We're planning to move the tomatoes next year. They need a location with direct sun, enough space to grow, and far enough from the peppers and other plants that the tomatoes don't steal their thunder, or sun, either. Our solution: a new plot, just for tomatoes. I'm trying something new, or new to me: the lasagna style preparation.
The first layer goes over the grass; layered newspaper or boxes. I chose boxes. Flattened out, held down by boards from an old deck, they'll make a fine base for the new tomato home.
The next layer: glass clippings, mulch. If I'd spread these a few weeks ago, they'd have been the last grass clippings of the season. Between parent-teacher conference preparation and a nasty chest cold, I didn't get outside for a while. That's fine; the mulch that was grass a few weeks ago will do a fine job.
I had to stop there. Due to the still lingering cough (see above), I had to stop after spreading mulch. My next layer, when I get the time and energy, will be leaves, raked over to cover the mulch. The new plot will winter that way, the layers killing the lawn beneath and insulating the future garden soil at the same time.
Come spring, I'll have a decision to make. To till or not to till? I'm tempted to say not, and build up a raised bed instead by piling soil and compost on top of what's already prepped.
Check with me in April. I'll have a decision by then!
Armed with last year's cards and a few pairs of craft scissors, I attacked. Scraps to the recycling, potential tags to the tag box, and we're set for another year. This is the kind of repurposing that both feels good and looks good. I haven't spent money on tags since we were married 25 years ago, and the packages always look great.
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