We found basic wire fencing at the hardware store (10 ft. of a 4 ft. tall roll was plenty for our project) and used wire clippers to cut the cages into the right diameter. Then we cut small pieces of wire to roll the wire into cylinders. We placed each cage around the plant (after moving the mulch back) and secured the cage to the ground using anchor pins. Then we carefully replaced the mulch.

As the temperatures grow cooler at night, I plan to bring the row covers back into action. But this time, they will be attached to the outside of each tomato cage using clothes pins. I'm hoping that will help extend their season.

Something is snacking on the beans.

In the meantime, I'm really excited about the beans and peas. They are growing fast up their supports. The peas don't seem to be growing quite as quickly, but it's probably because the pecan tree casts more shade over them.

I noticed that something is eating on the bean leaves, but at this point I'm not too concerned. The damage seems to be merely cosmetic -- nothing that appears to be hurting the plants. If it gets worse, I'll look into some organic pest controls, but right now I'm just trying to encourage beneficials in my garden, like wasps, toads and spiders. They should help control the pests.