PATCH REVIEW:
Each one of the 10 boxes is 4 x 8 feet. The smaller box is 4 x 4. Boxes are 4 feet high and there are 6 equally spaced posts of 5 feet on each of the 10 boxes. With a metal grid placed on the top to attach strings for the toms.
The Patch area is 36 x 36 feet.
The top grid extends over the space between the boxes intended to create an arbor.
The second summer they may be taller because I will plant sooner and I will prune differently so they are not so bushy.
I grew Basil in the small box without black posts.
A total of 120 tomato plants, 12 per box, of various kinds.
,Y’a, last year they really were started on the window sill. I never started seeds before. I was always involved with teaching and didn’t have time,
But with lock down I was home and there were some old envelopes of seeds. I mixed them all together and threw them into some flats I had. My intention was just to see some green and little things growing. I was surprise they all grew. I set up a place next to windows on the side of my studio.
They grew and grew. Then I started to tend them, separate them, support them. And fell in love with them. They grew and grew and I had no idea what kinds I had planted. I was astonished to have so many and have them look so healthy.
Then I had to get them over to the terrace at the house to start to harden them up. I’d take them out every day, and bring them in at night: coax them into toughening up to make the transition to be able to spend the night outside.
This year I’ll be more systematic and set up a real seed-starting place with lights in my studio. And yes, take notes.
I was lucky to have a tomato whisperer in the village who would come over to check how I was doing, they were doing. And advise me.
