We
PERCY THAMES Concrete: Forming, slabs, driveways, roofing. Free estimates. 601-5438712.
MERCY APPLIANCE REPAIRS & Mercy Garage Door Maintenance and Installs & Heating & Air Conditioning services. Call James Johnson Certified 601-791-6969.
DIRT DELIVERED & spread. Fill dirt, limestone, sand, crushed concrete. 228-861-0818.
ROOFING FRAMING DRYWALL
Flooring, Electrical, Plumbing. 25 years experienced crew. Call 228-332-7024
WANTED COIN COLLECTIONS: Will pay cash for coins. Indian head and wheat pennies, buffalo nickels, mercury dimes, quarters, half-dollars and silver dollars. Please call 228218-2563.
WE BUY Scrap metal, junk cars, pickups & semi trucks, equipment, campers, etc. Call 985629-1752.
20 BOXES of books, 100 books in each, from romance, mystery, western, etc. $12 a box. Call 985893-2512 Covington.
LINUS WILLIAMS
Snowbird Painter
ROOFING - CHRISTIAN man with 46 years experience shingles & metal roofing, references. Call 228-596-4259.
ARROWHEADS
Authentic only. Cash paid. Call 228-235-1506.
SUNDAY
SLIDELL
ATTENTION: CHRISTIAN man. Roofing, all types, 45 years local experience. We care about the quality of our performance Call 228-8325394.
SLIDELL ST PATRICKS PARADE
1:00 - 5:00 PM
GRETNA
GRETNA IRISH-ITALIAN PARADE
NOON
SATURDAY MAR 16 2024
NEW ORLEANS - IRISH CHANNEL
IRISH CHANNEL PARADE
1:00 PM
FRENCH QUARTER
ITALIAN-AMERICAN ST. JOSEPH’S PARADE
IN THE FRENCH QUARTER
6:00 PM
SUNDAY MAR 17 2024
METAIRIE
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE ON METAIRIE ROAD
NOON
NEW ORLEANS
DOWNTOWN IRISH CLUB PARADE
7:00 PM
SATURDAY MAR 24 2024
METAIRIE
LOUISIANA IRISH-ITALIAN PARADE (METAIRIE)
NOON
SATURDAY APR 6 2024
CHALMETTE
ST. BERNARD IRISH ITALIAN ISLENOS PARADE
11:00 AM
ladies for single men. Introductions, trips, K-1 Visa processing. Text name, address or call 228-327-3206.
W82TXT
FURNITURE SALE
ALL ITEMS MUST GO
Furniture sale, all pieces in good to very good condition. Call 985-6401040 or 985-707-8360 for inquiry.
• 3pc Mission Full Headboard, nite stand and small upright dresser, $150 or BEST OFFER
•3pc Full Sled bed headboard/footboard, nite stand, dresser & mirror. $150 or BEST OFFER
•4pc King bed, headboard, footboard, nite stand, dresser & mirror, large upright chest of drawers, bed-iron, other pieces black. $200 or BEST OFFER.
•4pc sofa, loveseat, chair & ottoman $350 or BEST OFFER.
•Leather sectional, beige, $80 or BEST OFFER.
•End tables, center tables, $80 or BEST OFFER.
•Etege, $60 or BEST OFFER.
•30” Gas stove, white, 4 burner, good condition, $80 or BEST OFFER. Call 985-640-1040 or 985-707-8360.
FOR SALE: Workhorse S-300 Bobcat. Comes with several attachments and a 32’ Gooseneck trailer. $50,000. Call 228-6973902.
Interior, exterior, metal roof coatings, deck staining, pressure washing. One man crew. Free estimates. Check out my work on Facebook at Williams Painting Owen WI. 715-551-7959.
Tony’s Take JAMES GILL
“Just keep writing and you’ll make it” Of all the signatures in my high school senior yearbook, this is the one that I have returned to from time to time, more than 60 years ago. In high school, I wrote a column called Potpourri, a casual, student-centric weekly piece, where I was able to challenge the adult foibles of our emerging lives as adults in a rather conservative Los Angeles. One column addressed the removal of unruly students from our school, which we labeled “Dorsey High’s exchange program.”
