I did use hay instead of straw for my tomatoes because that is what I had. In retrospect, I think it allows me to not have to fertilize as much, but the bales do break down faster. After warming up my bales with blood meal to get them cooking I added some compost when I planted the tomatoes. I also top dressed the plants with some organic fertilizer from "Garden's Alive" that is slow acting and specifically blended for tomatoes. So is it the hay and blood meal or is it the organic slow acting tomato fertilizer? Actually I think it a good combination of both. Around the first part of July (according to the fertilizer) I am supposed to top dress them one more time for the year. Other than that, I have added nothing else to these tomatoes other than water. I have staked everything firmly, including peppers and eggplants because the hay bales are collapsing... though the plants don't seem to mind.
General Discussions - 2010 - Chapter 31
quiltygirl and nini1953, wow what envious bale gardens you have!! The plants are doing very well!
Doug: I am very pleased with the way the frames and "old" straw are performing. I'm glad I went ahead and bought the other bales so they will be ready next year.
We'd all love to read the write-ups on you. Feel free to post a copy.
Nini & quiltygirl: great pics! You're doing a great job!
I'm a little concerned with the possibility of Early Blight in some of my tomatoes. As they say in Hollywood, stay tuned.
sorry duplicate post.
This message was edited Jun 5, 2010 10:01 PM
ditto on the blight!
Would some kind person be willing to start a new chapter? My dial up is grumbling...
Thanks!
Please continue the General Discussions in CHAPTER 32
Click here: http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1104915/