Patio Tomatoes (and lettuce) in Non-traditional Containers 2012

2011 was crazy and 2012 is crazier yet but I'm finding time (thanks to some terrific relatives who fill in for me at the mini nursing home) to devote to planting a veggie garden once again.

Not having the time during the summer of 2011 to get the garden tilled had me searching for different ways to incorporate a small quantity of tomato plants within close proximity to our house. Because my non-traditional planting of a few patio tomato plants proved to be very successful in 2011, it only made sense to continue this method in 2012. 

It doesn't get any better than stepping out your door and picking a fresh tomato. Limited garden space isn't a good excuse for not having home-grown tomatoes at your fingertips during the warm summer months. Sure, there's always an abundance of fancy pots and/or planters available for purchase to use for growing patio tomatoes but try to be resourceful and take a good look around your home, shed, garage, barn, etc. for something that you can recycle to serve this purpose.

We used the same 'refurbished' hot water tank this year that we used last year to house our three patio tomato plants. Of course if it worked last year why wouldn't it work this year?

OK, so it's not the best looking receptacle but it serves the purpose well and the price is right.

Of course three tomato plants are not a requirement - one plant or two would work just as well.

Just be sure your container is placed where it will receive lots of sunlight and that there is drainage in the bottom of the pot.

Keep the soil moist and you will indeed be rewarded with an abundance of juicy red tomatoes

WOW! Look at the size of these baby tomatoes. Totally organic - no pesticides required!

This non-traditional 'red neck' tomato planter has proven worthy of housing our patio tomato plants last year (2011), this year (2012), and you bet it will be in service for many years to come.

Whoops! I almost forgot to show you my non-traditional  lettuce planting.

Last year the Radio Flyer Wagon successfully housed a tomato plant but this year I rotated the crops (ha ha) and instead used it to grow my lettuce.

I know it looks a little scary but the stuff is delish!

Are you thinking what I'm thinking - another 'red neck' planter????

Non-traditional or unconventional, hmmm, good question!

ONE WEEK LATER - UPDATE ON THE SALAD GREENS:  I made a to-die-for salad from the salad greens grown in the wagon. If you can find some salad greens in some greenhouse already started I highly recommend you plant some NOW. Every bite of these greens provides a crunch of freshness that is far beyond the taste of any store bought lettuce. GO FOR IT!