Tilling is possible when ground is dry but often it is too wet for weeks at a time- which is why berries planted in mounds. Wood chips was one plan. But minor flooding every year or two would both have mulch float away AND wash weeds seeds from surrounding fields into the mulch creating major issues. Wind blowing in more seeds from neighboring fields also major issue- high wind area. It's a difficult situation but willing to make it work. I do not like the idea of black fabric, I'm sure some of the berries aren't going to like the heat. But if it's a problem I can mulch on top of the fabric (creating a total mess) but maybe rake the mulch off each spring, then reapply.

Another way to feed your cephalotus is to get one of those 5 cc syringes with a crooked beak like projection, used to feed baby birds. Mix up a 1/10 orchid fertilizer . Load it into the syringe and inject it into the pitcher's . You can make up a quart and keep it at room temperature.Since fertilizer does not loose it's potency like pesticides do. It should keep well for a very long time as long as long as there is a lid on you quart container. jest my 2 cents. Lois

With the exception of the cabbage white, and with the further exception of certain herbal butterfly hostplants, there will be much more competition between you and moths rather than butterflies when it comes to vegetable gardening. Of course, butterfly or moth, the results are the same: extra goodies on your food. There are numerous well-known ways for the gardener to prevent this. And I find that a few birds will do more damage (mostly to fruit) than all the summer's butterflies put together.

Ahh, when those braces come off, watch out! Is he going to be a junior? The junior and senior years are so much fun. Their personalities seem to blossom and they have an idea of possibilities lurking out there somewhere.