Week three and so far so good. The radish are thriving, the lettuce are doing as expected. I only planted 3 to 5 lettuce seeds per hole. So the results are less dramatic than I expected. The previous lettuce trial I scattered the seed like sprinkling pepper, the lettuce filled the box but I thought they were too crowded and root bound. So I’ve given them some room in this trial.
Today I thinned out the radish seedlings. I planted two seeds per hole at 2 inches apart. Now I choose the weaker of the two seedlings and clipped it out. This will allow the stronger seedling to thrive.
The volunteer tomatoes are thriving. We haven’t had any rain this past week so I’ve been faithful in watering them every two days. Our soil here is pretty sandy, so it drys out pretty quickly, even with the compost mixed in. Remember to try and water at the base only. Watering the leaves frequently will encourage trouble with the leaves. If possible water only at the base.
Prune out the little suckers that develop in the “Y” junction of the stems. You’ll see two stronger stems with these suckers growing in the middle. Cut or pinch them out with your fingernail and thumb. They do not produce fruit and take nutrients away from the plant.
I go over all the plants and pinch out the suckers, I like to trim any leave stem groups that are resting on the soil as well. I believe this just allows insects a ramp to the plant. I follow up with a gentle inspection for any bugs or worms under the leaves. The tomato plant doesn’t take abuse of bending stems well so be gentle when lifting patches of leaves or fruit starts.
Finish up with a good watering at the base of each plant and your good for another few days. I do a cursory check when ever I’m around the garden. Insects will ravage a plant before you know it. They are masters at camouflage as well.
To be continued….