General gardening questions for Monterey locals

[echloe]

gardening Howdy Monterey locals! New gardener here. I built a planter box in my yard at my apartment and I’m gearing up to start planting summer goodies (mostly herbs, perhaps a tomato plant or two), and I’m looking for some advice for anyone who feels they have gotten a good grasp on gardening in this climate. I will also be posting Qs in the r/gardening community too.

Any suggestions for pollinators that do well in half-sun half-shade areas? Suggestions for plants that deter aphids or other pests? Best time of year to start planting here?

Any and all advice is welcomed and appreciated. Thank you in advance!

[xdrix]

Welcome!
I don't know how is your climate.In california i think it dry!

But against the aphid you can try to put nasturtium around the plant that you want protected.

The tomato required a rich poting soil, what variety want you growed?

A good tomato for me is andean horned she is may not very adapted at the grow in container but she is tasty.San marzano is too good and i think she required less space.

We put basil around the tomatos: the leafs of the tomato did shadow at the basil and the basil increase the flavor of the tomato.

Steev is may more able to help you!

[steev]

If I'm correct, your climate is similar to SF, so cherry toms would be more suitable than larger ones; chard is very easy and rewarding.