The 2017 Chronicles of a Newbie Gardener - Page 3

MissS · May 13, 2017

Any brand will do. I use the generic brand from Walmart.

Banadoura · May 16, 2017

@MissS Espom Salt purchased!

Can I add it with the blue stuff? or should it be a feeding on its own?

MissS · May 16, 2017

Yes you can go right ahead and mix them in the same can. Do not use them more often than they are needed. Just use the Epsom Salts on a as needed basis.

Banadoura · May 23, 2017

@MissS the epsom salt use was a success!
1/8 of a tsp in 500 ml of water. I also got watering under control!

Last week it became obvious that 1 light was not doing the job so I purchased another one and updated my setup.

The healthy plants you see are ones that were transplanted after first leafs formed. Unfortunately, not all of the plants got this treatment. I believe this would have avoided situations like this one (the only Stupice I had going):

There's a chance it might still make it.

I also noticed that the dwarfs are almost a lost cause, 1 Rosella purple was decapitated by mistake and the other wisped for some reason.

Besides that, the batch started on April first is ready to go in ground, this ISPL is throwing roots out.

Starting on May 28 our temps will be between 12/13 lows and 18/20 highs so 54/55 and 65/70. I believe I should be able to start transplanting the strong ones out after hardening off.

I have some TT so I will be adding it to the hole before transplanting and off to the races!

MissS · May 23, 2017

Banadoura, isn't it amazing how fast that the plants can recover? They are looking so much better now. I am so glad to see that it helped them.

It looks as if you might have a little mold growing on the surface of the dwarf pot. It may or may not have contributed to the plants demise, depending on what type it is. To avoid mold growth you can use a fan on the plants or add a little hydrogen peroxide and water to a spray bottle and mist the surface of the soil. Using a small layer of sand on the soil surface also helps prevent mold from growing. For me I find that ventilation is free and quite easy to provide.

You are doing a great job with your first plants from seed. They should do well once planted out and I am thinking that your daughter will be glad to have her room back...

Banadoura · May 25, 2017

@MissS your input was really helpful all along! Thank you again!
I would say the only weakness I met this year is the lack of fan, counting on natural wind is not consistent.

My girls (non identical twins) didn't really get bothered by the plants, they found it somewhat fascinating but am sure they will be happy to get the entire room back to themselves

First set of volunteers getting ready to go inground on May 27

(Taxi, Jaune Flamme, Cosmonaut Volkov and Cherokee Lime)

MissS · May 26, 2017

Your plants are looking good. They should do well in your garden once they are hardened off.

I must confess that I use my daughters room too to grow my seedlings. Sadly, she is not quite as enthusiastic about it.

Not at all. I just have to be firm and say "Well, it's MY house". LOL

Banadoura · July 4, 2017

An update is in order following a very busy month that included the brother in law's marriage and a business trip to San Antonio Texas that I adored.

From the 40 plants I had going, some 32 survived, 12 were given away to friends and family and 20 are planted in two raised beds. Last wave was transplanted in early June, they've all taken off since then.

Bed #1 Varieties:
Cosmonaut Volkov x3
Taxi x2
Jaune Flamme x2
Stupice x1
Rebel Yell x1

Bed #2 Varieties:
Paul Robeson x2
Cherokee Lime x1
GGWT x1
Indian Stripe PL x2
Lindy's Little Krim x2
Matsu Express x2
Black Cherry x1

12 Varieties in total!

Banadoura · July 4, 2017

The first bed has 9 plants and saw one major infestation: flea beetles!

What I did is combed through the plants twice a day and picked them up and drowned them in water & soap one by one over a period of a few days.

After some 50 casualties, they simply disappeared...maybe until the next generation is born? No matter, I am keeping my eyes peeled

Taxi is the first plant with fruits, can't wait to start tasting!

Banadoura · July 4, 2017

Raised bed #2 has 11 plants in total, all healthy and beautiful plants.

Besides a few aphids here n there, nothing to complain about so far.

Look at these beautiful Paul Robeson plants

Here's a healthy ISPL

and I LOVE the LLK plants!

They're all flowering so we should be in business soon

Tomato Tone is the only thing I am feeding them every 2-3 weeks.

Salaam · July 5, 2017

Well done!

MissS · July 5, 2017

They are all looking very good. The only suggestion that I have, is to remove all of the lower leaves that come into contact with the soil or the sides of your boxes. This will help you to prevent disease from starting from the plants leaves contacting the soil.

I do have a question. What are you using for a wall or fence in the background of the pictures?

Banadoura · July 6, 2017

@Salaam Thanks

@MissS Copy that, I am removing the lower leaves to avoid soil contact. Going slow as I don't want to shock the plant by a mass removal?

My backyard is small and pretty much occupied by an above ground pool and an extended deck. The only space I can use is the side of the fence separating me from the neighbors. That's the white backdrop you see, it's the fence with white plastic vertical slats for privacy.

MissS · July 6, 2017

Yes, it's a tight space, but it works for everyone. A little for you and some for the girls and then a bit for your wife too. It's very nice. I like the fence very much. It offers privacy and offers sun reflection for your plants.

Banadoura · July 28, 2017

It's been 3 weeks since my last update. I leave for one week on vacation and return to find the flea beetles are back in force. So after manually picking some 100 of them, I think I have them somewhat under control. Thankfully only a portion of my plants are affected.

Here's a panoramic view of 11 tomato plants

You will notice that they've grown since the last pics

Bumblebees are happily at work, seed purity is not guaranteed!!!

