End of Summer 2014

The horizontal tomato cages are definitely a good idea, but my execution had a few problems.  

First, the initial level was only 12" off the ground, which turned out to be pointless.  A 12" plant does not have any fruit on it, so there is little extra support needed.  What little support is needed should be provided by the initial stake.    The first level should be at 24"

Second, Dr. Hooker used metal fencing for support.  I tried to get away with a nylon mesh.  That created two problems:  (1) The mesh actually cut into heavy tomatoes that rested upon them.  (2) Once the weight started piling on the mesh, it sagged drastically.    You can see the sag in the right hand side of this picture.

In addition to the sagging nylon mesh, the picture also shows the bird netting I put over the whole bed about mid-July to keep out the damn tree rats.  Squirrels . . . damn, damn, damn those squirrels.  We hates them - forever!    The netting did work, but it was put on in a way that made it difficult for me to uncover, get a few fruits, then recover.   And late in the season vines started growing through the netting, making it damn near impossible to use effectively.   I need to put the netting on movable frames, then guide late season vines up and over the top so as not to interfere with the frames.

Tomato Summary:

-- Build metal wire frames and position them at 2' / 3' / 4'   Frames should be 5' x 47"
-- Build frames to surround the bed.  Frames will have netting mounted on them.
-- Use 7' metal stakes.  5 footers were not quite tall enough.


On the subject of support, the bell peppers need some.  One of the frames being built for tomatoes should be used for the peppers at 24" high.  Also, Carmen is still the be performer around.  The yellow bells had all sorts of problem with rot once it started raining all the time in late July.  Carmen sailed through without a hitch. 

The rain also put a hurting on the Basil.  It looked fantastic through July, but in early August the mildew set in and wiped out 90% of it.    I might want to provide a plastic cover next time the rain kicks in that hard.