I have the most pathetic tomato patch this year. When we moved in, the garden area was neglected for several years, and overgrown with weeds and highly invasive sumac. It took us months of work, and gallons of heavy brush killer to clear it. When it came time to plant, I was suffering from health problems, so basically I did no garden prep, and we just stuck them in the ground. I think the soil needs a lot of work for next year. Plus I need to trim the nearby trees for more light.
@
humfrz, what do you suggest for the soil?
On the other hand, my son loves carving pumpkins at Halloween, so we planted 6 plants against the back fence. We already have pumpkins taller than my knees. I count about 30 pumpkins. I have a feeling we will be giving a lot away to the neighbor kids.