Any Suggestions?

MissHailey · April 10, 2012

I'm afraid of my tomatoes dying due to weather issues, do tomatoes grow well in greenhouse's? Or is it best to go free lance outside

brismith70 · April 11, 2012

I have never grown tomatoes in a greenhouse. However, Eurofresh is the largest producer of greenhouse grown tomatoes and cucumbers in Arizona. They have 318 acres of greenhouses. So, I would say yes...tomatoes do well in greenhouses. You just need to make sure they are maintained at the proper temperature.

feldon30 · April 11, 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissHailey

I'm afraid of my tomatoes dying due to weather issues, do tomatoes grow well in greenhouse's? Or is it best to go free lance outside

You're in Palmdale, Ca, 60 miles north of Los Angeles and located at 2,600 feet elevation.

If I had to pick the top 10 easiest places in the world to grow tomatoes, your area would be on the list. I don't see any need for you to have a greenhouse. But I've never gardened in California, so wth do I know?

walkinggin · April 11, 2012

Your summer temps are hotter than mine but I think unless you have a greenhouse with a cooling system it would be better to plant them outside and use a shade cloth. I usually put up my shade cloth in late June. I think the important thing is to get the plants out so they can set fruit before the intense desert heat starts.

ginny

amideutch · April 11, 2012

My grandparents lived in Lancaster for many years when I was growing up. Her growing area was wooden structure made of wooden slats that would provide shade during the summer. The only time I can see a greenhouse being used is in the winter. I remember her using a broom to get the rattle snakes out of her growing area as the shade and cooler temperatures attracted them.
Ami

ContainerTed · April 11, 2012

I'll second the shade recommendation. I was stationed at Edwards AFB for three years and if you put anything inside of a structure of any kind without cooling in the summer heat and ultra-low humidities, it will be quickly cooked.

That area is the start of the Mojave Desert and those summer winds can dry out anything. Your altitude there is about 2400 feet and that will enhance the UV heat factors. Tomatoes will grow easily on the high desert using "indirect" or "reflected" sunlight. Think about providing mid-day shade and plenty of water as the season progresses.

My thoughts on a greenhouse are that it might provide a good windbreak for plants during those blustery afternoons when the sand and small gravel are flying. I can recall that most of us ended up with a lot of paint "sanded" off our vehicles.

Take care.

April 10, 2012	#1
MissHailey Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Palmdale, Ca Posts: 4	Any Suggestions? I'm afraid of my tomatoes dying due to weather issues, do tomatoes grow well in greenhouse's? Or is it best to go free lance outside

April 11, 2012	#5
amideutch Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Germany 49°26"N 07°36"E Posts: 5,041	My grandparents lived in Lancaster for many years when I was growing up. Her growing area was wooden structure made of wooden slats that would provide shade during the summer. The only time I can see a greenhouse being used is in the winter. I remember her using a broom to get the rattle snakes out of her growing area as the shade and cooler temperatures attracted them. Ami __________________ Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘...Holy Crap .....What a ride!'

April 11, 2012	#6
ContainerTed Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: 6a - NE Tennessee Posts: 4,538	I'll second the shade recommendation. I was stationed at Edwards AFB for three years and if you put anything inside of a structure of any kind without cooling in the summer heat and ultra-low humidities, it will be quickly cooked. That area is the start of the Mojave Desert and those summer winds can dry out anything. Your altitude there is about 2400 feet and that will enhance the UV heat factors. Tomatoes will grow easily on the high desert using "indirect" or "reflected" sunlight. Think about providing mid-day shade and plenty of water as the season progresses. My thoughts on a greenhouse are that it might provide a good windbreak for plants during those blustery afternoons when the sand and small gravel are flying. I can recall that most of us ended up with a lot of paint "sanded" off our vehicles. Take care. __________________ Ted ________________________ Owner & Sole Operator Of The Muddy Bucket Farm and Tomato Ranch

April 11, 2012	#2
brismith70 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Cambridge, MA Posts: 71	I have never grown tomatoes in a greenhouse. However, Eurofresh is the largest producer of greenhouse grown tomatoes and cucumbers in Arizona. They have 318 acres of greenhouses. So, I would say yes...tomatoes do well in greenhouses. You just need to make sure they are maintained at the proper temperature.

April 11, 2012	#4
walkinggin Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 196	Your summer temps are hotter than mine but I think unless you have a greenhouse with a cooling system it would be better to plant them outside and use a shade cloth. I usually put up my shade cloth in late June. I think the important thing is to get the plants out so they can set fruit before the intense desert heat starts. ginny