There are four raised beds in the garden. Three of the four beds are ready for planting. Let’s start the tour with bed number one. Notice the tomato cages laying on their sides. This is kitty litter prevention. All four rows have been sewn and I do not want garden kitties to help themselves. This should do the job until the seedlings are established. All four rows will be planted with a variety of heirloom tomatoes. I wanted to get the companion seedlings started before the tomato supports are installed and the tomatoes planted.
Here’s what has been planted from left to right.
Atomic Red Carrots are brilliant red and unique looking. The 8” roots are high in lycopene which is helpful in preventing several types of cancer. They should mature in 75 days. They are supposed to be good companions to tomatoes according to Carrots Love Tomatoes.
Genovese Basil is very popular with cooks claims the seed package and catalogue. It’s supposed to help tomatoes to overcome both insects and disease. The flavor of the tomatoes is also improved with this companion. Did you know basil repels mosquitoes and flies?
Yellow of Parma Onions is described in the catalogue as a Long-day type--Large, golden onions are oblong-globe shaped. This late onion makes an excellent keeper; a rare and hard-to-find Italian variety. Like garlic, onions help repel insects from tomatoes, not to mention they taste great.
Jaune D’Or Ovale Radishes are golden. The package has this to say: In 1885 the French seed house Vilmorin mentioned “Jaune D’Or” as a new variety. This French variety starts out a pale tannish-white and turns a yellowish-tan as the large roots mature. The egg-shaped roots are medium-hot, and are great for salads; they seem to remain tender over a long period. Be sure to try this unique old classic that France has been enjoying for over 125 years. Radishes repel the two-spotted spider mite.
This bed is on the western most edge of the garden and in full sun. With temperatures expected in the 80s next week (yuck), the seeds should be sprouting at a record rate.
6 comments:
Amazing. I'll be taking crib notes from you as I learn. And love the artwork on those seed packets. Since my "real" beds aren't done, I've decided to spend this next season with my old beds and the reliable crops that worked for me last time: corn, lemon cukes and tomatoes. But I also have some mystery crops that are just popping up. They look to be melons and squash. Not sure where they came from!
*Lisa - All the seeds are from Baker Creek. They have a store in Petaluma. I regret not having taken advantage of visiting them when I was up there. Your volunteer may be the result of animal droppings. Turkeys?
Birds I can see. They are swarming all around the garden. But the turkeys are very wild and don't come anywhere near the barn. Hopefully, it will stay that way.
Hello, Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a message. Very snazzy seed packets!
Beautiful Lobelia blooming around the edge of the garden. Good idea about the tomato cages too.
I just LOVE how you use the cement blocks to plant companion herbs in around your gardens. I'm putting in a new garden in the back yard for alliums soon and want to use cement blocks and had such an intention to do something similar - now i'm DEFINITELY making a big note to self in my brain pockets to do this in my future garden planning. So pretty, and so useful! Herbs right next to veggies can get so out of hand, having them confined in the cement blocks is awesome.
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