS
Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER
Download the 9NEWS APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n
HOW TO ADD THE 9NEWS APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9news" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
RELATED: Tips to protect plants from the heat