I love a true gardener who prays for her plants!

Last year was so disappointing for our tomato crop, but what I found out was that almost everyone else in our area (southern Oregon) had the same experience. We had lots of rain in the spring, and my friend who supplies our tomato starts had warned us …

But what I really love is that she prays for her plants!

Because, really, all that hard work that you put into starting, growing, loving your plants, it’s really disappointing when they don’t produce.

“It’s been a horrid year for the greenhouse. I lost over 300 starts when it was so rainy in March. Just too cold and dark for them to grow – so they all died. I replanted in April – and the little guys are only about 4″ high. I’m praying for lots of heat and light – and they should be good by the end of May.” – Terri, my green-thumb goddess*

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We all know that fertility plays a role in tomato success or failure, but I really do believe that the rainy weather was the culprit. (My tomatoes last year, some were so tiny.)

Facts about tomatoes:

– If you can, buy starts (either later into spring, or grow in your own greenhouse)

– The soil needs to be warm and stay warm.

Trench-style planting really does work. Plant deep and follow this method.

– Use mulch after you plant.

– Sunshine and warmth are both critical to sugar development / flavorful tomatoes.

– Too much water limits the tomato’s sweetness.

– Frequent shallow watering does not benefit the plant.

– Watering deeply once or twice a week helps in growth and flavor.

So the weather really does have a say in what happens with our beautiful tomato plants. Let’s hope that this year we don’t have such a crazy rainy season.

And when all else fails, pray for heat and light!

Did you plant tomatoes last year and how was your summer crop?

(*This post is dedicated to Terri, my friend who supplies us with beautiful greenhouse starter plants every year.)

Last year’s Roasting Tomatoes with Whole Wheat Pasta.