Foliar Feeding? - Page 2

amideutch · July 12, 2007

neoguy, looks like your getting the hang of it. Good stuff. Lots of info on seed saving in previous threads. Just use the search function and it will show you where to look. The more you get into it the more you want to learn. And there's alot to learn. Ami

neoguy · July 12, 2007

Ami, I appreciate your encouragement. You, certainly are one who provides links to great information, and has much personal experience to share. And, if I may also add, one who does not intimidate or disparage others. Thank you, Thank you, thank you....

By the way, I'm not a novice gardener, nor someone easily intimidated. I decided to ignore Feldons condescending response earlier because I'm not here to create a problem.

I want to grow some TOMS, that is the reason I'm posting here.

honu · July 12, 2007

neoguy, Foliar feed does not replace good soil, but is a good way to supplement by providing micronutrients, as found in seaweed and fish solutions. The concern w/ watering from the top, as in sprinkler system, is that it would promote conditions favorable to fungal infection -- eg. water splashing back from the soil onto the plant leaves, allowing fungal spores in the soil to be transported up to the leaves and start infection, especially if leaves stay wet all night.
Check out the disease forum here, as there is much good information.
Also, I think it's great that you are practicing saving seed, no matter what variety you choose. While it is true that saving seed of hybrids may produce variable results, you may find some nice surprises too. OPs are after all, stabilized hybrids. Everyone's taste is different, and should be respected. As Ami suggested, do a search here and you will find lots of good info on growing tomatoes.
Folks also have different opinions about seed saving methods, but you can learn a lot by reading here and at other places such as:
http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/s...456024410.html
An invaluable source of tomato growing and variety information is Carolyn Male's book, "100 Heirloom Tomatoes for the American Garden."
Good luck, and happy gardening!

neoguy · July 13, 2007

Hi honu, I think we've been doing a good job of building the soil in our home garden. We've been adding homemade compost for the last ten years, turning in our straw mulch, sprinkling rabbit manure the the last couple of years, sprinkling coffee grounds and this fall I'll be adding composted chicken manure, just found a local source for the chicken manure, $3 for a 30 lbs bag.

I want to try the foliar feeding at the community garden, our first year in this plot. We have no idea how it was amended in the past. Comparing the growth between the two gardens, the tomatoes are much shorter at the community garden even though it gets sun all day long. So I'll do an experiment this weekend on half of the plants.

As far as growing Roma and Celebrity, I never said I was a fan of the flavor, its just what we grew because we didn't know any better. Now I know there are better tasting toms, or hope to know as soon as I get some ripe OP to try. Still many weeks away from getting any ripe ones. And, I'll save the OP seeds this year.

The first book, booklet really, we got regarding seed saving was the one written by Rob Johnston, Jr and sold by Johnny's Selected Seed. Nothing comprehensive but a good starter source. I have since found all the valuable resources available here and at GW. Because for these to forums I became aware of Dr. Carolyn. Got the book out of the library a month ago, haven't returned it yet. I do plan to purchase my own copy.

Thanks for the reply honu

July 12, 2007	#16
amideutch Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Germany 49°26"N 07°36"E Posts: 5,041	neoguy, looks like your getting the hang of it. Good stuff. Lots of info on seed saving in previous threads. Just use the search function and it will show you where to look. The more you get into it the more you want to learn. And there's alot to learn. Ami __________________ Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘...Holy Crap .....What a ride!'

July 12, 2007	#17
neoguy Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2007 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 610	Ami, I appreciate your encouragement. You, certainly are one who provides links to great information, and has much personal experience to share. And, if I may also add, one who does not intimidate or disparage others. Thank you, Thank you, thank you.... By the way, I'm not a novice gardener, nor someone easily intimidated. I decided to ignore Feldons condescending response earlier because I'm not here to create a problem. I want to grow some TOMS, that is the reason I'm posting here.

July 12, 2007	#18
honu Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Hawaii Posts: 270	neoguy, Foliar feed does not replace good soil, but is a good way to supplement by providing micronutrients, as found in seaweed and fish solutions. The concern w/ watering from the top, as in sprinkler system, is that it would promote conditions favorable to fungal infection -- eg. water splashing back from the soil onto the plant leaves, allowing fungal spores in the soil to be transported up to the leaves and start infection, especially if leaves stay wet all night. Check out the disease forum here, as there is much good information. Also, I think it's great that you are practicing saving seed, no matter what variety you choose. While it is true that saving seed of hybrids may produce variable results, you may find some nice surprises too. OPs are after all, stabilized hybrids. Everyone's taste is different, and should be respected. As Ami suggested, do a search here and you will find lots of good info on growing tomatoes. Folks also have different opinions about seed saving methods, but you can learn a lot by reading here and at other places such as: http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/s...456024410.html An invaluable source of tomato growing and variety information is Carolyn Male's book, "100 Heirloom Tomatoes for the American Garden." Good luck, and happy gardening!

July 13, 2007	#19
neoguy Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2007 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 610	Hi honu, I think we've been doing a good job of building the soil in our home garden. We've been adding homemade compost for the last ten years, turning in our straw mulch, sprinkling rabbit manure the the last couple of years, sprinkling coffee grounds and this fall I'll be adding composted chicken manure, just found a local source for the chicken manure, $3 for a 30 lbs bag. I want to try the foliar feeding at the community garden, our first year in this plot. We have no idea how it was amended in the past. Comparing the growth between the two gardens, the tomatoes are much shorter at the community garden even though it gets sun all day long. So I'll do an experiment this weekend on half of the plants. As far as growing Roma and Celebrity, I never said I was a fan of the flavor, its just what we grew because we didn't know any better. Now I know there are better tasting toms, or hope to know as soon as I get some ripe OP to try. Still many weeks away from getting any ripe ones. And, I'll save the OP seeds this year. The first book, booklet really, we got regarding seed saving was the one written by Rob Johnston, Jr and sold by Johnny's Selected Seed. Nothing comprehensive but a good starter source. I have since found all the valuable resources available here and at GW. Because for these to forums I became aware of Dr. Carolyn. Got the book out of the library a month ago, haven't returned it yet. I do plan to purchase my own copy. Thanks for the reply honu