Another highlighted the de facto segregation in various grassy areas (triangles) although all of us students seemed to get along great during school hours. A third was an exclusive interview with Eric Nord, the King of the Beatniks, whose “pad” signature was known by me and our editor and was spotted one Friday night by he and I and our two clueless dates as we prowled the seedy Venice West neighborhood along the Pacific Ocean beach. A scoop over the Los Angeles Times, no less!
My writing continued in college in the form of English Lit classes, then in my early life in broadcasting, where I served as a News Director, Associated Press reporter and finally into advertising and advertising sales. It has served me well and given me not only an above average income but also the satisfaction I derived from the craft.
I was influenced by writers from many disciplines, from local San Franciscans to national and international scribes. I was hamstrung for a while because of the restrictions of my job descriptions but as the 5 W’s and one H of pure journalism evolved into a larger helping of opinion, personal writer experiences and observations and finally the relaxation of language, which allowed tartness, sarcasm, double entendres and even the admittance of what at one time had been held as vulgarity, my style, as it is, evolved.
People like Alfred Hitchcock experimented with acerbic wit in his television show where before only cutting edge comedians like Lenny Bruce had traveled before. But on a local level, no one in my life approached the cutting offerings of James Gill. A Brit by birth, the country gentleman could pour the literary salt into many a pompous life in the New Orleans area, from Jefferson Sheriff Harry Lee to the present excuse of a mayor, LaToya Cantrelle.
Gill would have not used a play on words or a pun on Cantrelle’s first name to skew Her Honor, just describe the facts of her imaginary world and hubris with those outside of her inner circle or French Quarter boudoir, er, apartment. Gill played the role of a stuffy Limey but his perchance style favored vinegar….undistilled. He also loved the dictionary, where many of my readers have been steered towards in this column over the years. English is such a fun language for writers, playwrights and comedians as well as the occasional politician like Edwin Edwards, who knew how to dish out the verbal punches without throwing any physical ones.
Gill looked like a curmudgeon and probably sounded like one to those not familiar with the world of journalism. But Gill didn’t pull any punches or fawn over favorites, which would made him seem unauthentic. Although I never met him, he would have been a great wingman at a New Orleans area bar or restaurant. Now he serves as a wingman with the Lord, and those more prolific New Orleans writers than myself, especially Clancy Dubos, would point out that Gill would not have wanted to be a wingman but a chips and fish man. With vinegar.
PERCY THAMES Concrete: Forming, slabs, driveways, roofing. Free estimates. 601-5438712.
PERSONAL CAREGIVER/
Sitter, Certified Can, looking for a position, 20+ years experience. Will provide references upon request. Call 225-910-2688 (Northshore Area)
ROOFING FRAMING DRYWALL
Flooring, Electrical, Plumbing. 25 years experienced crew. Call 228-332-7024
TRUCKLOAD OF Quilting supplies & materials, knitting, crochet, etc. New materias. Asking $200. Call 985-893-2512 Covington.
SAND, GRAVEL, Topsoil, crushed concrete, limestone, red dirt, sifted topsoil, crushed asphalt. Pickup or delivery. Call 228-669-2999.
DIAMOND DIVA Pinball machine, needs work, best offer. Call 504-579-2388.
BUY DIRECT FROM PIT Mason Sand, Fill Sand 228-860-7907 228-832-1215
LEAKY ROOF? Roof repair? I’m your man. Fast and affordable. 25 years experience. Free estimates. Call 601-2154731 or 228-563-0929.
PLZ W82TXT
CASH PAID - Boats, motors and trailers, Running or not. 228-596-9582 or 228-806-9382.
TOP CHOICE LAWN & CLEARING
Flower beds, tree and limb removal, pressure washing, auto and marine detailing. Call 228235-7342.
APPLIANCES
WASHER & DRYER , mint condition, $125 each. Call 985-863-9928
CARL’S PAINTING:
Residential, commercial, interior or exterior, pressure washing. 40 years experience. Licensed, insured. 228-596-1744.
ROB’S REMODEL Decks, fences, sheetrock, floors, bathrooms, kitchens, paint. 30 years experience. Call 228-313-1431.
