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Message |
    
Durgan
My Weather
My Garden
My Time
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 09, 2007 - 06:09 pm EST : |   
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9 May 2007 Tomato in Garden
http://tomatoss.notlong.com/
9 May 2007 Zone 5. Three tomato plants were put in the garden. This is too early since we may have frost until about the 24th of May. I have plastic covers, and can double bag if the frost is forecast as severe. The weather is very warm and if it lasts the plants will get a jump on the season.
The pictures depict the support system. The cages are three tier and are stronger than the normal ones that have been on the market for too many years. The 8 ft. rebar supports the cage and adds extra height for typing the plants later in the season. The ties are similar to pipe cleaners of old, and are used to train the plant. Most of the weight is taken by the leaves being supported by the tiers of the strong cages, so the ties do not bite into the stem of the plant. This is the easiest system I have encountered over the years for supporting the tomato plants.
http://www.durgan.org/Blog/Durgan.html
Durgan
- Ontario,
Zone "5"
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Charles
 Supporting Member
My Garden
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 09, 2007 - 06:38 pm EST : |
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Excellent setup, Durgan. Your plants are far ahead of mine. They look oh so healthy! 
Charles
- WI,
Zone "4b"
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Cindym
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 09, 2007 - 10:16 pm EST : |
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Durgan, when did you start your plants? They're almost as tall as mine that have been in the ground since mid-March.
I've had to battle a few late frosts myself. This was late March 2003. http://www.smugmug.com/photos/57347164-M.jpg
I've found that it's better to cover the plants first with an old bed sheet, then top with the plastic. That prevents freezer burn where the plastic comes in contact with the plant.
Right now I'm battling worms. Squished a bunch on Sunday then dusted with Dipel. Found a few more tonight along with holes in tomatoes. Aphids too. Next it'll be stink bugs. The joys of gardening in the deep south, LOL!
On a positive note ... I harvested the first of my Sun Golds tonight.
Cindym
- LA,
Zone "8b"
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Durgan
My Weather
My Garden
My Time
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 09, 2007 - 10:44 pm EST : |
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My plants were started about 8 February 2007. I put them in the greenhouse in March. I only have to watch out for frost until about 1 June. The plastic is 4 mil, but if it is very cold I will put two bags over the plants-meaning the bit of air between will give additional protection, and it is usually only for one of two nights.
Bugs are not a problem in my area. I never have bugs on the tomato plants. Maybe they have other attractive plants nearby, also nobody grows a vegetable garden anymore so there is no pool of insects in the vicinity.
http://www.durgan.org/Blog/Durgan.html
Durgan
- Ontario,
Zone "5"
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Durgan
My Weather
My Garden
My Time
| | Posted on Friday, May 11, 2007 - 10:39 pm EST : |
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http://tomatoesing.notlong.com/ 11 May 2007 Completion of Tomato plants in ground. There are now 22 plants and I have space for two more, which will be Lemon Boy. I forgot to grow from seed so will purchase. Most of the seeds were saved from last years crop, except for a few new varieties, which I will post when the fruit forms.
http://www.durgan.org/Blog/Durgan.html
Durgan
- Ontario,
Zone "5"
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Durgan
My Weather
My Garden
My Time
| | Posted on Monday, May 14, 2007 - 09:54 pm EST : |
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Tomato Plant frost damage 14 May 2007
http://TomatoFrost.notlong.com
14 May 2007. Tomato plants were put in the ground on 12 May 2007. There was a frost warning so they were covered carefully with 4 mil plastic. Apparently this was not sufficient and the plants suffered severe damage.
Today I went to a nursery and bought replacement plants, which I put in large pots and will keep them indoors until all danger of frost is past.
My efforts to beat the season were in vain.
http://www.durgan.org/Blog/Durgan.html
Durgan
- Ontario,
Zone "5"
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Aussie
My Favorite Photo
My Garden Journal
My Weather
| | Posted on Monday, May 14, 2007 - 10:09 pm EST : |
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Frustrating for you- and surprising that they were so damaged under plastic. I have had Rouge de Marmalde come through a very light frost, but no other variety aside from cherry tomatoes which seem tougher than the usual types.
There is a shift in seasons underway- down here in the Southern half of the world it's almost winter and I'm still picking okra for the first time ever this late in the season.
Aussie
- NSW,
Zone "?"
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Cindym
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 - 12:04 pm EST : |
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I know how your heart must have sank when you lifted the plastic. Growing from seed is such an investment compared to buying transplants. It looks like some might still have life. Do they?
I'm still battling caterpillars. Never had a year like this. Mother Nature has a way of letting you know who's in control. ;)
Cindym
- LA,
Zone "8b"
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Durgan
My Weather
My Garden
My Time
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 - 01:45 pm EST : |
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15 May 2007. I tore the tomato patch up this morning. I kept three plants that have minor damage. I was suprised that my covers weren't adequate. It wasn't all that cold, but it was a very still night with no wind. I have had success before with such coverings to some degree. I look upon the exercise as just extra work, but I also don't have a couple of heirloom plants that I grew from seed, also the plants were highly advanced and most healthy. Better luck next time!
http://www.durgan.org/Blog/Durgan.html
Durgan
- Ontario,
Zone "5"
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Charles
Supporting Member
My Garden
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 - 03:35 pm EST : |
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Darn, sorry to see that, Durgan. It was a gamble, I think, given your zone. Luckily, it is still early enough to recoup.
Charles
- WI,
Zone "4b"
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