Even with our horticultural skills, do plants die on us? Yes. But, we learn from our mistakes and move on. No one looks down on us because of our mistakes. Why? Because our beautiful carnivorous plants far outnumber those that didn't make it.

Many varieties of carnivorous plants are very winter hardy. We have Venus Flytraps that have been growing exclusively outdoors for nearly 10 years! We provide them with no special care other than full sun and a tray of standing water. They grow well for us because we grow them with conviction.

So, grow carnivorous plants with conviction. Over time, you too will have healthy and beautiful plants you can be proud of.

If you need a pep talk for growing carnivorous plants, visit www.cobraplant.com/pep-talk.html. It's a personalized and fun way to boost your confidence level when growing carnivorous plants!

Set out tomato plants in evening or on a cloudy day.

Mulching helps stop weed growth and water loss from soil. Place a two to three inch layer of organic material such as compost, leaves, straw, grass clippings, hay, newspapers, or black or red plastic sheeting around growing plants.

Tomatoes can be grown on ground or supported by stakes or cages. If using stakes put stake in when planting As plant grows taller, tie it loosely to stake every 12 inches with soft fabric or twine.

Tomatoes require at least one inch of water per week during May and June and at least two inches per week during July, August, and September. Water once or twice a week and to a depth of 12 to 18 inches.

Space dwarf plants 12 inches apart; staked tomatoes should be 12 to 18 inches apart. Allow 2 to 4 feet between non- staked plants.

Rows should be spaced 3 to 5 feet apart for staked plants and 4 to 6 feet apart for non-staked plants.

A 10-20-10 fertilizer should be applied at planting time. Sidedress for first time when first fruits are one- third grown. Use about one to two tablespoons per plant. Mix fertilizer into soil then water, being careful not to get fertilizer on foliage. A second application should be made two weeks after first ripe fruit and a third application one month later. Water plants thoroughly after fertilizing. All fertilizers should be worked into top six inches of soil.

For more information on fertilizers:

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