At last! Warm enough weather in the high plains to set out those patient tomato plants. I am fortunate to have a "resident planter" in house who performs this task beautifully.
John's recipe for success:
1) Be sure the weather is stable enough--no more frosty nights expected.
2) Spade plot a few days ahead of planting if possible, and rake level.
3) Make a hole with hand digger, mix 1 tablespoon 16-16-16 granulated fertilizer to soil per plant.
4) Gently remove plant from its container and set in deeply -- up to first pair of leaves if possible.
5) Fill in handfuls of soil and compact evenly around plant.
6) Water in, but don't drown it first day.
7) Surround seedling with a hoop or cage or stake--your preference.
8) If weather turns cold, cover hoop or cage with a leaf bag and fasten with a clothespin. This trick has saved our tomatoes many many times from that sudden cold snap or harsh wind. If it is suddenly very hot, pin white flour sack dish towels or old pieces of sheets across the hoop to shade them until they are well established. Watch "The Godfather" movies--the Sicilians always shaded their tomato plants from the hot Mediterranean sun.
First week or so, check for watering needs daily. Plan to baby them a little!
We planted Romas, Lemon Boys, Sweet 100s, Husky Gold, Black Master, Amana, Sun Sugar, and Beefmasters this season. Some are old favorites and some new. I love gold and yellow tomatoes, so always have several plants. My seed starts did poorly this year in the house, so I ended up buying most plants from established local nurseries.
We also replaced two grape vines in our arbor this year. One is "Bluebell" which originated at the University of Minnesota, and the other a good old Concord--toughest grape on the planet. Can't wait to pick the grapes.
Suggestion: If you are planting your first garden, or have not had success in the past, seek advice from a good local nursery and/or your county extension agent. Each zone has many different challenges--from aphids to deer to weeds to weather--and soil conditions widely vary. Plant vegetables (and flowers, too) that are climate suitable for your micro climate.
Share your results with our readers!
Perennial photos: Early iris, ground cover (dianthus and flowering thyme) in peony bed, dianthus near red gravel path, snow-in-summer patio border, and blue flax (a great blue color for those who love blue in the garden).
Kitchen Garden Cook
KGC
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