HANDYMAN SERVICE , Fix anything! Storm damage, rot & termite repair. Plumbing & electrical fixtures appliance installation. 39 years experience. Senior discount. Call Lloyd 985-335-2256.
DIRT WE DELIVER. Top soil, fill dirt, sand, gravel, limestone. Call 228-8609036 or 228-864-5782.
SIGNED SAINTS jerseys. Call for info 228-348-2378.
STEREO APPRAISED at $3,000. Kenwood & Infinity Speakers, Deon & Teac System, make offer. Call 228-346-4454.
BEST PRALINES IN THE WORLD! Call 281-5703300.
KITCHENS, CLOSETS, bathrooms, entertainment centers, desks, designed according to your vision with virtual design software. Call INSIDE DESIGN 228870-0466.
DIRT DELIVERED & spread. Fill dirt, limestone, sand, crushed concrete. Call 228-861-0818.
D.C. CEMENT Work & Home Repair. Driveways, Patios, Form Digging & Pouring. Free estimates. Licensed & Bonded. Call 507358-0551 dougc8322@ gmail.com
WALK-IN JACUZZI, used twice, original $6000, asking $3000 obo. Treadmill $75. Exercise bike $75. Bissell Carpet cleaner, like new, $100. Call 504-5792388.
LAWN MOWING & WEED EATING 228-281-4301 plz dnt txt&drv
WHO HAS non-working or unwanted washers and dryers? Also need riding mowers, lawn equipment, etc. Will pay cash or free haul-off! REPAIRS 228249-0178.
ROOFING - CHRISTIAN man with 46 years experience shingles & metal roofing, references. Call 228-596-4259.
Will Afton
AZALEAS
After surviving the great drought of 2023, I started to wonder if our standard perennial plants would be affected by the lack of rain during last year’s growing season. The 2023 growing season was one of the most extreme weather cycles that most of us gardeners have never experienced. We all remember the lack of rain, but who remembers the last freeze on March 29, 2023? Not only were our plants deprived of water, but their spring foliage was damaged due to a late spring freeze!
Well, as ‘Formosa’ azaleas start flowering this week on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain, it seems there is a reason why you see so many planted throughout the region. All are looking great. In fact, I’m impressed with some of these blooms. As the days and weeks progress, these local azaleas will continue proving to us why they are such a tough and tolerant plant for Southeast Louisiana. While we get a moment to admire the flowers, let’s review some information about taking care of azalea plants.
Like all other spring blooming shrubs including gardenia, Indian hawthorn, and viburnum, azaleas should be pruned once they finish flowering. Azaleas and the other spring blooming plants set their flower buds for next year during the summer months of the year prior. If pruned too late in the year, the flowering schedule will be disrupted. I prefer to use hand pruners and prune individual branches separately, but many folks use larger cutting implements to prune larger plantings. Ideally, you want to remove about one third of the plant during the pruning process. Some bushes may require removal of up to half of the plant and in some cases a rejuvenation prune can be beneficial on azalea plants. Rejuvenation pruning is where a majority of the canopy is removed from a plant, and it’s allowed to regrow from the root system. Not all plants can handle such a drastic application, but azaleas in decent health respond favorable in most situations.
Apply fertilizer after pruning and water it in thoroughly. The results of a soil test will provide you with information on current soil pH and elemental deficiencies. Visit www.LSUAgCenter.com and follow the links to the Soil Testing Lab to find information on how to find a soil sample mail-in box. Use the information from the soil test to determine what elements are deficient in the soil. Choose a fertilizer product based on what elements are not in sufficient amounts. Soil pH can be adjusted by amending with sulfur or agricultural limestone.
Inspect plants throughout the growing season. Azalea lacebugs can be a serious issue during the heat of summer. Avoid them now by applying a systemic insecticide in the spring. Look for products like Fertilome Systemic Drench, BioAdvanced Tree and Shrub, or Merit. All three contain imidacloprid as an active ingredient and are labeled to control azalea lacebugs in the landscape. Spider mites and scale insects can also become problematic during the growing season. Those issues can be treated with oil and soap sprays before daily temperatures average higher than 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Later during the fall months, red headed azalea caterpillars may show up to feed on foliage. Treat them, along with any other caterpillar pests, using spinosad or Bacilius thuringiensis. Remember to always read and follow the product label when applying any type of pesticide, whether it be conventional, natural, or organic.
