Tomato Log 04.04

Well I have planted my little tomatoes. Red Cherry, Large Fruited Tomatoes. Six all together, I know, I know, its alot but this is the amateur gardeners blog and I wanted to make sure that I at least have one that will survive out of the entire lot. =)

So, they recommend planting them about 2ft apart, pinch off the two lowest leaves and then dig deep enough to where the remaining leaves are just above the soil. On thing to note, you should water them straight away ( I used a miracle grow mixture), once planted in the ground... the surrounding soil sucks the life out of the peat pod and your little plant will wither right quick.

Since I used the Jiffy Professional Greenhouse peat pods in a package of twelve and I only used six, it is recommended to keep the remaining around for awhile until the ones that you already have planted get established. I have had to replant about three of my tomatoes plants since my initial plant date. I still have a few left just in case... make sure to keep your peat pods moist and not let them dry out.

I purchased two tomato cages, "The Ultomato Tomato cage" Three 5 ft stakes, and Nine 10in adjustable connectors that support the branches. Yes I plan on getting the rest of them, however these little units are 6 bucks a piece. Since the plants are still young yet I plan on picking up the rest, a few at a time.

Ironically, as I am in the midst of planting, gathering information about how to plant, a new catalog came in my mailbox... Gardeners Supply Company. Which has some pretty interesting items, along with some tips and tricks on planting. And on the cover of the Magazine was an article all about... yes "Tomato's".

One of the little articles talks about using Red in your tomato garden, they sell stuff like Red Mulch. They say that surrounding your tomato plants with the color red can boost production by as much as 20%. The red light stimulates the plant hormones that are responsible for fruit production and ripening. Who would have thought? They have several items for your tomato plants, I suggest checking it out. Also, they have a great selection of tomato cages.

In the photo above you probably see another row of items... those are California Green Peppers. Check out my Pepper Log.

Until the next Log... Cheers!