True North Tomatoes

[BlackBear]

Originally Posted by KarenO

Growing well for early in the PNW season.
Shown here, the PL hearts on the right, assorted F3 beefsteaks on the left .
The greenhouse getting a bit less crowded but still a fair bit left to plant or find homes for
KarenO

wow looks so good and tall and healthy ! ...

do you put them in 10 inch pots indoors ? ...before transplant out side ..?

Next year I will put the large variety singletons in a 2 gallon square before outside transplant..... I was happy with things using 6 inch square pots inside before outside culture. but larger "starter" container sure makes the plants sturdy and ready to go

upon outdoor transplant ....

If I have less varieties and seedlings ...I will have more space for higher quality but less numbers of larger starter pots.

[Nan_PA_6b]

Originally Posted by BlackBear

....If I have less varieties and seedlings ...I will have more space for higher quality but less numbers of larger starter pots.

Less varieties and seedlings? Who are you and what have you done with the real BlackBear????!!!!

Nan

[BlackBear]

Originally Posted by Nan_PA_6b

Less varieties and seedlings? Who are you and what have you done with the real BlackBear????!!!!

Nan

you is soooo funny Nan....

Yes ...I will be slowly downsizing the hobby to a nice " neater " set up in the tunnel this year with

"berths" for 90 special plants ....will be setting up auto drip

and solar radio and solar fountain in there etc. about as many plants outside as well

But I will be reducing the varieties per year.

Maybe by 2019 I will be organized enough to try some of Karens fine PL developments.

Believe it or not my first fruit set was.......Hardins miniature ...this year.

I tried 2 plants in a 3 gallon with great results .

[Nan_PA_6b]

Originally Posted by BlackBear

Believe it or not my first fruit set was.......Hardins miniature ...this year.

Hardin's Miniature is always very quick to set.

Nan

[KarenO]

Originally Posted by BlackBear

wow looks so good and tall and healthy ! ...

do you put them in 10 inch pots indoors ? ...before transplant out side ..?

Next year I will put the large variety singletons in a 2 gallon square before outside transplant..... I was happy with things using 6 inch square pots inside before outside culture. but larger "starter" container sure makes the plants sturdy and ready to go

upon outdoor transplant ....

If I have less varieties and seedlings ...I will have more space for higher quality but less numbers of larger starter pots.

Hi B.B.,
They were in 18 oz cups in my greenhouse until transplant. Lots of water and fertilizer to get them growing tall and strong.
“Cold treatment” purposeful drought, no fertilizer until plant out are all things people swear by but I do the opposite. I do not purposefully try to slow or stunt my tomato seedlings. I go for maximum fast and vigorous growth and have spent time trying to encourage other northern gardeners that doing things this way will allow you to grow more tomatoes in a shorter season.
Strong light. Cool nights warm days. Consistent moisture and regular fertilizer from pot up. I use 1/4 to 1/2 strength all purpose miracle grow for my seedlings. The small greenhouse, heated at night if needed to keep it at or above 10 C. Is a necessary component but I do not use any fancy lights indoors, just ordinary fluorescent tubes. One cool one warm per fixture set up in front of a window.
They honestly don’t need bigger pots, but in small pots they need a lot of attention. I will plant one week later nex year, March 30 as these guys were a tad too big and thirsty before plant out.
KarenO