Tina: Thanks for your comments. I’m a big believer that tomatoes should be mulched, and there are many different types of earth-friendly mulch that can be used. This includes well-shredded leaves, compost, fine wood chips, etc… University studies have shown that red permeable mulch helps to improve tomato development, although it won’t improve the soil quality, of course. Teresa

I’m not certain that pogo’s theory has been demonstrated to be true regarding soil solarization killing everything in the soil. If that were the case, however, one could presumably add back beneficials with compost, micorrhyzae, Bio-tone, compost tea, etc.

As for mulching, could one not just put a fresh layer of leaf litter over the area? Tomato diseases are remarkably sturdy in terms of overwintering in soil so to leave old debris in the planting bed is just begging for them. Even though the soil might benefit from having leaves turned into it, a one-size-fits-all approach to permaculture may not be the best answer in every growing situation.

Thanks! Both the University of California Cooperative Extension and the University of Idaho Extension recommend that gardeners rotate their edible crops about once every 3 years; once every 5 years is even better, if you can. Best regards, Teresa

Sounds like a plan, KK Johnson. If people could only compromise this easily on other important topics, the world would be a happier place. 😉 I do understand your points, but think a bit of crop rotation will only make home gardeners healthier. Have a great growing season, and thanks for stopping by.