Yeah the raised bed approach works better for tomatoes in this climate based on what I have seen. We tried in-ground last year and the drainage was poor especially after the heavy rains in June. I added perlite and compost but it was too late by then. This season I am starting them indoors about six weeks earlier with a heat mat to keep soil temperature stable. The San Marzano variety should do well here if we get them established before humidity peaks. I also picked up basil and oregano for companion planting around the edges. Let me know if you want to split a bag of organic fertilizer I found a reasonable price at the co-op on route 9. I am trying a twine and wooden stake method instead of cages this year to improve airflow around the plants.

I also mulched with straw last week to help retain moisture and keep the soil temp more even. The seedlings are looking strong so far with true leaves developing nicely. If this method works well I might expand to a second bed next season for peppers and cucumbers.
A A A
Roadside Support • Travel • Member Services

Your Courtesy Roadside Kit Is Ready

Available through our regional support program for residents in your area

As a resident of our service region, you are eligible to receive a roadside assistance courtesy kit through this locality-based program. The kit is provided at no charge to eligible residents in your area, and you will not be billed for any part of it. No payment is required for qualified recipients.
Review Your AAA Courtesy Kit

What the Courtesy Kit Includes

LED road flare kit
Jumper cables, 12-foot
Emergency blanket
First-aid supply pack
Tire pressure gauge
Work gloves, pair
Flashlight with batteries
Multi-tool with pliers
Reflective warning triangles
Safety vest
Bungee cords, set of 4
Car window breaker tool

Kit contents are subject to availability based on program allocation. Supplies are limited by regional distribution schedules.

Thank you for being a valued member of our roadside community. We are glad to support drivers in your region with practical tools for safer travels.

AAA Roadside Support • Serving drivers across your region
The trail cleanup went well on Saturday with about twelve volunteers which was a good turnout for short notice. We worked on the trailhead area and the creek bank where erosion has been getting worse. The coordinator wants to do another session in October focused on planting native shrubs along the south edge. I offered to source plants from the conservation district since they have bulk pricing for community groups. If you are free that weekend we could use extra hands for digging and hauling mulch. I also finished updating the trail map with the new marker locations and color coding system based on difficulty ratings. I will send you a PDF to review before we send it to print. The new system should make it easier for visitors to choose routes that match their experience level.

We also discussed adding a small kiosk at the main trailhead with printed maps and a QR code linking to the online version. The county parks department offered to help with materials if we provide the labor for installation.