May 29th was a busy day of planting. The day began with turning the soil, adding 6" of leaf humus, and mixing in 4 tsp fertilizer per square foot. This year I purchased flats of vegetables from a local garden center, mainly because I didn't purchase a plot until late spring. The first two northern rows consist of 11 tomato plants, supported with bamboo stakes, 3 cantaloupe, 4 mesclun, and 4 marigolds. Marigolds were also planted around the outer edge of the entire plot in an attempt to deter slugs. Peppers, onions, basil, cabbage, and more tomatoes were planted in the southern two rows also hoping to deter wildlife snacking.
My children enjoy the sweet taste of tomatoes, often eating them right off the vines. I planted cherry and grape tomatoes in the southern corners for grazing on our trips to the garden. These already have green tomatoes, growing 2" to 3" each. Going for variety, we planted a Sun Gold cherry which are golden in color, and Sweet Million red cherry; both are vigorous producers and fruity sweet. I'm making my first attempt at an heirloom plant with a Cherokee tomato; weighing up to 1lb, this sweet purple slicing tomato originates with its namesake in Tennessee; 85 days to harvest; ours has grown only 1/2" since planting.
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