Hi, Everyone! email me! PaulaJ3036@gmail.com
Hope you had a chance to do something fun this last couple of weeks. I had a really enjoyable time this past weekend. I was able to attend the Eaglette Banquet, since this is my granddaughter’s Senior year. It was a really nice time. Immediately after the banquet we headed to her high school for the Baskets and BBQ event. No, we didn’t win a basket but we enjoyed more delicious food. It was a great time! Gonna miss all those sweet girls and their Mom’s. But, the year isn’t over yet. Still have a couple more months, her graduation is May 14. And it is coming really fast!
With that, we are having a really early Easter! And I am making sure I am prepared. Here is just a sampling of the things on my craft table. They are so cute and so much fun to paint. The best part is these cute little wood bunnies can be found at Hobby Lobby. Unfortunately, they don’t have a very large supply of them. And the cost is very reasonable. I base coated these little darlings in various colors. No shading or highlighting on these, so I simply call them my Marshmallow Bunnies. I used a 3/8” half round for the nose, small eggs and hearts for the feet, tied a simple bow around the neck and glued a pom pom on the back for a tail. These are so much fun to make. If you would like one, email me.
Well, that’s it for this time. What will your next project be? Mine,,,,,,not really sure. But it’s gonna be fun!!
Sincerely, Paula
JohnsonBEST PRALINES IN THE WORLD! Call 281-5703300.
BUY DIRECT FROM PIT
Mason Sand, Fill Sand 228-860-7907
228-832-1215
CROSBY’S HEATING & AIR
Locally owned and operated. New installs, repairs, regular maintenance, quick service, with unbeatable low pricing. Call to schedule.
228-669-9199
CHOOSE ANNUAL & PERENNIAL FLOWERS FOR YOUR LANDSCAPE
Now may a good time to begin planning for your landscape needs. I’ll admit that I’m often last minute on deciding what I want to plant during the year, but early planning will save you a lot of time when that time arrives. What you choose depends on your garden objectives. If your thinking you want to add color to an area, annual and/or perennial flowers will be a great choice and there are lots of great options to choose from.
Annual plants provide color throughout the season. They sprout from seed, then flower, set seed, and die within one season. Annual plants include numerous selections of colors, leaf shapes, and uses throughout your landscape. They can be used as borders such as Begonia, Alyssum, Marigold (dwarf), and Verbena; for their foliage such as Amaranth, Caladium, Dusty Miller, and Joseph’s Coat; while others can be used in containers or hanging baskets such as Geranium, Petunia, Marigold, and Periwinkle. Including some previously listed, many annuals may be used for a variety of uses such as Coleus. I must admit, I’m a big fan of Coleus. Coleus comes in a variety of leaf textures, shapes, and colors. They can be used in many landscape settings and, like many other herbaceous plants, they’re easy to propagate vegetatively so you can fill-in empty areas as needed.
ALL TYPE carpenter work: fences, decks, remodel, pressure wash, debris haul off. Call 228219-1143.
CHEAP FILL DIRT. Deliver Covington, Mandeville, Abita Springs, Madisonville area. $4 per yard. Ponds dug, tree & concrete removal, demolition, driveways repaired/ graded, gravel, sand & limestone delivery. Call 985-629-1752.
BUSHHOGGING, miscellaneous tractor work. USAF retired. Call Bob 228-8611036.
Both annuals and perennials come in a variety of colors, textures, and shapes.
Perennial plants return year after year. They fit into many landscapes and can be used as borders, accents, or strong focal points. The foliage of many perennials is attractive during nonflowering seasons as well. Many gardeners include flower-ing bulbs and ornamental grasses in this category. Perennials need less maintenance, less water, and fewer pesticides than an-nuals. Like annuals, many perennials are effective in mass when they are in bloom such as Chrysanthemum, Salvia, and Daylily. Because of their seasonality, perennials are better viewed as small accents of color and texture for other plants. Many peren-nials are short bloomers and are best mixed with plants that bloom at different times of the year or included with other land-scape plants, including annuals, as part of an overall design.
