Get Ready for a New Season of Gardening -Choose from Tomatoes, Peaches, Corn, Zinnias & More!

Get Ready for a New Season of Gardening -Choose from Tomatoes, Peaches, Corn, Zinnias & More!
Blossom Drop in Tomato - Alabama Cooperative Extension System

It's that time of year again when gardeners all over the world are planning what to grow in their gardens. From NE Ohio to North Central Mississippi, everyone has their own ideas and preferences for what they will plant this year.

For many gardeners, it starts with tomatoes. Dwarf Mr Snow, Fred's Tie Dye, Saucy Mary, Sweet Scarlet, Kangaroo Paw Green, Idaho Gem and Banana Toes are just a few of the varieties one gardener is growing in a 4x8 bed of "bulletproof" tomatoes. Another gardener is planting Lesya peppers and cayenne, as well as greens and purple cabbage in 3x6 beds. Japanese sweet potatoes are being grown in another 4x8 bed by yet another gardener who hasn't tried them before.

Fruit trees can also be found in some gardens. Donut peaches are popular among those looking for something different. Saving and growing them from seed is an option for those wanting to go beyond store-bought fruit trees.

Other vegetables include corn, zinnias, marigolds, black-eyed peas, peppers (Ajvarski, Lesya, Sweet Chocolate), eggplants, Carosello cucumbers, watermelons, other melons, summer greens such as Doucette d'Alger and perennial kale with dill planted nearby to deter harlequin bugs.

Tomatoes remain a favorite among gardeners because of their versatility and hardiness. Many are opting for N-resistant varieties which have proven to withstand prolonged heatwaves better than others. This makes them ideal for areas where summers are very dry and hot like central Washington.

Gardening is an exciting hobby that allows people to experiment with new plants each season while still enjoying old favorites. With so many options available to choose from, there's sure to be something for everyone!Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So, what are you planting this year?

What are others growing for 2023?

Different people will be growing different things, depending on their climate and preferences. Some examples include Dwarf Mr. Snow, Fred's Tie Dye, Saucy Mary, Sweet Scarlet, Kangaroo Paw Green, Idaho Gem and Banana Toes tomatoes; Lesya peppers and cayenne; greens and purple cabbage; Japanese sweet potatoes; Marzano Fire plants, Benevento, and Bi-color beefsteaks tomatoes; Kickoff XR sweetcorn, Capture cabage, Golden Glory, Dunja, and Gold Rush Zucchini; Walla Walla Sweet onions; Sunshine Kabocha Squash; HOney Bear acorn squash; Sunland and Black Seeded Simpson lettuces; Blue Lake 274 green beans; Lakeside spinach; Numex Jalapeno's; King Arthur Bell peppers; sweet peas; Macadamia plants, Pitachios from seed; shallots and brussel sprouts; asparagus; Ajvarski, Lesya, Sweet Chocolate peppers; eggplants; Carosello cucumbers; Watermelons; other melons; Summer greens such as Doucette d'Alger.

What is the "bulletproof" tomato?

A bulletproof tomato is a variety of tomato that can withstand prolonged heatwaves. It is usually an heirloom variety that has been grown in a particular area for many years.

What should I consider when choosing what to plant?

Consider your climate and the types of vegetables that grow best in it. Also consider how much space you have available for planting. Finally, think about what varieties of vegetables you like to eat.

How can I make my tomatoes more resistant to heatwaves?

Look for varieties of tomatoes with a reputation for withstanding prolonged heatwaves. Planting nematode-resistant crops such as corn and zinnias may also help protect your tomatoes from heat damage. Mulching around your plants can also help keep the soil temperature cooler.

What is the best way to water my plants?

The best way to water your plants is to use a drip irrigation system, which will deliver a steady stream of water directly to the roots of your plants. This helps ensure that your plants get the right amount of water without over-watering or under-watering them.

How often should I fertilize my plants?

Fertilizing your plants depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the type of plants you are growing. Generally speaking, most vegetables need to be fertilized every two weeks during their growing season. However, it is important to read the instructions on the fertilizer package for specific instructions.

What other tips do you have for successful gardening?

Make sure to rotate your crops each year so that different types of vegetables don't deplete the same nutrients from the soil. Also, make sure to keep weeds under control by either hand-weeding or using mulch. Finally, make sure to water your plants deeply but infrequently so that they don't become waterlogged.