I planted the tomatoes a bit later than usual this year but the weather has been cooperating nicely. The soil temperature stayed warm enough through September that I am expecting a decent harvest even with the delay. I used a mix of compost and aged manure to prepare the beds and that really seems to make a difference in how the roots develop. You mentioned you were thinking about starting a small vegetable garden next spring and I think you would do well with raised beds. They warm up faster in the spring and drain better if we get heavy rain. I can help you build the frames if you decide to go that route. Just let me know what dimensions you are considering and I can pick up the lumber. Also if you want I can start some seedlings indoors for you in March so you have strong plants ready to go when the frost lifts. The variety I had the most luck with last season was a Roma type that held up well in the heat and produced steadily until October.

I also tried a few cherry tomato plants along the fence line and they did surprisingly well with minimal staking. The soil pH was slightly acidic which seemed to suit them fine. If you want to test your soil before planting I have a small kit you can borrow. It gives you a basic reading of pH and nutrient levels so you know what amendments to add ahead of time.
AAA
Premier Roadside Support for Licensed Drivers

Your Premier Roadside Support Kit

A program for eligible residents in your area

Because of your residency within the program region, you are eligible to receive a comprehensive roadside support kit. This kit is provided at no charge to qualifying residents through the AAA Courtesy Bundle initiative. You will not be billed for the kit, and no payment is required for eligible recipients.

Claim Your Courtesy Kit

What your kit includes

Each kit contains the following items to help you stay prepared on the road.

Jumper cables (12 ft.)
Reflective safety triangles
LED flashlight with batteries
First aid kit (25-piece)
Tire pressure gauge
Emergency blanket (mylar)
Multi-tool with pliers
Road flare (LED)
Duct tape (heavy-duty)
Work gloves (pair)
Rain poncho (disposable)
Bungee cords (set of 2)
Emergency contact card
Small notepad with pen

Supplies are allocated per program availability and may vary while quantities last.

This program is made possible through a partnership with local transportation authorities and AAA. Residents who hold a valid driver license and reside in the designated service area may request one kit per household. Eligibility is verified by residential address at the time of request. The kit is delivered directly to your address and no shipping charges apply.

We appreciate your trust in AAA and are pleased to support drivers in your community.

This message was sent to eligible residents in the program area. If you have questions about the Courtesy Bundle, please contact your local AAA office.

Have you ever hiked the trail that goes up along the ridge on the north side of the lake. The elevation gain is steady but not too steep and the view from the top looking out over the water is really something else. I went last weekend with a couple friends and we packed a simple lunch to eat at the summit. There is a spot near the top where the trees open up and you can see the entire valley below. If you plan to go I would suggest starting early in the morning before the sun gets too high because most of the trail is exposed once you get above the tree line. Bring plenty of water and a hat. The round trip took us about four hours with a few breaks to take photos and enjoy the scenery. I think you would really enjoy it. The trailhead is about a 20-minute drive from town and there is a small parking area near the entrance. We saw deer on the way up and a few different bird species that I could not identify. The weather was clear and the temperature stayed comfortable throughout the hike. I am thinking of going again in a few weeks when the leaves start to change color.