The Tomato Growing Thread 2019

i the niebours must think i am bokers i talk to my plants too maybe thats why a bush in the garden i thought was dead suddenly its budding who knows it might be telling me to shut up

 

My tomato seed has begun to germinate. In previous years I've used grow bags, bottomless pots on grow bags and large pots in various combinations. This year I have the chance to revamp the whole tomato growing system. I know everybody has their own methods but I'm looking for some suggestions.

 

The only time I talk to my plants is when I plant them. Yesterday I planted my favourite rose, Rosa Banksii lutea. Just said a few words, out loud wishing it well growing there, long life etc. Most plants I do not talk to, only the really special ones.

 

Well the early tomato seeds are really leggy. I'll put these on the heated bed and start another set off this week. Germination was interesting. The buffalo heart were opened last year and all germinated. Both JWK had really good germination. The Chiltern seed had only about 50% germination. Will see how longer days impacts germination.

 

Pricked out my garderners delight and started my tumbling toms, amazed how seedlings have got that strong tomato smell already.

 

Plant them deep andrews.

 

Got some germination's yesterday and today sungold - santanio and brandywine still waiting on suncherry Premium .

 

@NigelJ I always used that method, bottomless pots and growbags. I now use builders buckets with holes drilled in the bottom. I get mine from b&q I think mine where about a pound each.
So much easier, in my opinion. Less mess when watering and you can still move them around the greenhouse until they get really big.
I, personally wouldn't grow them any other way now, plus have you seen the price of growbags in recent years

 

My black cherry have germinated, my Roma are nearly ready for pricking out but my gd and sweet million are very poor specimens. Heading for the compost bin I think. I'll re sow and see what happens.
Sungold are pricked out and looking healthy

 

Tom seedlings a week on! Seem to be doing well under the new grow lamp.

 

It will be grafted toms again for me this year......more expensive but prolific fruiting. Will still grow a couple of standard varieties too though

 

100% germination with this lot, three of each but too many for my tiny greenhouse.

 

@Snorky85 thats a lot of toms
Have you got some arrangement with asda we aren't aware of

 

Ha ha, well I wasn’t sure whether they would germinate as they were saved from last years toms and from some shop bought. Got lots of neighbours who have allotments too so can give them away