08/20/2025
My controversial way of growing tomatoes in the desert is what I'm calling the jungle method.
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1. First, we placed our "raised bed" about 4-6" into the dirt. This prevents quick drying soil that happens in raise beds.
2. I plant a tomato every 3 feet (ish).
3. I do NOT cage. I let them spread. This creates their own ground cover, choking out weeds. It also prevents my plants from burning. Keeping them close to the ground helps keep them cool.
4. I pick tomatoes right before they turn bright red.
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I've done this the last 2 years, and it's worked great. It's August, and my plants are still healthy and covered in tomatoes. I have to dig for tomatoes, but that part is kinda fun.
