Methods To Prevent Weeds Around Tomato Plants

Question From: K. Thompson - GEORGIA
Q: My ext. agent says to plant crimson clover around tomato plants & it will choke out weeds do you find this to be true?

A:

Kenneth, This sounds like something a commercial grower might do. Certainly you would get fewer weeds, but trust me you will get weeds. I layer newspaper, six sheets thick on the surface of the soil around my tomato plants and cover the newsprint with shredded leaves and a thin layer of tub ground mulch. This year I'm planting marigolds around and in the beds. A commercial tomato grower told me they really cut down and insect problems in his beds. Hope this helps. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.