Posted on 02 May 2010 by tomatocasual.com
By Mindy McIntosh-Shetter
Read Part 1
Containers allow the non-gardener, urban gardener or just the time-restrained gardener to have a “garden bed.”
They can come in all shapes and sizes from ones made of plastic or terra cotta, potting soil bags, to Topsy Turvy planters that can be homemade or store bought.
But regardless of what container you choose cleaning is an essential part of successful gardening.
Cleaning containers
Supplies
- Containers
- Bleach
- Bucket
- Water
- Scrub brush
Steps
1. Mix in Read the rest of this entry »
Posted on 28 April 2010 by tomatocasual.com
By Mindy McIntosh-Shetter
As the old saying goes, “You made your bed so lie in it.”
This is true for a gardener because the success or failure of your season depends on the type of “bed” one prepares.
If your “garden” area is conducive to disturbing the turf then you have 4 ways of doing this.
Each technique has its pros and cons and some may take time before results are produced. But if you do not live in an area where you choose not or cannot disturb the turf part 2 will describe a way to plant your tomatoes in an alternative “bed.”
Methods 1,2, and 4 require equipment so before starting one of these methods check to make sure you have or can rent the needed tools. Note please make sure tools are sharp and the right length for the user or are ergonomically designed. Both of these hints will help reduce back strain and muscle soreness from the work.
Before you choose your method of bed preparation one needs to Read the rest of this entry »
Posted on 18 April 2010 by tomatocasual.com
By Mindy McIntosh-Shetter
Transplanting is one of those crucial tasks that can make or break a gardener.
This task can be made easier and more successful if these simple steps are followed depending on how one’s seeds were planted.
Supplies
- Plant labels
- Waterproof marker
- Potting soil
- Larger cell packs (4-packs) or containers
- Fertilizer 5-10-10, or 10-10-10
- Water system such as watering can or watering hose
Cell Packs
If your seeds were started in cell packs it is not a difficult tasks to transplant these seedlings. First you need to make sure they are ready to be transplanted. The determining factor is the number of leaves. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted on 01 April 2010 by tomatocasual.com
By Mindy McIntosh-Shetter
Every February brings the thought of dirt under my fingernails and the smell of fresh soil as I get my tomato seeds organized.
Through the years I have planted many types of tomatoes.
These have ranged from seeds I saved, heirloom and discount seeds I have bought, and tomato seeds that were sent into space, but regardless where your seeds come from the process is the same.
SUPPLIES
Posted on 18 January 2010 by tomatocasual.com
By Vanessa Richins
Last year was a sad year in the tomato world, wasn’t it?
It felt like every other word I read on gardening sites mentioned “blight.”
Rain, an influx of new gardeners (which meant a larger chance for spreading), infected plants sold at retail chains and other conditions meant many tomato plants fell prey to late blight.
Next year can be better, though, if we all take steps to manage the disease.
The fungus needs a host that is living, so it will die on tomato plants left over the winter. It’s best to clean them all out, though, to help prevent any of the other diseases.
When you’re ready to plant again in the spring, I would suggest Read the rest of this entry »
Posted on 18 December 2009 by tomatocasual.com
By Vanessa Richins
You don’t have to stop thinking about tomatoes just because winter is coming and the days are getting cold.
Here are some activities to keep you in the tomato frame of mind.
Save those seeds.
If you’ve still got some tomatoes on your plants, you can save some of the seeds for next year. This is true even with plants affected with late blight, since the seeds won’t pass it on. They will be viable for about 4-10 years on average.
Make Christmas decorations with tomato cages.
Tomato cages aren’t just good at providing support for tomato plants. They can also be transformed into a variety of Christmas trees and other holiday decorations.
Cook up tomatoes for the holidays.
The holiday season means lots of parties, which usually involve food. Bring one of these tomato dishes to your next shindig.
Order Tomato Catalogs.
I LOVE Read the rest of this entry »
