Saturday, May 19, 2007

Two Little Ones

I planted my garden this week. Well, it's not really a garden, but 8 tomato plants and 5 pepper plants. Matt says I need to "try" it for a year before I jump into having a large garden.
It took me 2 days to get the ground ready but I finally have the plants in. I went out to water this morning and found two tiny tomatoes on my cherry tomato plants. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.
When I started I stripped all the weeds, errrr I mean grass. Then I added a compost with cow manure before planting the small plants. Some of the leaves are yellowing, primarily near the base of the plant. I am sure it is from not planting them right away. Should I cut these leaves off? Add something to the soil? We had a garden in Illinois at our first house, but things seem much higher maintenance down here.
My hope is these plants really take off and I have enough tomatoes to make fresh salsa and to possibly can some sauce or even salsa.

If this goes well next year I want to try cucumbers, beans, zucchini and carrots. I would love some gardening tips, especially from those who live in the South.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

I have tons of gardening tips but you don't want them from me because I'm not in the south ;-p

Everything looks great so far.

Kelly @ Love Well said...

No advice, since I'm in the far north. But I'll be eagerly following your progress! I started gardening three years ago, and it's become something I look forward to so much.

Erin said...

My hubby and I just made our garden today! I'm so excited, I've never had a garden before. Unlike you, I'm just jumping in full tilt! Sorry, no tips as I'm new to this and I'm in a different climate (and country!). Good luck, let us know how it all goes.

Cate said...

Water. Tomatoes need LOTS of water, especially when they're first planted. You want to encourage the roots to grow down, but if they don't get enough water (and I mean a LOT) the roots will be very shallow and your plant won't be healthy.

I water my tomato plants daily. When they're really large (like almost full grown) they probably get a half to three fourths of a watering can.

I can't say for sure, but your soil looks pretty dry to me and I feel fairly confident saying that's your problem.

Kimberly said...

Mmmm, I love tomatoes!!! Good luck with the garden!