Interesting season so far

hald · July 10, 2008

It has been near record temperatures where I live. Tomorrow is predicted at 114. The air here is in a purple alert - unhealthy for all.

I have 12 plants in 1 cubic foot containers that have 1/2 gallon water reservoirs in the bottom. The soil was mixed per instructions on the fertilizer bag, an organic mix specific for tomatoes. I also added 1 cup of lime and 1/2 cup of bone meal to the mix. Instead of plastic film I covered the tops of the pots with plastic planter dishes that I cut a hole in for the plant to grow through. The dishes, turned upside down, make a good seal on the tops of the planters. I put some aluminum muffin rings on the top of the soil and filled them with fertilizer.

Last year, using the earthbox method, I had a bountiful crop of sungold and sweet 100, but the early girl tasted awful, and the other large varieties were plagued with what I thought was BER.

Last year when the temps were over 100 for nearly a month I was watering 5 and 6 times a day. It was a ball and chain.

This year I added constant water using the level method. The plants are on tables which are leveled and they are in an area covered by shade cloth. Each table has a shoe box size container with a cooler float. The container is connected to each pot via a hose. The water level in the container and all the pot water reservoirs are the same as water seeks it's own level.

Automatic water is heaven! This is the first year I've had good production from large varieties in pots. The largest toms are well over 1 pound. They all taste great. The only problem I've had is a dove building a nest, and the rats or possums who've munched on a few. Also a nice problem - not being able to use them fast enough.

When the temps are 105 +, even under shade clothe and with constant water, tomatoes wilt. It would be interesting to know how many gallons a day they are using (anyone know of an inexpensive meter?). We will be on water meters soon where I live.

The level method is working exceptionally well.
hald

July 10, 2008	#1
hald Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Fresno, CA Posts: 23	Interesting season so far It has been near record temperatures where I live. Tomorrow is predicted at 114. The air here is in a purple alert - unhealthy for all. I have 12 plants in 1 cubic foot containers that have 1/2 gallon water reservoirs in the bottom. The soil was mixed per instructions on the fertilizer bag, an organic mix specific for tomatoes. I also added 1 cup of lime and 1/2 cup of bone meal to the mix. Instead of plastic film I covered the tops of the pots with plastic planter dishes that I cut a hole in for the plant to grow through. The dishes, turned upside down, make a good seal on the tops of the planters. I put some aluminum muffin rings on the top of the soil and filled them with fertilizer. Last year, using the earthbox method, I had a bountiful crop of sungold and sweet 100, but the early girl tasted awful, and the other large varieties were plagued with what I thought was BER. Last year when the temps were over 100 for nearly a month I was watering 5 and 6 times a day. It was a ball and chain. This year I added constant water using the level method. The plants are on tables which are leveled and they are in an area covered by shade cloth. Each table has a shoe box size container with a cooler float. The container is connected to each pot via a hose. The water level in the container and all the pot water reservoirs are the same as water seeks it's own level. Automatic water is heaven! This is the first year I've had good production from large varieties in pots. The largest toms are well over 1 pound. They all taste great. The only problem I've had is a dove building a nest, and the rats or possums who've munched on a few. Also a nice problem - not being able to use them fast enough. When the temps are 105 +, even under shade clothe and with constant water, tomatoes wilt. It would be interesting to know how many gallons a day they are using (anyone know of an inexpensive meter?). We will be on water meters soon where I live. The level method is working exceptionally well. hald