Moving the tomatoes this year

[GoDawgs]

Last year the tomatoes really suffered in the full sun. The ones up at the house did much better, getting some afternoon shade. This morning I started a sun mapping project. It will consist of taking photos of the garden from the four corners at 10am and again at 5pm and I will do that on the first of each month. I want to see exactly where and when shadows fall in several different spots, particularly where there's plenty of light now which will turn to shade as tree leaves push out later.

This is the bed at the top left corner of the garden where they will go this year. There will be 8 plants on 4 pallets laid across the top of the bed, the same arrangement as last year. This bed will get some shade from a crape myrtle probably after 4pm.



This is a shot of the left side of the garden. Last year the tomatoes were where the big buckets are sitting. This year they will be at the top of this side across from the white stakes and you can see the crape myrtle that will give some shade as the sun swings around towards the pond in late afternoon.



And so starts the first experiment of the year.

[imp]

I can only grow the nightshade family of plants in the front anyways, but it also gives them some afternoon shade and some respite from the fierceness of the sun during the really hot times. I think I have heard a "phew!!" a couple times from the plants!

[rhoder551]

Pretty landscape...wish I had your garden.

[imp]

Lots of room! Nice.

[GoDawgs]

Thank you, Rhoder and Imp. I love living out in the country with elbow room and very few neighbors and intend to stay out here until I myself get planted.

Imp, I think I've heard that "whew!" from plants a few times myself!