What do I have to do t... - Ask Extension
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What do I have to do t... #325017
Asked May 25, 2016, 11:21 AM EDT
What do I have to do to prepare a site for planting tomatoes again? I have used this spot for several years and I fear the soil is wearing out. I have a postage-stamp sized city lot so moving my tomato plants is not an option. Also, please advise what milk-weed saplings look like. I planted some seeds fall before last but have not seen any sign of new plants. Thank you.
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
I am assuming that you did not have any tomato diseases that overwintered in the soil. Each year incorporate 2 to 3 inches of organic matter to a dept of 6-8 inches. Organic matter includes animal manure, rotted leaves, compost, peat moss, and cover crops. Over time the organic matter will improve the soil structure. You can find many pictures of milkweed seedling is you do a Google search “milkweed seedlings images”
http://www.monarchwatch.org/milkweed/guide/
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/growing_milkweeds_for_monarch_butterflies