Laurel's Garden: Lettuce Out, Tomatoes In?

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Lettuce Out, Tomatoes In?

I Was Wondering

lettuce gets bitter

when it gets warm

and tomatoes prefer to be planted

when it gets warm

does it follow

that tomatoes should be planted

when the lettuce gets bitter?

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The Plot

The top 9 inches:

-imported topsoil
The next 3 inches:
-densely packed gravel
The next 2 plus feet:
-densely packed, sandy soil
-the foundation of a home

Soil tested 5/08 and 4/11
-Organic Matter 13.5% (high)
-Soluble Salts 0.8 (satisfactory)
-pH 7.5 (a bit alkaline)
-Phosphorus 50+ (very high)
-Potassium 300+ (very high)

2007

-Ground broken fall 2007.

2008

-I started gardening here in spring 2008.

-Added chicken manure, peat, and trace minerals.

-Hand-tilled soil to loosen hard packed gravel.

-Very few bugs, no worms or grubs.

2009

-Added horse manure in early spring and earthworms from a friend's garden.

-Hand-tilled soil in back half of garden.

-Water creates pools in areas.

-Some bees and butterflies. Occasional worms and grubs.

2010

-Fertilized with fish emulsion and blood meal.

-Slug problem, squash beetles emerge.

-Water still pools, runs off raised beds into path.

-Many butterflies, bees, and other insects.

2011

-Birds, insects, worms and grubs are abundant.

-Slugs and squash beetles are better this year.

-Soil re-tested. Nearly identical results as 5/08.

-Drainage better. Less hard-packed soil below.