I need help 2nd guessing a planting date for my fall '07 crop in Zone 9

[bigbubbacain]

I started my fall seedlings back in July on 'friday the 13th'. (yeah, I know.) I've got Sungold, Black Cherry, Grushovka, Siletz, and Bush Early Girl. All are either det. or early indet. types. They're growing beautifully under my grow light. The roots are really filling out the 1 gallon pots so fast to the point that I'm tempted to put them out at week 6, but I'm concerned about the heat. I don't have any way to protect my raised beds from the full sun. Should I start them in a more shaded area of the yard, and let them get a little bigger before I put them out in the raised bed? OR do you guys think they can handle it in the August sun? I thought I remembered a forum member in zone 9 writing a message about starting his fall tomatoes on Aug. 15, but these triple digit high temps are making me wonder. Any suggestions?

[feldon30]

Really I should have planted on August 1st. For the heat, I might use twigs and short lengths of bamboo to make a "tent" and then drape old white sheets over the beds during the hottest part of the day.

[Suze]

I'd start hardening off right away if I were you. It's gonna take at least 7-10 days (I prefer 14 days this time of year), and that's if you're really careful and pay attention to what you're doing so as to not burn the plants.

If you have any shade cloth to put them under while hardening, that would be helpful. Once hardened off, yes, your plants can take the heat, especially if well mulched.

I've been spraying mine with Surround (the kaolin clay stuff) to help them out; it works as a sort of sunscreen. I also used the Surround while hardening off.

Most of my plants have been in the ground for about ten days and are doing just fine. I planted a few more yesterday.

[bigbubbacain]

I'll try and find that Surround product. It just occurred to me I can buy shadecloth from Lowe's to put over the frame I normally use for bird netting. Will just any old shade cloth do?

[Suze]

Originally Posted by bigbubbacain

I'll try and find that Surround product. It just occurred to me I can buy shadecloth from Lowe's to put over the frame I normally use for bird netting. Will just any old shade cloth do?

I believe the Surround can only be ordered online. I ordered mine from Gardens Alive. Tip: if you order from them, do a google search for "gardens alive coupon", and use that to knock major $$ off of your order.

Shade cloth -- I think most folks use a 40 or 50%.