2012 Earthtainer project

[tom-ato]

A newbies Earthtainer project. Started Mar 11 and harvested tomatoes on May 9.

[sprtsguy76]

Ray will be very proud. Great job!

Damon

[g8shot1]

Wow, great looking plants. You get started early in a hoop house kind of area.

[JamesL]

Originally Posted by tom-ato

A newbies Earthtainer project. Started Mar 11 and harvested tomatoes on May 9.

Nicely done! What did you use for your cages, and what did you use to bend the wire?

[tom-ato]

I did construct a retractable poly cover to help them through those initial cold nights and protect them from any late rain. Big Beef variety, very disease resistant!

[tom-ato]

The cages are CRW bent to Ray's specs. I used a homemade jig and a lot of elbow grease! I have recently put the extensions on. Plants are 8' now.

[JamesL]

Thanks. I am always interested in the methodology when I see it done differently.
Looks like they have served you well already!

[rnewste]

tom-ato,

Outstanding results!!!

Several folks growing in Containers experience leaf yellowing starting at the bottom of the plant, progressing upwards throughout the Season. Can you tell us what Grow Media Mix you used, as well as do you spray with Daconil, or other Fungicide?

BTW, the box of tomatoes in Photo #6 should be addressed to:

Ray Newstead
Campbell, CA. 95008

Raybo

[tom-ato]

Ray,

As far as the soil blend, I followed your instruction guide exactly. We have had exceptional weather this year. Dry, warm and very low humidity. I spray once a week with an Actinovate/Excel and every other week with Azamax and Takedown. I also have sprayed twice this season with BT. I have had to add two calcium snack feedings, with Maxi Cal, directly to the water reservoir so far this season. I can tell when my plants are running on empty.

[rnewste]

tom-ato,

To be clear, did you use my "standard" Grow Media instruction, or did you use the "Tweaks For Experts" 3:2:1 ratio of Sunshine Advanced Mix #4, Microbark, and Perlite?

I am gobsmacked how green your leaves are all the way down to the bottom. Typically, when my tomatoes commence ripening, I see a pattern of yellow leaves developing from the bottom, and it becomes a "race to the top" in tomato production over the Season.

EDIT: I have been trying to locate the Maxi-Cal on amazon.com, etc, but can't seem to find an on-line source for purchase. Can you tell us where you purchased this product?

Raybo

[tom-ato]

Ray,

I used the "Tweaks for Experts" 3:2:1. The bark I used was the 1/4" orchid bark from Sequoia. I found the Maxi Cal at a fertilizer supply house in Temecula, CA. called L&M Fertilizers. Would you like me to pick some up for you?

[tom-ato]

Ray,

Try this link for Maxi-Cal

http://shop.walterandersen.com/brows...6-oz/4,23.html

[tom-ato]

Ray,

Another Maxi-Cal link, better price.

http://www.sprinklerwarehouse.com/Gr...p/maxi-cal.htm

[JamesL]

tom-ato,

Saw your other thread with the raised beds - also impressive!
With respect to the orchid bark, were you able to get it in bulk at a good price?
Did you use it in the raised beds as well?
I used some this winter for a carrot Inntainer grow, worked well but not inexpensive. (at least in NY)

[tom-ato]

JamesL,

I can only find the orchid bark in bags locally, and yes it is expensive, but I feel it is the best product for this application. No, I did not use it in the raised beds, to expensive.