Containerted's 2016 startup

[ContainerTed]

Thank you Starlight. But remember, that I have two more trays coming. I got delayed today on getting the next one started, but, hopefully, I'll be on it this afternoon. It's not critical that I get it done today. I have a few days to finish the initial seed sowing.

The next tray will feature mostly Dwarf Project varieties and selections.

[twillis2252]

C.T. Where are you located in Tn? My garden is adjacent to the Tn. Va. line Ashe Cty. NC. Plan to start my seeds next week.

[wildcat62]

Started mine Saturday. Looks good Ted. Great idea on the blinds.

[clara]

Originally Posted by ContainerTed

Clara, are you back home now? Hope so. You might see a couple of familiar names in this first tray. And, did you know that those white stickers are "cut up mini-blinds". Next destinations for the current occupants of this tray will be 9 oz plastic cups followed by a main garden location.

Yes, Ted, and it was a gorgeous trip again! I was VERY tempted to repeat it a third time (in April), but for several reasons can't do it, sigh...

It's a great pleasure to see some very familiar names - I'm sure you'll like these varieties! My first 100 seedlings have already found their next home in 7 oz cups, some of the next batch will get 11 oz cups. All these cups are white and will be marked with a permanent marker. In the garden, I use spatulas (the same wooden stuff, ear, nose and throat specialists use) with the names on both sides and attached by a thin wire (with a hole in the spatulas) to the spirals (or sometimes stakes). No tomato cages here - they are incredibly expensive in Germany, I would have to pay about $20 each... and having about 140 plants, it would cost me quite a fortune...

[MissS]

How fun for you to be starting some seeds. I sure wish that it was time for me to get going, but I will wait some more.
You have some wonderful varieties going there. Thank you for sharing them with us. It will be fun to watch how your plants progress. You sure are going to have your hands full by the end of the season.

[kchd..]

Originally Posted by PhilaGardener

I've had problems with Sharpie "permanent" marker fading on mine, so I simply write the name at the top (exposed) and again near the point. Where it is underground, the writing remains clear and easy to read if I can't make out the name on the top. Saved me from lost ID more than once.

Hey PhilaGardener, if you use pencil on the mini-blinds tags, it will not fade in the sun at all.

PS. Your avatar is hilarious. Love it!

[Starlight]

Hey Ted, have you figured out yet which one you the most excited to want to see? Some tough choices there.

[ContainerTed]

Actually, there are about 25 or so on my main list that I'm very curious about. That one tray you see in the first post is one of three. I'll put up the others as I get them loaded. I want one special one to be "perfect". It's one I've named Pappy's Dream to honor my late father. I'll introduce it at the end of this season.

[heirloomtomaguy]

If you are looking forward to Pappy's Dream i cant wait to see what its like Ted.

[ContainerTed]

Garrett, I guess my dream is that it will make folks want to slap the guy selling Brandywines. I have a group of 7 tomatoes that I think are ready to release. While all 7 are very good new varieties, this one has always been "just a bit" better than the others in all kinds of different stressed weather growing years. I've always said it's like "the solo singer in a really good choir".

I'll post some pictures as the seedlings and plants develop this season.

[heirloomtomaguy]

Sounds awesome Ted. Can't wait to see those pictures.

[Starlight]

What a beautiful name to pick and a great way to tribute your father.

Tell them tomatoes to hurry up and grow so we can see them. : ) LOL

[ContainerTed]

As promised, here is tray #2. Most of it is consumed with Project Dwarfs of one sort or another. The near couple of rows are not dwarfs. Three of the ones on the front row are scheduled to be released at the end of this season.

[heirloomtomaguy]

Tray number 2 looks great also. Have you grown Roughwood Golden Tiger Before? Man what a super velvet covered plant.

[ContainerTed]

No, HTG, this will be my first time with it. I'll put it beside Angora Orange and let the two of them try to outdo each other with the "fuzzy foliage".