HI Flower and Garden Board!! I have a ????

[d.kurz]

Hi there!!

I usually hang out on the Community board. I have a gardening questions and wanted to ask some friendly DISer/Gardeners!

Sorry to say, I really have no love for gardening. I DO like the outside of my house to look nice, though. And I LOVE good tomatoes. So I normally just take care of those 2 issues.

My tomato plot (here's the embarrassing part) has gone totally to weed. I have not grown them in the last 2 years. Last year (and here's the part where you guys will flinch) I sprayed it with weed killer at least 4 times. I felt guilty about it, but it was waaaaay outta control!!

So here was my plan to reclaim the weed garden for tomatoes. I was going to dig out the soil to a depth of about 2-3 inches and replace it with a mixture of topsoil and some compost (which I'm going to have to buy, of course!), and then re-plant.

What do you guys think? All input welcome!

And thanks!!!

 

[Snowwark]

Welcome to the F&G board, Dorothy!

Yummm...tomatoes!

I've only grown my tomatoes in containers Dorothy, but I think (and jump in anyone, if you think I'm wrong here..), that if you haven't used the tomato plot for two years, it should be fine.

Since the soil wasn't amended last fall, you might want to consider going a little deeper than 2 - 3 inches.

You could also dig a hole for each of the plants, approx. 6" deep and 2+' in diameter, and in the bottom of each hole, put a 2" layer of compost or damp peat moss, mixed with a handful of fertilizer and some of the topsoil you have dug up.

Don't feel badly about the weed killer, we have one poster who looks forward to any opportunity to use Roundup!!

Any other suggestions for Dorothy, Buds?

 

[gina2000]

Dorothy, my only concern is the weedkiller you used. Please check the bottle or call the company to make sure it is safe to plant vegetables in your plot. I imagine there is a recommended time they suggest waiting before planting vegetables back in the plot.

 

[d.kurz]

Well, thank you for the kind welcome AND the replies. The weed killer WAS Roundup!! LOL!

You could also dig a hole for each of the plants, approx. 6" deep and 2+' in diameter, and in the bottom of each hole, put a 2" layer of compost or damp peat moss, mixed with a handful of fertilizer and some of the topsoil you have dug up.

I think I may try this idea!! We are having some rain this week and I really wanted to get to this this week!! Oh well.

When you say fertilizer, exactly what do you mean?

 

[WebmasterAlex]

Round up was an EXCELLENT choice...
I refer to it as the napalm of the garden.
It would be totally safe to plant

 

[Snowwark]

Well, that's the poster I was refering too....lol..

Dorothy, adding the fertilizer to the bottom of the planting hole was suggested if you hadn't already amended your soil. A basic 5-10-10 fertilizer would do the trick, or you can make a solution yourself, dissolving 1Cup 5-10-10 in 4 gallons of water, and applying it around the plants after they are set in.

There are all kids of commerically prepared starter solutions and fertilizers for tomatoes, and everyone seems to develop their own methods. Check out your favourite garden centre and see what they recommend.

Please keep us posted on how your crop is doing!

Kim

 

[Snowwark]

Oh...I almost forgot!! I found this interesting idea for keeping tomatoes fed.

"An easy way to feed tomatoes is to punch holes in bottom of plastic milk jug. Bury jug almost to the top next to tomatoes. Fill jug with water or liquid fertilizer and the carton will slowly release nutrients over time. Since tomatoes are vines, provide support. "

I've never tried it, I'd need much larger containers, but I thought it was kind of cool.

 

[d.kurz]

I WILL keep you posted. Thanks!!

 

[Mmketeer]

Hi,

I say go for it...sounds like a plan to me. Just remember to check for bugs on your plant and stake it or cage it well. Oh yeah and try Miracle Grow fertilizer it works excellent on all growing things! Good-luck and enjoy your tomatotes...

PS
I own roses, so I am not afraid to use any kind of insecticide, though I wouldn't reccomend it on food. I also have been know to use weed killer on my walk ways etc...