Anybody growing tomatoes?

[Orchid_lady]

I am growing cherry tomatoes from seed. I have about 18 babies. I also bought 1 tomatoe plant, and was lucky enough to have 2 plants in one, so I divided them and now both are starting to growing tomatoes.

[LeftCoastAngler]

Yes. I grow Husky Cherry Red's on a E&F hydroponic table. Vigorous little rascals; aren't they! No shortage of fruit; eh?

~LCA.

[solay]

Oh, how I miss growing veggies. No room now though. I've turned my veggie area into a rose garden. I loved growing tomatoes. All types. They give back so much in return. Enough to share with everyone in the neighborhood. The only thing is in my area they tend to get powdery mildew and rust on them often times. Then again that problem still exist on my roses now. good luck with the tomatoes!

[Kassey77]

Yeah my orchid-jungle balcony also houses some cherry tomatoes. They are so easy to grow - like weeds!

[tizzycat]

I have, 30 seedlings at the moments, 15 Sungold and 15 Garden Perle - both suitable for outdoors (after the end of May) in the UK. I usually end up with four for myself and give the rest to friends and family.

[patticake]

I have sweet 100's, little yellow pear tomatoes, and some green & yellow striped heirlooms started. I'll just grow 1 plant of each- but it'll be plenty for us with a few to share!

[Hummer344]

Lets see, where to start on tomatos. LOL The garden org. I belong to seeded 12k tomatos this year for their annual sale. I helped seed and pot. something like 40 different varieties. Also peppers. I have a project in the mts. near here & today I will be planting. I think I have 6 varieties of tomatos to plant, three of each variety and I don't know how many peppers. The back of my truck is full of one gallon cans filled with veggies. The tomatos we sell are basically heirloom varieties. ie,Black Crim, Aunt Jennies Green, Ed Millinium, and my favorite, Black Cherry. I never knew how many different types there were. More modern varieties are Big Rainbow, Sun Gold & sun Sugar. Yep, I grow tomato's.

[butt0n]

We have a couple Romas and San Francisco Fogs in our backyard this year. Usually 2 tomato plants are enough for us, but we always get too many.

[articuno75]

Originally Posted by patticake

I have sweet 100's, little yellow pear tomatoes, and some green & yellow striped heirlooms started. I'll just grow 1 plant of each- but it'll be plenty for us with a few to share!

MMMmmmm Pear tomatoes!!! Those are sooo good on salads! I can't find those boogers anywhere around here! I finally did at a Home Depot in Greenfield and was going to grab it and Lovey Dovey says "OH, we can get it later." Grrrrr..... Now I can't find the darn thing....Grrrr. (For that mistake, I should have left him at HD!!!, LOL )

[evagentry]

I grow tomatoes here each year in my garden, but we have a very cold rainy summer so there is a problem with rot and black spots.

[E-Jag]

Coincidentally, I talked to a friend yesterday about growing tomatoes. I have no place to do it at my home but he has a large back yard and invited me to stick a couple of plants out there. LOVE fried green tomatoes. I assume I should put them in the ground as opposed to large buckets; does anyone have any cultivation hints or maybe a good website? Never tried farming.

_______________________
E-Jag

[tizzycat]

E-Jag, I grow mine very successfully in "buckets". They're better than the growbags as there is more depth.

You have more cotrol over the growing medium. They're also greedy and need regular "feeding".

[E-Jag]

Tizzycat, thanks. How often do you water them in the buckets? How often do you fertilize? Could I plant in a combination of, say, potting soil and sand or do they have tomato mix? Is this the right time of the season to be starting them? Forgive all the questions, I'm sure a couple of tomato plants isn't rocket science but would like to avoid the obvious (to someone) screwups.

_________________
E-Jag

[Endorphins]

I'm trying my hand at tomatoes for the first time this year as I finally have a backyard of my own. Hopefully, if it all works out, we'll have vines of Roma's, Grape Tomatoes, Lemon Boy's (never had them, but they looked pretty), and Red Beefmasters (beefmasters?). There are already a bunch of little green tomatoes growing all over - I'm antsy as can be to try them.

When I planted them, I didn't amend the soil with anything (we're acidic and hard as a rock here in W. Texas), but they get a weekly dose of Alaska Fish Fertilizer/Emulsion. Good stuff...I'm about to start worm composting, so we'll have all that awesome wormy goodness to add to the herbs and tomatoes that are running rampant outside (never mind the orchids and miscellaneous other houseplants INside!).

All I can think of are tomatoes now. LOL

[lynda]

Last year Georgia had a terrible drought and I just gave up on most of my yard and veggies.
This year I bought a couple of hanging baskets of Tom Red tomato (easy to water in case of another drought) .. should be interesting to see--I can always replant them in buckets if I have to.
I also put red/black/yellow rasberries into a large container pot -- so I'll at least know where they are and can watch out for those pesky thorns.
I pulled up lots of wild strawberries and re-planted them in container pots (maybe I'll get some to actually eat --last year the birds and nutria's ate them all.
I don't know why this year we have seen so many snakes (gee I really hate snakes) so my having things in pots on my deck I hope not to run into these snakes that are in the yard.
Herbs I always grow in my kitchen window --- tried growing them outside, but it was too much work everytime I cooked something to run outside.

[tizzycat]

Originally Posted by E-Jag

Tizzycat, thanks. How often do you water them in the buckets? How often do you fertilize? Could I plant in a combination of, say, potting soil and sand or do they have tomato mix? Is this the right time of the season to be starting them? Forgive all the questions, I'm sure a couple of tomato plants isn't rocket science but would like to avoid the obvious (to someone) screwups.

_________________
E-Jag

E-Jag, I think growing conditions in your part of the world will probably dictate a different watering pattern to my own. The main thing is not to let them dry out, (at the same time tomatoes do not like to be waterlogged.

Feed container grown plants with a "Tomato Feed" (usually high potash) once a week.

For the medium I use a good multipurpost compost. As long as you keep up the feeding regime and don't let them dry out this should be fine. Start the feeding after the first truss has set.

I have my seedlings growing and they will be ready to go outside after there is no risk of frost (usually after the end of May in the UK).

This may help:
National Gardening Association :: Food Gardening Guide

[Laura L.]

A caution on the tomato in a bucket...I have three plants in two 16" pots. (Started seed in November.) They are beautiful, but the first few tomatoes had blossom end rot, and in my 40+ years of growing veggies, never had that happen before, but have never grown tomatoes in pots, inside, before either.

I believe I over-fertilized. Once I started watering with good, clean rain/snow water, the problem went away, and we enjoyed my first batch of bruschetta last night (fresh basil is great, too).

P.S. Don't be surprised if you have to water every day.

A favorite tomato in the garden is any variety of grape. They don't split like the cherries do, and they are so prolific,,,lots for sharing, very sweeet.

I would assume you are putting holes in the bottom of your bucket(s).

[Hummer344]

Any one try growing their tomatos in pots that are hung unside down from rafters on the patio? Several people around here have tried it and had sucess. Funny, but true.

[tizzycat]

Hi Hummer, There are certain varieties that lend themselves to hanging pots/baskets; varieties that do not need inching out or staking. Garden Perle, Tumbling Tom etc.

[E-Jag]

[I]'ve read they do well in the large, cheap styrofoam ice chests with holes punched in the bottom. Most, if not all tomatoes, are either determinate (grow to a determined size, usually about 3', sort of like a bush and don't need to be staked) or indeterminate (grow tall, 6' or more and need to be staked). Indeterminates are actually better container plants BUT produce all of their fruit at once, while indeterminates produce their's over the length of the season. Think I may try a couple of Beefsteaks (indeterminate). They should begin producing by July. I understand they need at least 1 1/2" water a week, provided consistently. I figure a 1/2 gallon of water per planr, 2 or 3 times a week. Interesting thread.

______________
E-Jag

[lynda]

Originally Posted by lynda

Last year Georgia had a terrible drought and I just gave up on most of my yard and veggies.
This year I bought a couple of hanging baskets of Tom Red tomato (easy to water in case of another drought) .. should be interesting to see--I can always replant them in buckets if I have to.
I also put red/black/yellow rasberries into a large container pot -- so I'll at least know where they are and can watch out for those pesky thorns.
I pulled up lots of wild strawberries and re-planted them in container pots (maybe I'll get some to actually eat --last year the birds and nutria's ate them all.
I don't know why this year we have seen so many snakes (gee I really hate snakes) so my having things in pots on my deck I hope not to run into these snakes that are in the yard.
Herbs I always grow in my kitchen window --- tried growing them outside, but it was too much work everytime I cooked something to run outside.

I can't believe we already have tomato clusters in both of the hanging baskets ... how often should I feed these baskets -- potash??

[LeftCoastAngler]

Originally Posted by Laura L.

