Tumbling toms-are we hardening off yet?

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by lollipop, May 18, 2009.

  1. lollipop

    lollipop Gardener

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2008
    Messages:
    5,581
    Ratings:
    +24
    As you know I am new to this edible gardening lark, and I bought tumbling tom seeds because it says I can grow them outdoors.


    I have potted them on into rose tubs-3 per tub ( they are 5cms tall now and looking good), and am wondering am I anywhere near to hardening them off yet or do they have a while to go?
     
  2. sweetpeas

    sweetpeas Gardener

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2008
    Messages:
    1,174
    Ratings:
    +7
    most of my toms( incluiding tumbling red tom) are outside in a cold frame so I hope it's not too early
     
  3. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2008
    Messages:
    32,413
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Surrey
    Ratings:
    +49,873
    I reckon you can start hardening them off now Claire, just keep them out of this wind to start with, so into a cold frame if you have one. I've grown some tumbling toms for the first time this year, and mine look quite strong and squat compared to my other 'normal' moneymaker types (which I reckon are too tender to go outside just now).
     
  4. Greenjeans

    Greenjeans Gardener

    Joined:
    May 6, 2009
    Messages:
    54
    Ratings:
    +0
    If you're going to grow them in a container it probably won't matter when you harden them off. Hardening off is a big deal if you're going to put them into the ground. I haven't worried about my containers being hardened off yet but my going-into-the-ground plants are now out and facing the elements during the day but back inside most overnights.

    I would put my containers out without hesitation though as long as you can put them back inside if a frost or nasty night comes along.
     
  5. DAG

    DAG Gardener

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2006
    Messages:
    2,072
    Ratings:
    +1

    :gnthb: Exactly the same here, just what I am doing at the moment! :gnthb:
     
  6. lollipop

    lollipop Gardener

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2008
    Messages:
    5,581
    Ratings:
    +24
    OKay, thanks guys, I'll start now.
     
  7. Hex

    Hex Gardener

    Joined:
    Jan 27, 2006
    Messages:
    525
    Ratings:
    +0
    I usually put mine out mid may but i`ll be holding off until the weather can decide what its doing :wink:
     
  8. pamsdish

    pamsdish Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Apr 5, 2008
    Messages:
    5,151
    Gender:
    Female
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    "Black Country Wench" in Margam,Port Talbot,Wales
    Ratings:
    +4,445
    I have all my annuals in the ground and going along well, I have put my tumblers in baskets today ,
    reading this i may just repot into pots, as i can only hang my tomatoes in quite a windy spot ,and if i do them quickly ,disturbance will be minimal, and i can keep them on the patio by the back door.
    I have run out, again, of compost so will have to wait till possibly Tues if not Wed,
    My husband reckons he cannot understand where i put it all, :hehe:
     
  9. lollipop

    lollipop Gardener

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2008
    Messages:
    5,581
    Ratings:
    +24
    I have the same sort of situation-he can't believe I spend so much money on (as he calls it) "mud".
     
  10. Sussexgardener

    Sussexgardener Gardener

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2008
    Messages:
    4,621
    Location:
    West Sussex
    Ratings:
    +41
    Glad it's not just me being asked why I buy so much compost!

    Anyone trying tumbling toms in a hanging basket? I've heard its really effective - but being unorganised, I'll need to buy a few plants instead of seeds as I've left it too late to sow...
     
  11. Kristen

    Kristen Under gardener

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2006
    Messages:
    17,534
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Suffolk, UK
    Ratings:
    +12,669
    I take everything that is going to be planted outside out of the greenhouse if the weather is "clement".

    Its been very windy and overcast the last few days, so I've only been taking out things that were about to be planted (i.e. hardy plants, but which were started off in the greenhouse).

    I don't put things out that are tiny, but other than that I want stocky plants, not soft ones, and I think putting them out achieves that. No sense killing them!! but other than that "out they go for the day"
     
Loading...

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice