My Dollar Tree Garden: End of Season Tomatoes, Strawberries, and Maybe A Cucumber(?)…

I still have no idea if we’re growing a cucumber or a zucchini. I promise you, next year I am labeling everything. Thank goodness it got easier to figure out which pot had cherry tomatoes and which had romas but the suspense of finding out was driving me wild. Much like this zucchini/cucumber situation.

Anyway, as you guys know, I grew almost all of my seeds from dollar tree seeds this year. It was a fun experiment that taught me a lot. What I learned more than anything is – I am not a good student when it comes to gardening. I’m a FAFO gardener. I read everything in the beginning and I quickly ignored everything the following month. I didn’t prune one single seedling, per instruction. I probably could have doubled my harvest but nope!

I also didn’t listen to partial shade vs full sun directions. Nor did I do a good job of seeding my plants early in the winter enough. I should have started in February. Wish a heat lamp. Something I would love to invest in next year.

Alright, enough chit chat – let’s get into the nitty gritty.

Table of Contents

Dollar Tree Vegetable Seeds: Tomatoes, Tomatoes, Tomatoes

As you know from last month’s post – these tomatoes had a rough start. I started them indoors and they all went through shock when I brought them outdoors. Again, I’m learning!

In the end we had 3 tomato plants that have survived my first year and, as mentioned – I had no idea what pot held what. We ended up with 2 cherry tomato plants and 1 Roma plant.

The cherry tomatoes were finally used in a late harvest caprese salad last week! It was so good. Earthy, and perfect for the dish. I don’t love tomatoes but I love this salad and bruschetta.

I learned so much and I hope next year, I’m unstoppable with tomatoes!

Non-Dollar Tree Starters: Lettuce and Strawberries

I don’t understand what is happening but all of our strawberries are coming in now. I can’t remember which are June baring but I think they’re all confused! Cause we have about 20 strawberries doing their best to grow.

And they’re sweet!! Finally.

Dollar Tree Pollinators Seeds: Possible Zinnias?

I tried so hard to plant pollinators all season and none took. Even the ones I grew indoors. I had sunflowers eaten by crows, every lavender and echinacea from seed die.

That said, amongst the persistent weeds, I think zinnias are finally coming in. I don’t have a lot of faith that they will bloom but this really taught me that those need a very sunny spot and I should maybe fill that side of the fence with bushes. Cause every plant is leaning HARD toward the sun.

Anyway, if I get zinnias it will be a miracle.

I think next month might be a wrap up month! I can’t imagine we’ll get any surprises but if so, I’ll let you know. 👩‍🌾

Thanks for letting me have this fun series this year, friends.

Did anyone have tomato success this year?

LAST SECOND ADDITION!! I forgot to mention we got ONE very very very tiny radish. It happened though. I grew it!

Xoxo