Here in Bangor, Maine, my homegrown tomato seedlings are still in their little pots on the back deck waiting for warm weather.

Your Maine rain for our California warmth? Win-win.

One of the things I enjoy most about gardening is the opportunity to use one's creativity. I think you enjoy it, too, from what I can tell about the various things you've done with gardening, including that very creative book of yours.

Now this toppling-avoidance innovation is quite interesting. At first I didn't quite understand it, but combining your pics with the Top/Middle/Last, I see what you are doing.

I think you'll do well with the lettuce idea and here's why. I used to have a large nursery as a client. The three owners were very skilled home gardeners themselves. One of them told me the "real" reason lettuce doesn't grow in the summer, and it's not what most people think. It's shade! Yes, it just needs a bit of protection from the hot sun. The tomato leaves should give enough of that.

I have an idea for you on the discipline, too, but I have to go to class now. Later...



Cher

I will try planting some lettuce in the shade. I have a good spot for it in my tiny garden. What is the worst that can happen? That it doesn't come up. Thanks for the idea.

I'm assuming the soil depth and all that is going to produce hearty growth, but the design seems a really good idea. I'm following ya!

and thanks for sharing it. It has been filed away for future use.
I think a pole bean planted to climb with the tomato would work well, along with the lettuce. With all you have planted you would be picking a nice batch of beans.

But my mind was elsewhere when I clocked on the link to get here because I thought you were giving growing instructions for weed.