Other perennial plants, such as ferns and monkey grass, are noted more for their foliage rather than flowers. These may include Holly ferns, Leather ferns, or Southern Maidenhair. Ferns prefer more shaded areas as does Hostas. Inclusion of these plants adds interest and creates seasonal color or texture in the landscape.
Both annual and perennial plants are very versatile in the landscape and have a range of beautiful flowers and foliage.
Within each, there are numerous plants that are heat and cold tolerant. Some like dry soils while others prefer moist or wet soils. While most need sunlight, there are many that like part sun or shade. Just know there are a number of annual and perennial plants that fit your landscaping needs. For more information or to see a list of many other annual and perennial plants including descriptions, refer to Publication No. 1826: Annual & Perennial Flowers for Mississip-pi Gardens.
RAINBOW VACUUMS.
CASH PAID - Outboard motors, Running or not. 228-596-9582 or 228806-9382.
FURNITURE SALE
ALL ITEMS MUST GO
Furniture sale, all pieces in good to very good condition. Call 985-640-1040 or 985-707-8360 for inquiry.
• 3pc Mission Full Headboard, nite stand and small upright dresser, $150 or BEST OFFER
•3pc Full Sled bed headboard/footboard, nite stand, dresser & mirror. $150 or BEST OFFER
•4pc King bed, headboard, footboard, nite stand, dresser & mirror, large upright chest of drawers, bediron, other pieces black. $200 or BEST OFFER.
•4pc sofa, loveseat, chair & ottoman $350 or BEST OFFER.
•Leather sectional, beige, $80 or BEST OFFER.
•End tables, center tables, $80 or BEST OFFER.
•Etege, $60 or BEST OFFER.
•30” Gas stove, white, 4 burner, good condition, $80 or BEST OFFER.
Call 985-640-1040 or 985-707-8360.
CLOSE TO BEACH in Gulfport, fully furnished, all utilities are included. $650 Rent, $500 Deposit. Call 228-346-4454 or 228346-3881.
BUY DIRECT FROM PIT
Mason Sand, Fill Sand 228-860-7907
228-832-1215
1/4 ACRE for SALE, Ocean Beach Estates, surveyed, $4,000. Call 228-331-3543 Ocean Springs.
APARTMENTS
2 SLIDELL LOCATIONS
Close to best school districts. SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT! 2BD/1BA $800/monthly. Security deposit $800. No pets. ....2BR/1.5BA complete kitchen + W/D. Private covered patios. $850/ monthly. Security deposit $850. Call 504-421-2359.
APARTMENT/HOUSE
RENTAL in Gulfport, MS. 2,3,4,5 bedrooms, Price range $550 - $950. Call 228-867-8811.
FOR SALE: 165 Williams Avenue, Buras, LA. Only $123,000. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, well-maintained home. All ceramic flooring, large kitchen, 1/3 acre lot (168x100). Call 504-931-1918.
HOUSE FOR RENT: 3BR, 1BA, $1,200/monthly. Also 3bd Apt., $1,000 Gulfport. Call 228-297-6898.
2100 SQ.FT. HOME: 5BR, 2 1/2 BA, 13,000 sq.ft. garage, 16’ high ceiling, zoned residential commercial near VA off Pass Road. For sale or rent. Call 228-313-3309.
LAND FOR SALE in Alton, LA. Lot size 50’x100’. No debris, has water & sewage hook-up. Location: off 3rd Ave to 11th St. on the left. Asking price $8,500. Only serious need to call 985-250-9039.
WE BUY MOBILE HOMES. Call 228-3922975.
SPRING/SUMMER WEED CONTROL
Control of Summer annual weeds begins towards the end of Winter and the beginning of Spring. Preemergence herbicides should be applied in late-February to early March to prevent these annual Summer weeds from becoming an issue. To be effective, they must be applied before weed seed germination. These herbicides re-quire 0.25 to 0.5 inches of rainfall or irrigation for activation so try to time the appli-cation within a day or two or expected rainfall, but not a torrential downpour where all of the product ends up being washed away. All of the herbicides in this list can be used on established, southern turfgrasses. READ, and FOLLOW, THE LABEL completely to make sure you can use it in your situation.