P.S. Don't be surprised if you have to water every day.

I concur here. And they'll let you know when their thirsty aswell... I've got one in a 5gal bucket...

Originally Posted by Laura L.

I would assume you are putting holes in the bottom of your bucket(s).

Brilliant! They'll love ya fer that!

~LCA.

[exasperatus2002]

I've grown them in pots before and they are thirsty plants for sure. I dont like tomatoes but my mom always talks me into planting some since she's in an apt without a balcony. So I grow some for her. I just planted 2 beefsteak type plants that she got at the grocery store. I dont remember the cultivars. I also planted sweet corn, green & red bell peppers, potato & cucumber. Im trying one of the super pumpkins. I had one seed and I started it indoors till it warmed up enough.

[lynda]

I purchased four pepper plants (yellow & red) and put them in a pot on the deck----surpirse they are doing excellent.
I'm thinking (haven't done it yet) about getting a couple of keg barrels and actually planting corn,beans,squash,etc. Someone suggested I also plant asparagus in the center with lower veggies around them......any suggestions.
I'm sure you should plant certain veggies with other veggies but have no idea how to determine which veggies go with each other.

[solay]

I never grew asparagus but I think they need plenty of space. You need a trench and when the shoots come up they need to be mulched to keep the shoots tender. Not sure though. might want to check it out first. Good luck. Please post some pics. of veggies. I can't grow them so I'd love to see others grow them.

[11Orchid126]

I've grown tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers in pots for years. I always add a handful of epsom salts to each pot as they like magnesium. I also tickle the blossoms (they self polinate) to get more fruit. In the beginning they don't need as much water, but as the plants grow and the roots fill the pot they need water at first every few days, then every other day, then every day. The plants let you know they need water by the leaves wilting, but I try to water before that happens. I mulch them heavily with grass clippings, which not only keep the soil moist but prevents water and mud from splashing up onto the bottom leaves and causing disease. I fertilize the tomatoes and cucumbers every two weeks all through the season, but the green peppers don't like that much fertilizer. Near the end of the season I cut the tops off the plants to allow the remaining green tomatoes a chance to ripen.

Lately I've been having trouble with ground hogs and squirrels eating the plants, but I've been sprinkling hydrated lime all around the pots and then the animals leave them alone because they don't like getting lime on their paws.

[exasperatus2002]

Im growing strawberries, corn, bell pepper, tomatoe so far. I had a pumpkin & cucumbers but someone at the plants. Someones also gotten into the berries before they're ripe. I've got a good, semi permanent fix for it, since Im a hunter, but my wife wont let me. I've heard though moth balls work.

[lynda]

Originally Posted by solay

I never grew asparagus but I think they need plenty of space. You need a trench and when the shoots come up they need to be mulched to keep the shoots tender. Not sure though. might want to check it out first. Good luck. Please post some pics. of veggies. I can't grow them so I'd love to see others grow them.

Thanks Solay, I checked out the growing of asparagus, seems like a lot of work and you have to wait 2 to 4 years before they are ready for your dinner table......guess I'll rethink growing them and just purchase them in the grocery store or "beg" some from friends.

[lynda]

Originally Posted by lynda

I purchased four pepper plants (yellow & red) and put them in a pot on the deck----surpirse they are doing excellent.
I'm thinking (haven't done it yet) about getting a couple of keg barrels and actually planting corn,beans,squash,etc. Someone suggested I also plant asparagus in the center with lower veggies around them......any suggestions.
I'm sure you should plant certain veggies with other veggies but have no idea how to determine which veggies go with each other.

On my visit to our local feed/etc store I started looking for wiskey barrels and an ol'timer said that was a no no for plants that you eat, he suggested a huge plastic (ugly black) container that is actually larger than a wiskey barrel and not as deep (you save on having to buy too much soil ). These plastic containers only cost $10.00 each (the wiskey keg cost $36.00 and up, very heavy to lift when empty and the bottom tends to collect rot and who knows what else).
Now, all I have to do is purchase the seeds ...

[schamommy]

Originally Posted by solay

Oh, how I miss growing veggies. No room now though. I've turned my veggie area into a rose garden. I loved growing tomatoes. All types. They give back so much in return. Enough to share with everyone in the neighborhood. The only thing is in my area they tend to get powdery mildew and rust on them often times. Then again that problem still exist on my roses now. good luck with the tomatoes!

