Day 1 of 365 Days of Planting: Transplanting Tomatoes and Starting Marigolds

Today marks the exciting beginning of our "365 Days of Planting" series! As we embark on this year-long journey into the world of gardening, we started our first day with the delightful tasks of transplanting tomato plants and sowing marigold seeds. With fall planting ahead. Now is the perfect time to dive into these activities, and in this post, I will share tips, tricks, and the joy of planting.

The Joy of Transplanting Tomatoes

Transplanting tomatoes can be a rewarding experience. It is essential to help these plants establish their roots in a new location where they can thrive. Here are the steps we followed to successfully transplant our tomatoes.

Step-by-Step Process of Transplanting

1. Choose the Right Time and Location: Selecting a well-draining, sunny spot in your garden is key to their success. It is a nice day with little wind. lovely

   
   

2. Prepare the Soil: Loamy soil enriched with compost helps tomatoes flourish. We worked compost into the soil to create a nutrient-rich environment.

   
   

3. Transplanting: Dig holes deep enough to accommodate the root ball of the tomato plants—about 18 inches apart. Carefully remove the plants from their containers, keeping the root ball intact. Place them into the holes, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Gently backfill the hole and water thoroughly.

   
   

4. Watering and Mulching: After transplanting, we watered the plants deeply. A layer of mulch can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

   
   

5. Support: Depending on the variety of tomato, you might need to provide support. We used tomato cages for some and stakes for others.

   
   

Freshly transplanted tomato plants in the garden

These steps guarantee a successful transition for your tomato plants, providing them the best opportunity to grow strong.

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Personal Anecdotes on Transplanting

I vividly remember my first tomato transplanting experience years ago. I was so eager to see them grow that I rushed the process, leading to a few wilted plants. This time, taking my time and following the steps made such a difference! The anticipation of flavorful homegrown tomatoes is worth every moment invested in the process.

Benefits of Marigolds in the Garden

Now, let’s talk about marigolds and why we decided to start sowing them. Not only do they add brilliant color to any garden, but marigolds are also known for their numerous benefits.

Deter Deer and Pests

One of the main reasons we love planting marigolds is their ability to deter deer and various pests. These flowers release a scent that many pests find unappealing, thereby keeping them away from our vulnerable plants. Last year, we lost many crops to deer. Planting more marigolds should lead to a significant decrease in deer visits to our garden!

Vibrant marigold flowers in a sunny garden bed

Easy to Grow

Marigolds are incredibly easy to grow from seeds. We sowed them in well-prepared soil, about a quarter-inch deep, and spaced themout appropriately. Within a week, we expect to see the first signs of sprouting! Their speedy germination process makes them an excellent choice for beginning gardeners.

Practical Tips for Sowing Marigold Seeds

1. Soil Preparation: Like our tomato plants, marigolds do best in well-drained soil. You can mix compost into the soil before sowing the seeds.

   
   

2. Watering: Ensure the soil remains consistently moist until the seeds germinate. After that, marigolds require less frequent watering.

   
   

3. Sunlight: These flowers love sun. Position them in an area that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.

   
   

4. Thinning: Once the seedlings sprout, thin them to avoid overcrowding. This helps them grow strong and healthy.

   
   

Growing marigolds alongside your tomatoes creates a beautiful and protective garden space!

Anticipating the Results

As we embark on this 365-day journey of planting, I am excited to see how our garden evolves. The combination of tomatoes and marigolds is just the beginning!

Every step we take leads us closer to a bountiful harvest and a vibrant garden filled with flowers and colorful fruit. Gardening is all about patience and enjoyment, and I look forward to sharing more with you as the year progresses.

Flourishing garden showcasing tomatoes and marigolds together

Let’s celebrate this start! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out

, remember that every plant nurtured is a step toward something beautiful. Happy planting!

Day 1: Planting marigolds and transplanting tomatoes. :

Join Me in the Journey

As we proceed with our 365-day planting series, I invite you to join me. Feel free to share your experiences, tips, and successes as we grow together. Let's cultivate our green thumbs and turn our gardens into vibrant spaces filled with life! Whether you're transplanting tomatoes or starting marigolds, there is always something new to learn and enjoy!