| I want to start growing tomatoes in my back yard. would appreciate info and tips on how to start preparing the soil, how to lay out the garden, etc. |
| Choose the sunniest site you can find and prepare the soil by amending it with organic matter. I'd start by pulling or digging out all the weedy growth, then spreading 4-5" of organic matter over the top of the soil and digging it in to a depth of 8-10 inches. Then level the soil in preparation for planting. To keep weeds from popping up in your new bed, you can cover the bed with weed barrier fabric and anchor it down with wire spikes. (I just cut wire coathangers and bend them into 8" long loops to use as oversized staples.) When you're ready to plant, cut slits or X's into the weed barrier fabric where you want to plant your plants. Weed barrier fabric will keep weeds from sprouting but will allow water to penetrate so there won't be any problem with watering your new plants. Or you can simply plant your tomatoes and other veggies and mulch over the bare soil with several inches of organic matter to help suppress weeds. If you are planting a number of different vegetables, put the tallest ones towards the back of the bed so they won't shade the others when they grow. Enjoy your new garden! |
