Clint & Corky
Greetings from the island everyone. As I sit here at my little kitchen table the morning of the second week of March, I am happy to know that Spring is only a few weeks away. But as I speak, Mother Nature is on the verge of reminding me that SHE is in charge, as within the hour, a strong 30-40 mph norther, that will be dropping island temps into the mid 30’s, will be here.
I don’t know the actual stats or anything from previous average winters for our area, but this winter, my 16th island one full time, sure seems as though it has been consistently colder. Tossing aside last years February hard freeze, a rare once in several decades occurrence, this has been the coldest, and windiest, winter that I can recall in a long time. If these global warming theorists (aka idiots), would have spent the past two winters out here on the island, instead of inside a nice cozy central heat wi-fi building with their hot cafe’ latte, I’m most certain that their beliefs would have changed. I don’t know, maybe getting older just makes it seem that the winters have gotten colder, but it sure feels that way to me.
These late cold and windy northers are also a prime example of why I do not put my tomato plants in the ground early. Yes, I get excited about the arrival of Spring and want to get my different varieties of tomato seeds started early, but I know that putting the plants in the ground outside 4-6 weeks later, will mean still-to-come cold weather and very strong north winds. My concern is not so much the temps, even though too early planted tomatoes will simply become dormant until the soil warms up to 60 degrees or warmer, but the high north winds. The 25-40 mph north winds can be brutal out here on the island, tearing apart and damaging young tomato plants that are not completely protected. So I make myself wait and not start my seeds inside the little greenhouse until late February/first of March. This puts the plants in the ground the middle of April, still susceptible to some very late northers, but not nearly as much so.
I started my seeds last week, 6 different varieties and 18 plants total. I usually give a few plants to my dad and brother, ultimately putting 12-14 tomato plants in my raised beds and 25 gallon tubs. I’ve been working on my raised garden beds before putting the 5-6 week old plants in them mid April. Over the past 14 years since constructing them, they have settled into the ground, lessening my soil depth for the plant roots to flourish. I’m adding boards on top of the existing raised beds, giving me 6-12” of more soil depth. I believe that at least 12” of soil is needed for tomato plants, and closer to 20” is even better. Of course I’ll have to add more soil, compost and manure to raise the level back up to the new height, but that’s ok, it will be worth it.
It was a pleasure meeting an Island Life article fan, Billy Phoenix, at the dock last week while I was loading my boat after a weekly supply run. Billy had been out on a fishing trip with local fly fishing guide, Tom Horbey, who is a tomato growing fanatic like myself. Thank you for your very kind words, Billy, and asking me to sign your latest copy of the Dolphin Talk Island Life article. I truly enjoy writing the articles, and strive by my words to make the readers feel as though they are right there on the island. . . (figuratively of course, never literally!). Ha!!
Well that’s it from the island for now, everyone take care, enjoy Spring and have a great day.
