Now that my soil problems from last fall have been corrected, my organic vegetable garden is in full swing. What made the difference? Good Soil. Compost and a balanced organic fertilizer. By adding the leaf mold compost last fall and the MicroLife™ organic fertilizer in late winter, my vegetables are amazing! In just a little over a month’s time, look at how much growth there has been. I’ve planted several varieties of tomatoes (perhaps too many in hindsight), peppers, eggplant, squash, beans and cucumbers.
March 14, 2010
March 27. 2010
April 3, 2010
If you are wondering about the bricks, they were used to sit on top of some large plastic pots in the evening to keep my tomato plants cozy during the early spring.
April 16, 2010
keewee says
Jackie, your tomatoes look so lush and healthy. I too have amened my soil and hope for the same results. I may get out today, if it stops raining, and plant my tomatoes. I will have to enclose them in “wall ‘O’ water” protection, as it is too cold to leave them unprotected.
Jacqueline D'Elia says
Thanks Keewee. I do hope I have a good crop this spring. So far so good. Now I am just on the lookout for the hornworms.
Good luck with your plantings.
Jackie
Nancy Bond says
Your entire garden looks wonderful — lush and thriving!
bangchik says
Like providing a happy home for kids to grow…
Jean says
My goodness, things are really speeding along there! I have three tomato plants but only one of them is making leaps like yours. Looks like you’re in for a big bounty this year!
ChickDigtheDirt says
excellent looking beds! I like that you doubled the size of them- I wish I had done that to mine this year, but there is always next year!
Its Therapy says
Wow. Those look great!! I am new to this and didn’t think that a tomato plant would grow so large. Guess I need to go back for larger tomato cages. How do you keep the insects and birds away from your tomatoes. I have also planted cucumber, green onions, zucchini and yellow squash and a few variaties of peppers. Any pointers for a good harvest? Also what is a good reference for a beginner. Thanks so much
Janet says
Hi Jackie: We just moved to Houston from the land of fertile soil, Iowa. I am so confused and would love some advice! I planted 3 tomatoes, 2 squash, 3 peppers and basil and it ALL died! 🙁
I dug holes in my yard and filled them with topsoil, but it obviously didn’t work. My neighbor told me I have too much sun? I love your planter boxes, I think I can build some, but where is the best place, full sun, partial or shade? What did you fill them with? Any help is appreciated. I’m so sad not to have fresh tomatoes this year and want to learn to have a garden like yours!
By the way, we are in Katy, if that helps. Thanks, Janet
🙂
Jacqueline D'Elia says
Hi Janet,
Welcome to Houston! Raised beds are definitely the way to go here. Heavy clay soil is the norm here and a raised bed eliminates most of the problems. I built up my beds with rich fertile soil that DRAINS well. This is important.
A great place to learn more about gardening in our area is the Harris County Master Gardener website.
Happy Gardening!