Question
Hi Mike!!
I love to grow tomatoes each year, but never have a great harvest. I water and make  sure they get food designed for the plant. The plants are in good sun, but the plants are very viney...
Have any suggestions?

Thanks!

Linda

Answer
Linda, the primary reason plants do not do well is poor soil conditions. You definitely want to begin by tilling in ample organic amendments such as compost, shredded leaves, dried grass clippings, peat, humus, and aged manure. Most local garden centers offer a good selection of combined materials for starting a new garden. By using organic materials, you are increasing the number of microorganisms in the soil, which result in increased resistance to diseases. They also balance the pH level and provide a continuous supply of nutrients for the plants. Another benefit is that it improves the tilth of the soil, which improves drainage and maintains soil temperature. In short, plants thrive in composted soil.  

Next, you will need to ensure that the pH balance of your soil is as close to neutral as possible. A neutral soil has a pH balance of 7.0. If you're not sure what your pH balance is, you can purchase a pH kit at most garden centers. They are inexpensive, easy to use, and very accurate. If your soil is too acidic, simply add garden lime to your soil. If it is too alkaline, add ground sulfur. A good rule of thumb is that soils west of the Mississippi are usually alkaline; east of the Mississippi are generally acidic. One point of interest, gardens high in organic matter seldom need PH adjustment; another strong argument for organically amended soil.  

Once you have planted, make sure you mulch with shredded bark, straw, or shredded leaves. Mulch helps maintain a constant soil temperature and reduces the need for watering. It also prevents many weed seeds from germinating.

One other suggestion is to convert your beds to raised beds.  The soil stays friable since you never walk in the beds; drainage is much better than traditional beds; you save space since raised beds are perfect for intensive gardening methods such as square foot gardening; and soil conditioning is continuous since your always building the beds up with organic matter such as compost, manure, and humus. They are also very neat and more attractive in the landscape.

I always recommend framing a raised bed.  I recommend using a non-rotting natural wood such as cedar. Cedar will last up to 20 years. Although you can frame your beds to any size, I personally use 2擷 12?8' cedar boards screwed together to form 4扻 24?beds that are filled with well amended soil. These amendments include aged manure, compost, and peat moss.

The down side to using unframed raised beds is that the sides constantly need to be raked in after a hard rain.  If left untended, the plants on the sides can eventually wash away.  The decision is certainly yours.  But my recommendation is to take the time and build the structures.  Over the long term, you抣l be happy you did.

I hope this information helps. Good luck, and please write again if I can ever provide assistance.

Regards,

Mike