Hello All!!!

Rural, western NJ. zone 6B/7A

Summary in Bullets....

*My bf and I live in a house that has been in his family for a long time.

*Year after year tomatoes have been planted in the same location, even though they say to Switch it up for the soils sake, it’s always been tomatoes and they grow abundantly and beautifully every year. Year after year raspberries (equally as happy) pop up right next to the tomatoes as well.

*2 years ago my bf expanded the tomato garden into several raised beds and a wall with trellis’ to climb.

Since then his heart condition has worsened and the whole veggie garden area has been ignored And neglected.

*I began pulling weeds in there the other day and got a good look at the soil, as well as several problems....

1. Grubs!!! Wayyyy Too many. Anyone know the Best way to handle grub infestations organically? No chemicals allowed on or Around the garden.......

- I tried to bring as many as i could up to the soil surface and hope the birds came down to snack on them. Should I be Throwing bird food around to get the birds to focus in on that area? Hang a bird feeder there? Or is that gona backfire when there is berries and food growing back there? will The Birds forget ab out It enough by That time of year? Or will they eat every single berry before you can say ”Get out of here you dirty Bird!!!”

-Beneficial nematodes- i always read about them When it comes to getting rid of caterpillars and other worm shaped larvae. Is it the miracle everyone says it is? are U comfortable using it on the soil in a veg and fruit garden?

*I bought a soil tester kit but cant find it right now. all I know right now is that our soil is typically clay. This garden Bed soil is relatvely New and the amendments are still there. But just for my knowledge and just in case, when I do test the soil, if it comes back with high pH- what amendments do you add? Low pH- what amendments to add?

* Lastly- I know I want tomatoes and cucumbers . Raspberries just grow there and there on their own but I wouldnt want to stop them anyway. What other edibles should I give a try?

Ok to mix veggies and fruits so close?

Remember I’m a first timer!! so nothing too difficult! Any good companion plants for the veggies mentioned? Or any plants I should def NOT plant near the veggies mentioned?

Photos will be posted as soon as I get home!!