Thyme In A Bottle: Oranges

Friday, March 9, 2012

Almost Ready! 2012 Tomato Season is Just Around the Corner

I have one bed ready to begin planting tomatoes. I brought over one tomato cage but will need to wait for Tony to help me set it in. We have three of these cages that he built using a design that a friend of ours created out of PVC pipe; we went with the wood because it was cheaper. So far they have lasted three seasons and looks like we will get a few more years out of them. We could also replace the lower legs as that is the only section that is affected by rotting wood. At least it is organic material! We will flip this over to set in the raised bed. I plant two tomatoes in each section, for a total of eight tomatoes in this bed. I do place one cane pole in the center of each square to tie the tomatoes to when young to help support the initial growth, then they are off and growing with no more need of support as the cages keep them contained, with plenty of space and height to grow.

I have the tomato seedlings outside now getting stronger; I am hoping to get a few of them planted this weekend. I have plenty of each variety that I will be planting so if I lose a few I can replace them with older seedlings. I generally plant around the middle of March and with the weather we have had of late I think they will be fine. Today is around 78-80 and the soil is nice and warm.

Our oranges are really coming in now, even the Navels are getting sweet enough to eat. I knocked a few off the tree when I was pulling over the tomato cage; they tasted sweet but could use a few more weeks. The tangerine tree is loaded, more oranges than leaves. Our lemon tree is the best I have seen it in a few years, the fruit is large and in great condition. The Valencia is setting blossoms now and we still have a few to pick. I picked a huge basket yesterday and still need to get those juiced and in the freezer for summer smoothies.