Keto Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Beef

Zucchini

• Sow zucchini seeds directly after the last frost in full sun, providing ample space for sprawling vines.
• Ensure rich, well-drained soil and consistent watering for vigorous growth and abundant fruit.

Tomatoes

• Start tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, then transplant outside into full sun.
• Provide consistent moisture, rich soil, and sturdy support for healthy plant development.

Garlic

• Plant individual cloves point-up in well-drained soil in autumn or early spring, requiring a cold period to bulb.
• Ensure consistent moisture during bulb formation, but reduce watering as harvest approaches.

Basil

• Sow basil seeds indoors or directly after all danger of frost has passed, in a spot with full sun.
• Pinch back the central stem and flower buds regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent bolting.

• Monitor zucchini plants for squash bugs and squash vine borers, removing them by hand or using row covers.

• Hand-pick tomato hornworms from tomato plants, as they can quickly defoliate plants.

• Plant marigolds or borage near tomatoes and basil to deter aphids and other pests.

• Use companion planting with chamomile or yarrow near garlic to enhance its growth and deter pests.

Zucchini

• Pick zucchini when they are small and tender, typically 6-8 inches long, for best flavor and to encourage more production.
• Check plants daily, as zucchini can grow very quickly and become tough if left too long.

Tomatoes

• Harvest tomatoes when they are fully colored and firm to the touch, gently twisting them from the vine.
• Pick ripe tomatoes regularly to encourage the plant to produce more fruit.

Garlic

• Harvest garlic when the bottom few leaves turn yellow and the stems begin to soften, typically in mid-summer.
• Carefully dig up bulbs and cure them in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area for several weeks.

Basil

• Pinch off individual leaves or cut entire stems just above a leaf node for continuous harvest throughout the growing season.
• Harvest basil before it flowers for the most intense flavor, as flowering can make leaves bitter.