Getting one or two plants going really early

tam91 · September 30, 2012

This year, the nice man who lets me garden on his property bought an Early Girl and Sweet 100 that were several feet tall when planting time came. They did produce earlier, but weren't very exciting, especially the Early Girl. And he said they were expensive. I said I'd try to grow one or two big ones to produce early next year.

I have my little greenhouse, and a heater. Plus if need be, I could move 1 or 2 plants inside at night. Of course, I will still start them inside under the lights, then pot up eventually into a gallon or two size pot.

So my questions are - for regular size transplants, I started the seeds around March 7. How much earlier should I start them, to have 'monster' plants at plant out time?

What varieties would be recommended, that would be very early yet taste good? Probably best to have a red or pink for this one.

How warm would I need to keep them during the day?

September 30, 2012	#1
tam91 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Crystal Lake IL Posts: 2,484	Getting one or two plants going really early This year, the nice man who lets me garden on his property bought an Early Girl and Sweet 100 that were several feet tall when planting time came. They did produce earlier, but weren't very exciting, especially the Early Girl. And he said they were expensive. I said I'd try to grow one or two big ones to produce early next year. I have my little greenhouse, and a heater. Plus if need be, I could move 1 or 2 plants inside at night. Of course, I will still start them inside under the lights, then pot up eventually into a gallon or two size pot. So my questions are - for regular size transplants, I started the seeds around March 7. How much earlier should I start them, to have 'monster' plants at plant out time? What varieties would be recommended, that would be very early yet taste good? Probably best to have a red or pink for this one. How warm would I need to keep them during the day? __________________ Tracy