Garden Update

Just a few pictures of how things are proceeding in the garden.  If the plants are any indication, we’re going to have more zucchini than we know what to do with.  Otherwise, per my previous post, the tomatoes are mixed so far.  Some plants look good while others are struggling. The herbs in both the garden and front beds look great.

Mysterious Tomato Deaths

So last year most of my tomato crop died out. Looking back I think it was a combination of disease and lack of care (mostly due to the birth of my son). So this year, with renewed enthusiasm for the garden I planted a number of different varieties of heirloom plants I obtained through Seed Savers. I’ve been watering (but not too much) and feeding the plants with compost and compost tea.

Well, two plants have already wilted away and died.  Another three are on the verge of dying. The thing that confounds me the most is that the cheapo hybrid plants that I purchased as either a big box store or Southern States (which is really great) are bushy, yielding fruit, and a lush green.

A few lessons I think I’ve learned…

1. Hybrid plants seem better suited to fight blight or less than optimum soil conditions
2. Pull plants early if you think there is disease
3. Plant early enough to ensure time to buy replacement plants that will yield

Overall, I think the pepper plants I purchased from Seed Savers are going to be winners while my soil conditions may not be ideal for picky plants.