Oh, dear. Mildew is such a damper on beauty in the garden. Plant anything in the allium family in and around the roses. Trust me. Garlic....chives.....onions and even SHALLOTS! This will also increase the smell of the roses.

[lynda]

Originally Posted by 11Orchid126

I've grown tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers in pots for years. I always add a handful of epsom salts to each pot as they like magnesium. I also tickle the blossoms (they self polinate) to get more fruit. In the beginning they don't need as much water, but as the plants grow and the roots fill the pot they need water at first every few days, then every other day, then every day. The plants let you know they need water by the leaves wilting, but I try to water before that happens. I mulch them heavily with grass clippings, which not only keep the soil moist but prevents water and mud from splashing up onto the bottom leaves and causing disease. I fertilize the tomatoes and cucumbers every two weeks all through the season, but the green peppers don't like that much fertilizer. Near the end of the season I cut the tops off the plants to allow the remaining green tomatoes a chance to ripen.

Lately I've been having trouble with ground hogs and squirrels eating the plants, but I've been sprinkling hydrated lime all around the pots and then the animals leave them alone because they don't like getting lime on their paws.

Living in the mountains we have all kinds of squirrels, rabbits, ground hogs, etc that wish to dine on my cute little veggies (that are in containers)...an ol'timer told me to purchase "toliet bowl deodorizers" that hang over the rim of the toliet....hang these on the "outside" of your containers and watch all those pesky critters show up (uninvited) they circle all around but refuse to get within 3 or 4 feet from my veggies........try not to get the deodorizers wet when you water.....these are really just pressed into a solid shape mothballs.
I loved the idea of hydrated lime but it would rot my wood deck.

[lynda]

Originally Posted by lynda

On my visit to our local feed/etc store I started looking for wiskey barrels and an ol'timer said that was a no no for plants that you eat, he suggested a huge plastic (ugly black) container that is actually larger than a wiskey barrel and not as deep (you save on having to buy too much soil ). These plastic containers only cost $10.00 each (the wiskey keg cost $36.00 and up, very heavy to lift when empty and the bottom tends to collect rot and who knows what else).
Now, all I have to do is purchase the seeds ...

I have planted squash,corn,peas,greenbeans,carrots & white raddish. However I have found I overplanted wo will have to thin the corn and squash out (I really don't want to the containers look so bountiful and pretty) but they must have more room to grow.
In a seperate container I planted buttercrunch lettuce, iceberg lettuce, and mesclun (a sweet salad mix)-----I have already started picking it for dinner.
Another container has my red/orange/ and yellow peppers (and I am already picking,cutting & freezing them).

[E-Jag]

I planted 2 tomato plants in a large styrofoam container in May. Everything I read indicated it takes about 3 months before the plants bear fruit, but lo and behold, I had small tomatoes in June. They look great, waiting for them to get a little larger, then it's fried green city for us. I also planted a couple of bell pepper plants. Didn't work out at all. Live and (hopefully) learn.

E-Jag

[E-Jag]

I planted 2 tomato plants in a large styrofoam container in May. Everything I read indicated it takes about 3 months before the plants bear fruit, but lo and behold, I had small tomatoes in June. They look great, waiting for them to get a little larger, then it's fried green city for us. I also planted a couple of bell pepper plants. Didn't work out at all. Live and (hopefully) learn.

E-Jag

[exasperatus2002]

OOhh goody, I've got my first baby tomatoe (beefsteak variety) growing and theres tons of flowers. My corn is also starting to put out their tops and some even have the little ears starting.

[patlee]

No e-coli for us!!We planted some patio tomatoes in a large pot on our front porch at the very end of April. This week we picked the first two of a very abundant crop. We can eat these until the EarlyGirl and someone-whose-name-I-can't-remember (maybe JetStar?) finally give up their harvest. We also have eggplants that look like little purple turds and zucchini that my husband is growing for his fish. But you know about zucchini--there will be plenty to go around. There are also a few strawberry plants so we can pluck off the strawberries and eat them right from the plants...

[solay]

Schamommy, thanks for that advice. Just read your post. I'll try garlic.

Pat, that's the way to go. Organic. Wish I had room to have a veggie garden. Sigh...

I envy all of you with such wonderful things growing in the yard to pick and eat.

[lynda]

I know this is really a dumb question. Root veggies (sweet potatos,casrrots,radish,etc) grow under the soil (see I do know something) but how do you know when its time to dig them up . So far a Farmer I am not, but sooner or later I will learn