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mgb245
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Recent Entries to this Blog Tomato Sunrise and Raised Beds
Posted: 05 Nov 2012
Tomato Sunrise
Posted: 04 May 2011
One More Year in the Books
Posted: 01 Oct 2010
Crunching and Munching
Posted: 21 Jul 2010
Sure and Sad Sign of Spring
Posted: 24 Mar 2010

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mgb245's Blog




Tomato Sunrise and Raised Beds

Category: Heirloom Tomatoes | Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 8:47 pm

Hello again from West Virginia.
I have finally taken the time to set down at my computer and put in an update about my garden. And what a garden I had this year!! Our year started out with spring in January. Record warmth,so I started my seedlings in the greenhouse a lot earlier than I normally would. By march 15, I had chard, broccoli, kale and lettuce transplanted. I also put out 7 raised beds with Red Norland and Yukon gold potatoes as well as banana and French fingerling potatoes. I planted 20 pounds total and my harvest was almost 250 pounds. Needless to say, we are truly enjoying our potatoes.
My wife and I also spent many an evening putting up tomatoes, salsa, spaghetti and chili sauce from our never ending supply of tomatoes, (all of which were heirlooms this year).
Pole beans and bush beans kept us busy also as we decided to pressure can these rather than freeze this year.
The drawback to our warm winter and early spring was the bugs. Powdery mildew got my cucumbers and all of our squashs fell victim to squash bugs. Corn bores did a lot of damage to the sweet corn and the wind finished it off.
Next year I plan on turning my entire garden into raised beds and let the grass grow between the bed and just keep it mowed. I spent too much time and money mulching and weeding. Raised beds are the way for me!!
Until we visit again, take care and God bless you.
So long from West Virginia

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Tomato Sunrise

Category: Heirloom Tomatoes | Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 3:38 pm

Hello again from West Virginia.
It has been a long time since I last posted, things have been a bit wild this year. Finally got my greenhouse put up, and my seedlings started. Had to babysit them this year because of the record cold temps we were getting. That along with the wind and rain, I still have not transplanted everything into the garden.
This year,I am using most of my present garden spot to grow a variety of tomatoes, both heirloom and hybrids. So far my heirlooms are Arkansas Traveler, Woodly Orange, Polish red, Carbon, and Green Velvet. I always plant bush beef, yellow tangerine and cherry jubile as sturdy standbys. I will add more heirlooms as I get them.
After talking to some older tomato farmers, I have decided not to cage my heirlooms, but grow them on a trellis instead. I know this will take up a lot more room in my garden, but I have 10 acres, 7 of which I can plant. I will add some photos as the seasons progresses.
Anyone that has grown heirlooms in the past or are growing some this year, I would like to hear about your success or problems. Your experiences will be be my best teacher.
Until next time-be safe and God bless.
So long from West Virginia

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