Last year, the outdoor tomatoes got destroyed (https://www.thebarracks.de/post/we-need-to-talk-about-tomatoes), and I got the same report from every gardener I know worldwide. It gave me nasty Interstellar shivers, where the only viable crops left are corn and okra. I don't really like okra. This year, I have spaced them out with a lot more room between them to improve air flow (like, a meter in each direction), I am going to mulch with grass clippings which have already dried out a bit, and be super vigilant with only watering in the evening. Because I usually grow 50 or so plants outside (this year, less than 40), and because I rotate dutifully, I don't really have the time or resources to build them a home to go with them. If they fail this year, I will be making one next year.
And I have given the polytunnel almost exclusively to tomatoes this year. No watermelons, only a couple of capsicums and chillis, and no cucumbers. 16 roma, 2 beefsteaks (can't remember which sort) and a bunch of raf. Fingers crossed!
And just to confirm...mine were also totally lost last year! A polytunnel would be fabulous if I had the space...thanks for the other tips - I do have access to plenty of mulch, so I will give this a go.
So, where’s the swimming pool going to go?
There is a lake... It might need a little dredging. That would be a good project for you!
The green and leaves look fabulous. Mowing, watering, weeding = excellent mindfulness work (in my opinion anyway).
What are you doing to protect your outdoor tomato plants from the inevitable mold that develops in our overly wet summers?
Thanks for the VeganWeekly shoutout… What’s the next harvest coming your way?
Last year, the outdoor tomatoes got destroyed (https://www.thebarracks.de/post/we-need-to-talk-about-tomatoes), and I got the same report from every gardener I know worldwide. It gave me nasty Interstellar shivers, where the only viable crops left are corn and okra. I don't really like okra. This year, I have spaced them out with a lot more room between them to improve air flow (like, a meter in each direction), I am going to mulch with grass clippings which have already dried out a bit, and be super vigilant with only watering in the evening. Because I usually grow 50 or so plants outside (this year, less than 40), and because I rotate dutifully, I don't really have the time or resources to build them a home to go with them. If they fail this year, I will be making one next year.
And I have given the polytunnel almost exclusively to tomatoes this year. No watermelons, only a couple of capsicums and chillis, and no cucumbers. 16 roma, 2 beefsteaks (can't remember which sort) and a bunch of raf. Fingers crossed!
And just to confirm...mine were also totally lost last year! A polytunnel would be fabulous if I had the space...thanks for the other tips - I do have access to plenty of mulch, so I will give this a go.
Oh, it is a massive luxury, I know. And I got it virtually for free :D :D