Last request for advice for the day.... (and Dads progress)

[KCMO_Don]

For those of you that prayed for him... thank you.
He had another surgery today, and is proving all the docs wrong and is actully making some improvements!
And for what it's worth the job interview went well, and I should know within 10 days or so.

So... Do I have a snowballs chance in Phoenix of seperating these 3 tomatillo's?
Should I even try?
Will they do ok if left in this state (after planting out in 4 days).

[Sorellina]

Ciao Don,

I am SO relieved to hear about your father, that is indeed wonderful news. Thank you for the update.

I'm very glad your interview went well. I know for myself how challenging it can be to remain calm, cool, and relaxed during times of stress, so bravo to you.

As for your tomatillos, I'll let others with more experience chime in. I lost a few myself last year because they were larger plants at the time I had to separate them and I found out the hard way how friable they can be. Best of luck here, my friend.

[Catntree]

Good news about your father and congrats on the interview!!!!!

As far as the Tomatillos, I wouldn't try to seperate them, but would remove the one in the center of photo by cutting it off at soil level. If remaining two seem crowded after a while....cut another one out, but I would try planting the two best ones together.
I'm adventurous

[KCMO_Don]

Thanks for all the advice!
If I WERE to try and split them up.....
Would I soak all the dirt off of the roots then "wiggle" them apart?

[giardiniere]

I'm glad your dad is doing better Don.

[gardenmama]

If you really want 3 tomatillo plants you can do the following:
-Heavily water the container/carton (don't make mud though)
-Slip the whole root block out of the carton,
-Gently shake off extra potting mix
-Rinse away remaining potting mix and gently separate the root systems
-Repot
This works for me when I've got several "stuck and intertwined" plants.

I'm glad your Dad is proving the Dr's wrong. Many continued prayers.

[robbins]

Great news about your dad! Still have all my fingers crossed.

As for the tomatillos - just pull them apart - plants are tough.

[bcday]

If you are afraid that pulling the plants apart would rip too many roots off and you don't mind fussing with them a bit, soaking all the soil off first will work.

I use a little stream of water to wash the soil away, starting at the edges to keep the root ball from breaking apart in large chunks that would also break off large chunks of roots. You can also use an opened paper clip, again starting from the edges.

After you get them separated, the plants waiting to be potted should have their roots covered with water or damp soil while you are potting the first one up.

Yay for your dad, glad to hear the good news.

[EbbMc]

Great Pics.One of the best closeups I`ve seen.Mind telling us what camera you used?
Ebb

[Rena]

Great to hear about your Dad. Keep us posted.-R

[KCMO_Don]

Ebb...
It is an Olympus C700 UZ
Retail $700+
Ebay $100