My dilemma: where to plant?

[organic_john]

Hello, new member here. My name's John. I'm planning on growing a big plot of tomatoes (about an acre) next to a treeline on my property in Virginia. The treeline runs almost straight north-south.

I have two concerns:

1. Will the tomatoes get enough sun? The trees are pretty high (and old--I don't want to cut them down!).

2. There are a lot of weeds along the treeline. I'm enclosing a picture. Some of these weeds may be nightshade family? Should I be concerned about foliar and root diseases?

I can plant away from the treeline, but it will be more uphill and the soil's not as rich. The treeline area gets erosion runoff.



Should I plant at the treeline or move the plot uphill?

All advice appreciated. Thanks!

[RinTinTin]

My opinion on that question would be based upon which side of your garden does the tree line stand. If you are going to plant east of the trees, you will be getting good morning sun which will quickly dry foliage from last nights rains and/or dew. That is important in curbing many foliar diseases. The heat of the day is greatest in the afternoon, when you will be moving into the shade. That is also beneficial if you have another scorching summer. You will not need to buy expensive shade cloth. Plants will have a better chance to cool off at night, which should help fruit set.

If the trees are to the east of your garden, then those conditions would be reversed...to your disadvantage.

Where are your trees?

[tam91]

Make sure none of those are walnut trees, or your tomato plants will all die.

(learned this the hard way)

Walnut tree roots exude a substance called juglone, once tomato plants grow deep enough roots to contact the tree roots, the tomato plants drop dead. And walnut tree roots can extend very far from the tree.

[organic_john]

Thanks for the feedback!

RinTinTin: I'll indeed be planting on the east side of the treeline. I hadn't thought of the sunrise/sunset thing. I guess since I'm on the E side I'll be okay?

tam91: Very good point. I've heard that about walnut trees, but it didn't occur to me in this instance. I'll check to make sure there ain't any around.

[RinTinTin]

All else being equal, morning sun is more beneficial to plants than afternoon sun. Another benefit is if you get hit by a late, unexpected frost, the morning sun will warm them up quicker.