There is no better time for saving tomato seeds than at the end of the season.
Save seeds from tomatoes that are fully ripe and open pollinated. Hybrid F1 varieties won't grow true to type - like the previous harvest - so it's best to choose heirlooms or older varieties that have been around some time because of their special qualities.
Here's a link to more information about saving tomato seeds. It's very easy to do and will not only save money but you will know where the seeds have come from!
Seeds that have been saved from last season will usually grow stronger plants than seeds that have been around for two or three years. Some people store them in the fridge which helps to keep them fresh.
Friday, 30 September 2011
Thursday, 29 September 2011
Quadgrow Planter
I recently had the opportunity to check out the Quadgrow Planter which comprises of four good size pots that sit on a reservoir of water and nutrients.
One of the problems with traditional pots and grow bags is that they dry out so quickly in warm weather.
Dry soil can create all sorts of problems including nutrient deficiency, poor root development and Blossom End Rot to name but a few!
Two of the benefits of the Quadgrow planter is that tomato plants have constant access to both water and nutrients - just like professional tomato growers grow their plants.
Another major benefit is its large reservoir which enables auto watering when on holiday and it's very quick to set up.
Overall, I would recommend the Quadgrow Planter as a great piece of kit for the home tomato grower.
One of the problems with traditional pots and grow bags is that they dry out so quickly in warm weather.
Dry soil can create all sorts of problems including nutrient deficiency, poor root development and Blossom End Rot to name but a few!
Two of the benefits of the Quadgrow planter is that tomato plants have constant access to both water and nutrients - just like professional tomato growers grow their plants.
Another major benefit is its large reservoir which enables auto watering when on holiday and it's very quick to set up.
Overall, I would recommend the Quadgrow Planter as a great piece of kit for the home tomato grower.
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
Last Newsletter of the Season
This weekend it's the last newsletter of the season from the Tomato Growing website until February and I start writing again.
My original intention with this blog was to write daily, as the title suggests, but I didn't manage to stay up to date! However, now I have a little extra time on my hands, I intend to write a small post every day for 365 days.
Each post will be related to tomato plants and growing tomatoes in some way which will also include a bit of plant biology as well as tomato growing tips and a few things of interest that are not often covered in tomato growing blogs and websites.
My original intention with this blog was to write daily, as the title suggests, but I didn't manage to stay up to date! However, now I have a little extra time on my hands, I intend to write a small post every day for 365 days.
Each post will be related to tomato plants and growing tomatoes in some way which will also include a bit of plant biology as well as tomato growing tips and a few things of interest that are not often covered in tomato growing blogs and websites.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)