Pepper

Peppers in the raised bed: why the fruits are still green in July — and what actually helps

Peppers need patience — and a few specific things that make the difference in midsummer. Why the fruits are still green, what helps them turn red faster, and when to just harvest them green.

Raised bed while you're on holiday: who waters when you're gone

Two weeks away in high summer, and the bed sits in full sun. No plan, and you come back to hay. One hour of prep, and you come back to tomatoes. The low-tech tricks that actually last — plus the things you must not do before you leave.

Aphids in the raised bed: what really helps in June — and why I don't spray anymore

First it's a few, then they sit in dense colonies on the shoot tips. Aphids are part of June. What works without poison, what's a waste of money, and who does the work for free.

Feeding in June: when the hungry feeders need a top-up — and how you can tell

In spring the soil was full of strength, now the tomato and courgette are eating it up. When feeding again is really necessary, with what, and which sign you shouldn't ignore.

Drip irrigation for your raised bed — when it's worth it

In May still no big deal, in July no fun: every evening with the watering can through the garden, an hour at a time, because the raised bed needs 5 litres a day. Here's when drip irrigation really pays off, which system fits which bed size — and where not to fall into traps.

What you can still plant in your raised bed in May

First half of May: last call for lettuce, kohlrabi and carrots. Second half: tomatoes, courgettes, basil go out. In between: the Ice Saints. A report from Berikon, weeks 18–22, with concrete week-by-week slots.