New to growing your own tomatoes? This is the forum to learn the successful techniques used by seasoned tomato growers. Questions are welcome, too.
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#1 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 6a - NE Tennessee
Posts: 4,538
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I thought I would show what we're up to this year. I have acquired a 4 foot long germination heat pad. This is my setup to get the flats loaded and seeds into the flats. This year I'm comparing Miracle Grow Seed Starting mix with Jiffy Seed Starting mix. In the picture below, there are three 72 cell flats, two 24 cell flats, and the first of the seedlings into pots (the gray wash tub). This is day 6 and I have about 10% of the cells with germination showing "little hooks" coming up.
Also in the picture is the white bucket with two plants that I've overwintered. To the left of the window is the controller for the heat mat and that is set for 81 degrees Fahrenheit. And, also on the left, the pink "Christmas Cactus" that I've had in my ICU most of the winter. A family member said they had been trying to get it to bloom, but had no blooms for two years. I gave it a shot of "MG for acid loving plants", and it bloomed its butt off. So, that's my setup this year. 121 varieties scattered among 264 starter cells.
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Ted ________________________ Owner & Sole Operator Of The Muddy Bucket Farm and Tomato Ranch |
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#2 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Vancouver Island
Posts: 5,931
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Nice! I know there are some KARMA seeds in this very neat and orderly system
![]() Here’s to a great start and an excellent season ahead. KarenO |
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#3 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 6a - NE Tennessee
Posts: 4,538
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Yes, Karen. Karma Pink, Karma Peach, Karma Purple Multiflora, Polaris, and Midnight Sun are all there. All are already showing little hooks except for Midnight Sun which should show up any moment now. I check all my trays three times a day until they are all up.
I grew Karma Pink last year and I'm really looking forward to the other 4. Thanks again for the super generosity of both you and Marsha.
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Ted ________________________ Owner & Sole Operator Of The Muddy Bucket Farm and Tomato Ranch |
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#4 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Plantation, Florida zone 10
Posts: 9,283
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#5 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 6a - NE Tennessee
Posts: 4,538
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Marsha, just remember last year and Grandma Oliver's Chocolate. The seeds from you were up in just two days == 5/5, Take care, ladies. Ted
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Ted ________________________ Owner & Sole Operator Of The Muddy Bucket Farm and Tomato Ranch |
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#6 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Germany
Posts: 1,351
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This a really nice looking set-up, Ted! Good look for all seedlings, but I'm sure you'll have it!
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#7 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 6a - NE Tennessee
Posts: 4,538
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![]() I'll let you know what else might show up. In the meantime, tell that adopted great nephew that I think about him. And be sure to give him an extra hug. ![]() Gotta go and fix some supper. I'm on permanent KP until the surgeon clears DW for retaking her house. I may keep her for another 55 years. ![]()
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Ted ________________________ Owner & Sole Operator Of The Muddy Bucket Farm and Tomato Ranch |
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#8 |
Guest
Posts: n/a
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Very nice looking seed starting space and setup. Just natural light?
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#9 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Germany
Posts: 1,351
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#10 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 6a - NE Tennessee
Posts: 4,538
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Ted ________________________ Owner & Sole Operator Of The Muddy Bucket Farm and Tomato Ranch |
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#11 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Zone 6 Northern Kentucky
Posts: 1,094
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Nice set up. I haven't used a mat myself either. Curious to hear your opinion on it.
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Mark |
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#12 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 6a - NE Tennessee
Posts: 4,538
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I really think it takes the mystery out of the process. You don't have to totally rely on room temperature. I have the one pictured set at 81 degrees F. At that temp, I can do peppers easily as well as make sure that tomatoes are coming on earlier. I paid about 55 bucks for that one you see. But, it allows me to set the temp any time I wish. I can only say that I wonder how I got along without one for so many years. It is definitely worth the price.
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Ted ________________________ Owner & Sole Operator Of The Muddy Bucket Farm and Tomato Ranch Last edited by ContainerTed; March 28, 2019 at 07:28 PM. |
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#13 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Den of Drunken Fools
Posts: 38,539
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Looking forward to future pictures and updates.
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#14 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Plantation, Florida zone 10
Posts: 9,283
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