gardening

I've read that at least in this part of the country there is no need to test the soil. If you read the lime spreading instructions it says you can test and apply accordingly or just apply at a generic rate without testing.

 

Do you need a good cat?

 

Don't think the dog would like that idea. That's part of the problem also. I'm afraid to put down to much of the mole posion on account of the dog. Fucking mole is probably doing the Caddyshack dance as I type this.

 

I put 50 lbs on an area about 20 x 20 this past fall. The pelletized lime takes a while to break down. If you have a fireplace, the ashes from that would be much better and faster acting. Tomatoes will thank you.

I started my 'mater seeds on Friday. Half of them have already sprouted.

 

Pretty much everything East of the Mississippi is acidic and should have some lime applied annually.

 

If they did field competitions on mole catching, Momo would be the all time champion.

 

How early do you plant them? After the threat of frost is over?

 

Last year I planted them on April 14. This year, I plan to make it a little earlier and use a row cover. I want fresh tomatoes by mid June. I'll start another batch when I plant these out. I only grow indeterminate varieties so I can harvest all the way til first frost in November.

 

Thanks. The threat of frost is usually over in my neck of the woods around April 15th. Is it necessary to start them indoors and then plant in April or can I just run by the store pick up some plants and stick them in the ground in April? Which works best?

 

Last year, I bought most of my plants. I direct sowed my seeds and they didn't really get going until late June. I only got a few tomatoes from those plants. This year I'm growing a few types you can't find around here in the stores, but I may purchase some betterboy, bigger boy varieties. For most people, it's easier to just buy a couple 6 packs. Plant two to a hole and be done with it.