German gardeners urged to follow eight June tomato‑care steps

Home gardeners in Germany are advised that June determines the success of the summer tomato harvest. Expert guidance outlines eight essential actions: weekly pruning of side shoots, securing plants with supports, applying mulch such as straw or grass clippings, removing lower leaves for airflow, watering deeply at the soil level, gently shaking blossoms to aid pollination, feeding with organic fertilizer, and regularly checking for pests and diseases.

Additional summer vegetable advice stresses selecting heat‑tolerant crops, providing consistent, deep watering (preferably early morning or using drip systems), mulching and enriching the soil with compost, and maintaining soil structure to retain moisture.

A separate guide shows how to preserve basil for winter by air‑drying bundled stems on a sunny hook for about two weeks or, if needed, drying in a low‑temperature oven for 20 minutes followed by a night in the closed oven. Home drying reduces waste and packaging, extending the herb’s flavor into the colder months.