Question
QUESTION: I seem to have an annual issue with my tomatoes.The dreaded blight seems to hit every year and the growth seems to hit a wall after about 60 days.I have resoiled my entire garden last year ,boxed about 6 inches deep, A mixture of compost and topsoil, added more compost this year.The tomatoes have been in about 2 weeks(upstate ny) and seem to be ok, so far.What is the best type of fertilizer and how much"? HOW CAN I KEEP LEAF BLIGHT FROM RETURNING? I have basil for a neighboring plant.
I also seem to have an issues with my bell peppers since new soil last year(small and stalky plants without much yield)

p.s  p.h is balanced the best i could

thanks


Tomatoes and Peppers i  
Plastic tunnel   ANSWER: Firstly, make sure you rotate where you plant your tomatoes, they should not be planted in the same spot for at least 3 years, unless you are replacing the soil each year as the blight will stay in the soil.  Secondly, the way I prevent blight (I live in western Canada) is to grow them under cover.  I use either a plastic tunnel or a greenhouse.  If tomato leaves get damp either by rain or humidity they will most likely get some blight.  If you are growing under cover make sure there is good air circulation by not planting them too close together, growing them upright using string or cages, and removing all the lower leaves from the plant.

Basil is a good companion plant, however does not prevent blight.

Your Peppers may need a little extra potassium and perhaps more phosphorus as well to produce really nice fruit, your soil may be low in these.  You can try adding a little greensand (for potassium) and bonemeal or rock dust (for phosphorus) to the area you are planting the peppers in.  Peppers like tomatoes need lots of heat and sunlight so make sure the area is getting at least 8 hours of direct sun.  They grow well for me in plastic tunnels or greenhouse as well.

I hope this helps.  I have attached a picture of what our plastic tunnels look like and here is a link on how we made them http://www.flickr.com/photos/13634242@N03/sets/72157603873631791/.  

Please let me know if you have any more questions.

Happy Gardening,
Catherine Abbott



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for help but I don't think the tunnel is practical, at least for this year.I heard newspaper down?
I also change locations annually.

also/ is there a tip on growing beets, love em but mine seemed few and far between even after thinning.

Answer
I have not heard about using newspaper, but give it a try as some of the "old wives tales" work in different situations.  Gardening is often about experimenting and finding out works in your soil/climate.  Try to keep the leaves of your tomato plants from getting damp, that might help to keep the blight at bay this year.

Beets like soil that has been limed and has a good amount of phosphorus.  Perhaps make a note for next season and lime before you plant.  If you have already planted your beets this year try adding a phosphorus rich fertilizer and see if that helps.

Happy gardening,
Catherine Abbott