NEW BED

[grammysharon]

My step son tilled me a new bed for wildflowers. I read here that you should take the layer of grass off first, but he didn't. How can I prepare this bed for planting and can I plant in it this year or should I wait for all the grass and weeds to die and how do I get rid to them. I am a novice gardener and am trying different things. Also, I bought some yellow heirloom tomatoe plants this year. Can you preserve these the same a red - any suggestions for use, if they produce well. I am really enjoying all the information. We do mulch the veggie garden with a thick layer of hay.

[Doc]

So glad to hear that both of you jumped right in!

If the weeds/grass aren't too tall I would till again. If possible, again for the 3rd time in another week or so if weather and conditions permit. This will help get rid of what is there. And adding your ammendments, compost, etc., if you are adding any, to the last tilling will make things easier for you. If you aren't tilling again. . .weed by hand when soil is moist making sure to get as much root as possible. If it looks like it will get ahead of you. . .mow and then mulch thickly (here that means 6-8 inches with the temperatures and rains, otherwise things will grow right through!); when you are ready to use just uncover and work the soil.
Not uncommon to have some things sprouting up besides what you planted the first several seasons. And as far as mulching. . .if you are using hay they may have seeds that will contribute to the extra plants growing in your bed. So you probably will want to check that out and possibly consider another source. Also are you wanting to plant in seeds? Or started, or young plants?

As far as the tomatoes.. . . are you talking seeds for preservation? Or the fruit?
Seeds would be like any other tomato. The fruit I use the same as the reds. If canning I mix with my reds to help keep the acidity up; or you could add atleast 2-3 teaspoon lemon juice a pint canned to make sure it is ok. Some yellows are not as acidic as others and would need a bit more. For drying, treat just like you would the reds, or try dipping in lemon juice first--but is messy I will worn you.

Hope this is somewhat helpful to you.
Have fun!
Doc

[grammysharon]

Thanks for all the info. Hopefully I will have enough tomatoes to can. This site is great.