A partial list of common (active ingredient) and trade names for Pre-emergent Weed Control in Home Lawns by Homeowners can be found below. Just as with an application of fertilizer, applying in two different directions that total the labeled rate will provide a more consistent barrier to emerging weeds rather than an application in one single direction. Depending upon label directions and application restrictions for the particular product you purchase, reapplication may be beneficial in 6-8 weeks. It is not recommended you use a product that contains a fertilizer carrier at this time as the turf is not actively growing during dormancy and nutrients will only be leached out and wasted. Avoid applications of any fertilizer until you have mowed your actual turfgrass 3 times. Do not apply to areas that have standing water.
Common Name – Trade Name (partial list)
1. Dithiopyr - Sta-Green Crab Ex; Green Light Crabgrass Preventer; Vigoro Preemergent Crabgrass and Weed Preventer
2. Pendimethalin - Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer
3. Oryzalin - Southern Ag. Surflan A.S.
4. Isoxaben - Portrait Broadleaf Weed Preventer
5. Benefin + oryzalin - Green Light Amaze Grass and Weed Preventer; XL 2G
7. Corn gluten meal - Concern All Natural Weed Pre-venter Plus; Nature’s Guide Corn Gluten Meal
LOT FOR SALE - Lot for sale on River Rd. in Boothville. Approximately 200 wide X 1000 long. Property cleared and ready to move on. $65,000 FIRM. Call Stanley at 504-427-1277.
CAMPERS FOR RENT at Martin Lake Resort. Price range $740 - $790 per month. Utilities included. Resort amenities include lake, fishing, pool, jacuzzi, putt-putt golf and an amazing playground! For more information, call Martin Lake Resort Office 228-875-9157 and ask for Stacey.
PRETTY RESIDENTIAL
LOT in Shoreline Park on quiet street, light traffic. 100’x150’ cleared, fenced, services installed, paved road, septictank. Private with shade trees, other amenities. 11 feet above sea level, safe area. $15,000. Call Peggy 228918-6678.
BELLE CHASSE, LA house, 4BR, 2BA, 2 car garage. $1600/mo. Call 504-394-4440.
CORNER LOT FOR SALE O/A 23K, Jeff Parish, LA.100x57, corner of Highland Meadows Dr. and Still Meadows Ct. Call Spencer 504-6507940.
• GARDEN SOIL • MULCH •
• MASONRY • SAND •
• PEA & OTHER GRAVELS •
YOU CAN PICK UP OR WE CAN DELIVER!
SUGARLAND GARDEN SOIL
655 Bayou Road (Past the Yellow Gate to the end)
Belle Chase, LA 504-433-0488
Build your dream house or for a new investment. Choose one or all three (3) Beach front lots–one is a corner lot located in Gulfport, Mississippi. Owner financing is available. They are side by side, facing the Gulf of Mexico and are near restaurants, a casino and the aquarium. Prices start at $245K. PLEASE TEXT Nick Tusa from J. Neal Olive Real Estate at 228-233-5034 or call the office, 228-396-8949 for furthur information.
ONE CALL, we haul. Cash for junk cars, broken down or drivable. Free towing! Call 228235-7342.
GOT $1,500? We’ve got a good car for you. Kelle, 228-223-1270.
TOYOTA, CHEVY, Nissan, Ford trucks and SUVs. 30 to choose from, we finance! Chuck Ryan Cars, Long Beach 228-864-9706.
WE BUY JUNK CARS. Call 228-313-7445
2014s, 2015s, 2016s Toyotas, Nissans, Kias and Hyundais. Low mileage, factory warranty. Priced to sell! Chuck Ryan Cars, Long Beach 228-864-9706.
CASH PAID - Outboard motors, Running or not. 228-596-9582 or 228806-9382.
CHUCK RYAN CARS, Long Beach. Habla Espanol. Su trabahos es su credito Gracias por su negotio! 228-864-9706.
BUY DIRECT FROM PIT Mason Sand, Fill Sand 228-860-7907 228-832-1215
WE BUY DAMAGED or WRECKED CARS! ALEMAN AUTO SALES, Pearl River, Call 985-863-2803.
