Washington County Weekend Post

Slicing into the first tomato of the season is a much anticipated moment for gardeners. Tomatoes are among the most popular fruit or vegetable plants grown in home gardens. Much of that popularity may be credited to the fact that red, ripe tomatoes have a delicious, juicy flavor that serves as the basis for all sorts of recipes. And since tomatoes can just as easily be grown in a full backyard garden or in a container on a patio or balcony, tomatoes appeal to gardeners regard- less of their living situa- tions. While tomatoes are rela- tively easy to grow, they are prone to certain problems and pests. Knowledge of what to expect when plant- ing tomatoes and how to start off on the right footing can help produce a season's worth of delicious bounty. • Wait until after the last average frost date. Tomatoes can be grown from seeds outdoors in warm areas, but tomato gardeners often find success starting seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date. Gradually introduce seedlings to the elements for a few hours each day, increasing the duration of time outside. Then they can be transplanted outdoors when temperatures are con- sistently over 60 F. • Choose a sunny spot. Tomatoes love to soak up sunlight, according to The Home Depot. Place the plants in a sunny spot so they can thrive. • Space out plants. The experts at Better Homes and Gardens say to leave any- where from 24 to 48 inches between plants to accommo- date for growth and ensure the plants will not get stunt- ed. • Plant deeply. Toma- toes tend to root along their stems. If transplants are long and lean, dig a trench and lay the stem sideways in the dirt, and then bend the top of the plant upward. Snip off the lower branches and cover with soil up to the first set of leaves. This will produce extra root growth and stronger, more vital plants. • Give the plants sup- port. Tomato cages or stakes can help keep the leaves and fruit from touch- ing the ground, which can cause rot and, eventually, death to the tomato plant. • Lay down a layer of mulch. Tomatoes grow best when the soil is consistently moist. Mulch can help retain moisture from watering and rain. Mulch also will help prevent soil and soilborne diseases from splashing on the leaves and plants when it rains. While you amend the soil, make sure that it drains well and is slightly acidic. • Prune away suckers. Tomatoes produce "suck- ers," which are leaves that shoot out from the main stem. Removing these leaves promotes air circulation and keeps the plant's energy focused on growing fruit. Tomatoes are a rich addition to any garden. A few simple tricks can help even novice gardeners grow delicious tomatoes. 2A • WASHINGTON COUNTY POST • SUNDAY, JUNE 6, 2021 GMTODAY.COM If you would like to take part in this listing, call (262) 306-5075 for more details. 270124018 Jackson Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church N168 W20152 Main Street 262-677-3143 Sunday Worship: 9:00 AM Pastor Duane A Swenson Still Waters United Methodist Church 3617 Scenic Rd., www.stillwaterschurch.com; 262-677-1311; Contemporary Worship Sun Worship: 9 & 10:30am Sat. Worship: 5:00pm (Labor Day - Memorial Day) Staffed Nursery at all services for birth-3 yrs Sunday School - all services 3yrs-5 th gr Kewaskum Kewaskum House of Prayer 100 Clinton St. • 262-626-8337 • Pastor Joseph Brath • Worship Sun.10am and 6pm • Thurs. 7pm Monthly Creation-Evolution Meeting (2nd Mon.) 6:30pm Quest Youth Group, Warm Friendly Atmosphere Visitors Welcome! www.kehop.com Mequon Alliance Bible Church Sunday Worship Services are in-person & online: 9 & 10:45 AM; Kingdom Kidz (infant-5th gr) & Student Ministries (6th-12th) during both services. Brian Dainsberg, Lead Pastor, 13939 N. Cedarburg Rd, Mequon. 262-375-2400. Find us on FB, Instagram, Twitter, & YouTube. For more information: www.myabc.church Neosho Faith Bible Alliance Church W2477 Lehman Rd (on Highway 60) 920-625-3538, www.faithbiblealliance.com Sunday Worship at 10:00am Sunday School for all ages at 8:30am Ignition Youth: Sundays 4:00pm Journey 2 Jesus Wed. 6:30pm (Ages 3yrs-6th Grade) West Bend Calvary Church 1110 E Decorah Rd • 262.338.1171 Sunday Worship 10:00am Kids Church & Nursery Available www.calvarywb.org Community Church 2005 S. Main St., 262-338-0725 Sunday 8:30am & 10am; Nursery at both services Children's Ministry K-6th grade 10am Live-stream at 8:30am on our website: www.westbendchurch.org Eagle's Wings Nazarene Fellowship 609 Sandy Acre Drive, 262-334-7124; Pastor Glenn Butts; Sunday School 9:30am; Sunday Worship 10:45am; Ladies Bible Study Mondays 9:00am; Bible Study/Prayer Mtg Wednesdays 6:30pm www.wbnaz.com Fifth Avenue United Methodist 323 South 5th Ave, 262-334-2059, faumc.org Pastor Clarissa Martinelli A Welcoming Christian Community; Sunday Worship 9:30am Good Shepherd Lutheran (WELS) 777 Indiana Ave., West Bend, 262-334-7881 Saturday 5pm; Sunday 8am & 10:30am Sunday School & Bible Study 9:15am Christian Elementary School, Pre-K thru 8th Grade Little Lambs Child Care Center www.goodshepherdwels.org St. Andrew Lutheran Church (LCMS) & Early Childhood Campus 7750 State Rd. 144 North, 262-335-4200 Worship Sun. 8am & 10:30am Sunday Bible Study 9:15am www.standrew-westbend.org St. Paul's & St. Peter's Lutheran (WELS) St. Paul's - Hwy. Z & German Village Rd. Thurs. 6:30pm; Sunday 9:30am St. Peter's - Beaver Dam & Town Line Rd Sunday 8am, Pastor John Cook, 231-290-3311 *Important!* Due to the COVID-19 Virus, please check with your church for changes or cancellations. G ne Gardening Tips to successfully grow tomatoes

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