May 13, 2017	#31
MissS Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin Posts: 3,150	Any brand will do. I use the generic brand from Walmart. __________________ ~ Patti ~

May 16, 2017	#33
MissS Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin Posts: 3,150	Yes you can go right ahead and mix them in the same can. Do not use them more often than they are needed. Just use the Epsom Salts on a as needed basis. __________________ ~ Patti ~

May 23, 2017	#34
Banadoura Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Laval, Quebec - Zone 5B Posts: 144	State of the Garden May 2017 @MissS the epsom salt use was a success! 1/8 of a tsp in 500 ml of water. I also got watering under control! Last week it became obvious that 1 light was not doing the job so I purchased another one and updated my setup. The healthy plants you see are ones that were transplanted after first leafs formed. Unfortunately, not all of the plants got this treatment. I believe this would have avoided situations like this one (the only Stupice I had going): There's a chance it might still make it. I also noticed that the dwarfs are almost a lost cause, 1 Rosella purple was decapitated by mistake and the other wisped for some reason. Besides that, the batch started on April first is ready to go in ground, this ISPL is throwing roots out. Starting on May 28 our temps will be between 12/13 lows and 18/20 highs so 54/55 and 65/70. I believe I should be able to start transplanting the strong ones out after hardening off. I have some TT so I will be adding it to the hole before transplanting and off to the races!

May 23, 2017	#35
MissS Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin Posts: 3,150	Banadoura, isn't it amazing how fast that the plants can recover? They are looking so much better now. I am so glad to see that it helped them. It looks as if you might have a little mold growing on the surface of the dwarf pot. It may or may not have contributed to the plants demise, depending on what type it is. To avoid mold growth you can use a fan on the plants or add a little hydrogen peroxide and water to a spray bottle and mist the surface of the soil. Using a small layer of sand on the soil surface also helps prevent mold from growing. For me I find that ventilation is free and quite easy to provide. You are doing a great job with your first plants from seed. They should do well once planted out and I am thinking that your daughter will be glad to have her room back... __________________ ~ Patti ~

May 26, 2017	#37
MissS Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin Posts: 3,150	Your plants are looking good. They should do well in your garden once they are hardened off. I must confess that I use my daughters room too to grow my seedlings. Sadly, she is not quite as enthusiastic about it. Not at all. I just have to be firm and say "Well, it's MY house". LOL __________________ ~ Patti ~

May 25, 2017	#36
Banadoura Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Laval, Quebec - Zone 5B Posts: 144	@MissS your input was really helpful all along! Thank you again! I would say the only weakness I met this year is the lack of fan, counting on natural wind is not consistent. My girls (non identical twins) didn't really get bothered by the plants, they found it somewhat fascinating but am sure they will be happy to get the entire room back to themselves First set of volunteers getting ready to go inground on May 27 (Taxi, Jaune Flamme, Cosmonaut Volkov and Cherokee Lime)

July 4, 2017	#38
Banadoura Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Laval, Quebec - Zone 5B Posts: 144	July 4 Update An update is in order following a very busy month that included the brother in law's marriage and a business trip to San Antonio Texas that I adored. From the 40 plants I had going, some 32 survived, 12 were given away to friends and family and 20 are planted in two raised beds. Last wave was transplanted in early June, they've all taken off since then. Bed #1 Varieties: Cosmonaut Volkov x3 Taxi x2 Jaune Flamme x2 Stupice x1 Rebel Yell x1 Bed #2 Varieties: Paul Robeson x2 Cherokee Lime x1 GGWT x1 Indian Stripe PL x2 Lindy's Little Krim x2 Matsu Express x2 Black Cherry x1 12 Varieties in total! Last edited by Banadoura; July 4, 2017 at 04:12 PM.

July 4, 2017	#39
Banadoura Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Laval, Quebec - Zone 5B Posts: 144	Raised Bed #1 The first bed has 9 plants and saw one major infestation: flea beetles! What I did is combed through the plants twice a day and picked them up and drowned them in water & soap one by one over a period of a few days. After some 50 casualties, they simply disappeared...maybe until the next generation is born? No matter, I am keeping my eyes peeled Taxi is the first plant with fruits, can't wait to start tasting!

July 4, 2017	#40
Banadoura Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Laval, Quebec - Zone 5B Posts: 144	Raised Bed #2 Raised bed #2 has 11 plants in total, all healthy and beautiful plants. Besides a few aphids here n there, nothing to complain about so far. Look at these beautiful Paul Robeson plants Here's a healthy ISPL and I LOVE the LLK plants! They're all flowering so we should be in business soon Tomato Tone is the only thing I am feeding them every 2-3 weeks.

July 5, 2017	#41
Salaam Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Ottawa, ON Posts: 128	Well done!

July 6, 2017	#43
Banadoura Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Laval, Quebec - Zone 5B Posts: 144	@Salaam Thanks @MissS Copy that, I am removing the lower leaves to avoid soil contact. Going slow as I don't want to shock the plant by a mass removal? My backyard is small and pretty much occupied by an above ground pool and an extended deck. The only space I can use is the side of the fence separating me from the neighbors. That's the white backdrop you see, it's the fence with white plastic vertical slats for privacy.

July 28, 2017	#45
Banadoura Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Laval, Quebec - Zone 5B Posts: 144	End of July Update It's been 3 weeks since my last update. I leave for one week on vacation and return to find the flea beetles are back in force. So after manually picking some 100 of them, I think I have them somewhat under control. Thankfully only a portion of my plants are affected. Here's a panoramic view of 11 tomato plants You will notice that they've grown since the last pics Bumblebees are happily at work, seed purity is not guaranteed!!! Last edited by Banadoura; July 28, 2017 at 02:25 PM.