Rob’s 60-by-45-foot Summer Garden in NC

Rob’s 60-by-45-foot garden in Fort Barnwell, North Carolina, is a model of year-round container gardening. The plot sits in USDA Zone 8b, and Rob, who will be 72 this year, says the space is “productive” and “filled with summer crops.”

Container Growing

Rob grows most of his produce in containers, a practice he follows all year. The garden’s layout includes a 60-by-45-foot area dedicated to container plants. Among the varieties he cultivates are the Celosia (Celosia argentea), the Southern pea Phaseolus lunatus ‘Dixie Butterpea’ in a 7-gallon pot, and the ‘Seminole’ corn (Zea mays). The ‘Hossinator’ tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is planted from plugs in the foreground, while the ‘Purple Boy’ tomato is just beginning to set fruit.

Tomato Harvest

The tomato crop is the highlight of the season. Rob notes a large harvest of the ‘Hossinator’ and ‘Purple Boy’ varieties, and he mentions that the wheel hoe is “ready.” He also says the harvest may change plans for canning, as the yield is substantial. However, one tomato plant shows signs of the tomato spotted wilt virus, a disease that Rob reports has appeared on his garden.

Other Crops

In addition to tomatoes, Rob’s garden hosts a range of other summer staples. The ‘Dixie Butterpea’ grows in a 7-gallon container and is thriving. The ‘Seminole’ corn is nearly ready for a summer meal, and the Celosia plant is doing well despite heat. Ducks have been a nuisance, especially when they tried to eat the late-season corn.

Challenges and Plans

July was unusually hot, and the garden’s weeds were “ahead” at the time of Rob’s visit. Rain finally arrived, allowing him to resume work. He also mentions the wheel hoe’s call and the need to discourage ducks from the corn. With the current tomato harvest, he may shift focus to canning supplies, which he says will stay busy.

Fine Gardening, the publication that featured Rob’s garden, also lists recommended products such as a Razor-Back Potato/Refuse Hook, a Gilmour 811673-1001 Sprinkler, and a Chapin International 10509 Upside-Down Trigger Sprayer. The article encourages readers to share their own gardens via a submission form or by emailing photos to [email protected].