DIRT DELIVERED & spread. Fill dirt, limestone, sand, crushed concrete. Call 228-861-0818.
CASH PAID - Outboard motors, Running or not. 228-596-9582 or 228806-9382.
CHUCK RYAN CARS, Long Beach. Good cars and trucks starting at $3,995. We finance. 228-864-9706.
GOT $1,500? We’ve got a good car for you. Kelle, 228-223-1270.
FOR SALE: Slidell, 1986 Chevrolet 1500 Suburban, 4WD, Diesel, was running, for parts. Call 302-981-0510.
Tomatoes are in almost everyone’s garden and would easily be voted the No. 1 vegetable. However, as much as we love to grow tomatoes, we must admit that it’s not always easy to do it successfully.
FIBERGLASS PRODUCT
REPAIR - Boats, tubs, vehicle bodies, work buckets and more. 40+ years experience. Mississippi Gulf Coast, 228-284-2804.
20 CARS and TRUCKS
to sell wholesale for cash. Most need some fixing up, Dealers welcome. Chuck, 228-596-3121.
ENCANCHES
Beach.
CHUCK RYAN CARS. Long Beach. 100 cars and trucks on our website with lots of pictures. Check out our inventory at chuckryancars.com. 228-864-9706.
CASH PAID - Boats, motors and trailers, Running or not. 228-596-9582 or 228-806-9382.
120 CARS, Trucks, Vans and SUVs to choose from. Same corner for 41 years. Chuck Ryan Cars, Long Beach 228-864-9706.
Tomatoes need full sun and deep, well-drained soil. They require phosphorous, nitrogen, potash and minor elements. And because of our naturally acidic soil, you may need to add lime.
There are hundreds of tomato cultivars available, categorized by plant growth habits and fruit types. When looking at varieties, Mississippi gardeners may choose how long before they want their fruit to ripen.
Early tomatoes like Early Girl, Bush Early Girl, Juliet, Celebrity and Super Sweet 100 ripen in 50 to 65 days from transplanting. Midseason tomatoes like Better Boy, Big Boy, Big Beef, Cherokee Purple and Brandywine ripen from 66 to 80 days from transplanting, and late-season tomatoes like Beefsteak and German Pink require more than 80 days to ripen.
A more important decision may be choosing disease-resistant varieties.
When you look at tomato selections, you may notice the letters V, F, N or TMV on the labels. These letters mean the plant is genetically tolerant of verticillium wilt, V; fusarium wilt, F; nematodes, N; and tobacco mosaic virus, TMV.
Selecting a plant with the most disease resistance increases your chance for success.
Other words you’ll find on the tomato label are “determinate” and “indeterminate,” and you need to know what these mean so you can select the growth habit best suited to your use.
CASH PAID - Boats, motors and trailers, Running or not. 228-596-9582 or 228-806-9382.
1994 HONDA PASSPORT, 4WD, buy all or parts, local, slidell. Call Mike 302-981-0510.
Indeterminate tomato plants continue to grow and produce for an extended season. Fruit production may continue until the first frost.
Most heirloom tomato cultivars have an indeterminate growth habit. The continuous growth produces many main stems all capable of flowering and producing fruit. Because of this abundant, lush growth, it is best to prune and stake these tomatoes.
Determinate tomato plants grow to a certain size, set fruit and then decline in a short period of time. Most early-ripening tomato cultivars are determinate and will not produce tomatoes throughout the summer.
Determinate tomatoes are relatively compact and produce a full, bushy plant. Their main harvest is concentrated into a few weeks. This may be ideal for those who want to can or preserve the fresh tomato harvest or for those like myself who travel a lot during the late summer.
Semi-determinate is a third type of tomato plant that makes a bushy plant and sets fruit and ripens over a longer period of time than a normal determinate. An example is Celebrity tomato, one of my favorites, and an All-America Selection award.
Tomatoes are ideal for growing in containers, so there is no need to fret if you don’t have a garden plot. Choose a container that is at least a foot deep with drainage holes at the bottom.
When container gardening, use a water-soluble fertilizer about every two weeks. You will more than likely be watering multiple times a week during the summer.
