2013 Tomato Growing

We're still in January, 3-4 months of possible frosts still to come?

Dunno about you lot BUT I need to get the best use out of my propagators and greenhouse, onions will be planted up, making room for brassicas, then tomatoes and beans.... Chillies and the like will be confined to the airing cupboard.

This year I'm trying to become as self-sufficient as possible regarding veg!

 

Hiya chums.

I've been thinking about my plan to give my outdoor toms some protection. I was thinking that for four trusses I'd need to allow around 3ft, with regards to height. Does this sound about right?

 

I think I'd be inclined to stick another foot on that Freddy, but it depends on whether you intend to take out the growing tips around that height.

 

Hiya Sheal.

I'll take out the growing tip after the fourth truss. I just need to determine what height I need to allow for. I guess I'm just trying to create a 'half way house' between indoor and outdoor conditions.

 

If it was indoors Freddy, I'd definitely say 4ft plus. It's a difficult one as different tomatoes grow at different rates and the weather has an effect as well. Ermmm, I think I'd still opt for 4ft to play safe.

If you go for that and I'm wrong, I'll expect a verbal bashing later in the year.

 

5 foot! John thinks 5ft, I think 3ft, you see where this is going? Ok, I'm gonna go for 4ft If it all goes pear shaped, I won't despair, it's all part of the learning process

 

Oh well Freddy, you might as well go for 6ft, you never know! 'Pear shaped' are you talking about tomatoes, now it's getting confusing.

Joking aside, striking the happy medium is probably the way to go.

 

I find that outdoor grown are a bit more stocky. Bear in mind, I only intend to cover when it's cold, so it may well be the case that they will remain uncovered later on. It should be interesting

 

Let us know how it goes.

 

Lost my tomatoes to blight over the past 2 years I said I wasn't going to attempt trying again this year because I get so upset when they fail.........Mmm should I or shouldn't I?..........Decisions , decisions

 

You won't need to cover after, say, end of June will you?

So perhaps constructing for the height they will be by then will be enough ... unless the structure [that will support the polythene] will also provide a frame for training / support?