Re: May the Schwartz be with you......

[kate]

Alternate Identity wrote:
> In article >,
> zxcvbob > wrote:
>
>
>>Alternate Identity wrote:
>>
>>>In article >,
>>> sherwindu > wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>Let's see, who should get the 'cutsy' award for this forum. We can make up
>>>>a
>>>>big trophy and have a presentation ceremony. Right now, I think Cereus and
>>>>Alternate are running neck and neck.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>Oh come on! The list was slow and won't pick up until spring planting
>>>time. ;-) For those that have good sunny windows (and no cats), or
>>>greenhouses, now is the time to start seeds!
>>>
>>>I'm considering trying tomatoes from seed this year. I usually cheat and
>>>buy started plants but they don't always have the varieties I want.
>>>
>>>How many seeds should I put into, say, a 1" starter plug pot?
>>
>>
>>
>>One tomato seed per pot, and plant a few extra pots in case some don't
>>come up or they damp off or get eaten by cats. You can usually give
>>away extra tomato plants.
>>
>>Don't plant them too early. They start out slow, but then grow
>>tremendously fast and get difficult to manage.
>>
>>Best regards,
>>Bob
>
>
> So when would you recommend?
> Here in Texas, I can usually stick them in the ground about the end of
> March.
>
> I've never tried from seed so don't know how fast they grow?
>
> I've got plenty of 4" and 1 gallon pots to transplant if I have to. :-)

I've had good results starting them 5 or 6 weeks before they go in the
ground. Tomato seed is pretty reliable - if you plant 20 you're likely
to get 20.

Kate

[Alternate Identity]

In article >,
kate > wrote:

> Alternate Identity wrote:
> > In article >,
> > zxcvbob > wrote:
> >
> >
> >>Alternate Identity wrote:
> >>
> >>>In article >,
> >>> sherwindu > wrote:
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>>Let's see, who should get the 'cutsy' award for this forum. We can make
> >>>>up
> >>>>a
> >>>>big trophy and have a presentation ceremony. Right now, I think Cereus
> >>>>and
> >>>>Alternate are running neck and neck.
> >>>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>Oh come on! The list was slow and won't pick up until spring planting
> >>>time. ;-) For those that have good sunny windows (and no cats), or
> >>>greenhouses, now is the time to start seeds!
> >>>
> >>>I'm considering trying tomatoes from seed this year. I usually cheat and
> >>>buy started plants but they don't always have the varieties I want.
> >>>
> >>>How many seeds should I put into, say, a 1" starter plug pot?
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>One tomato seed per pot, and plant a few extra pots in case some don't
> >>come up or they damp off or get eaten by cats. You can usually give
> >>away extra tomato plants.
> >>
> >>Don't plant them too early. They start out slow, but then grow
> >>tremendously fast and get difficult to manage.
> >>
> >>Best regards,
> >>Bob
> >
> >
> > So when would you recommend?
> > Here in Texas, I can usually stick them in the ground about the end of
> > March.
> >
> > I've never tried from seed so don't know how fast they grow?
> >
> > I've got plenty of 4" and 1 gallon pots to transplant if I have to. :-)
>
> I've had good results starting them 5 or 6 weeks before they go in the
> ground. Tomato seed is pretty reliable - if you plant 20 you're likely
> to get 20.
>
> Kate
>

Cool! Thanks!
I need to look for Plum tomatoes. I LOVE those things!
Grow almost as prolific as sweet 100's but are more meaty IMHO.

I'd like to try Romas again this year as well.

I've not tried beefsteaks, ever, but mom and dad used to grow them in
California.

[zxcvbob]

Alternate Identity wrote:
> In article >,
> kate > wrote:
>
>
>>Alternate Identity wrote:
>>
>>>In article >,
>>> zxcvbob > wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>Alternate Identity wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>In article >,
>>>>>sherwindu > wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>Let's see, who should get the 'cutsy' award for this forum. We can make
>>>>>>up
>>>>>>a
>>>>>>big trophy and have a presentation ceremony. Right now, I think Cereus
>>>>>>and
>>>>>>Alternate are running neck and neck.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>Oh come on! The list was slow and won't pick up until spring planting
>>>>>time. ;-) For those that have good sunny windows (and no cats), or
>>>>>greenhouses, now is the time to start seeds!
>>>>>
>>>>>I'm considering trying tomatoes from seed this year. I usually cheat and
>>>>>buy started plants but they don't always have the varieties I want.
>>>>>
>>>>>How many seeds should I put into, say, a 1" starter plug pot?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>One tomato seed per pot, and plant a few extra pots in case some don't
>>>>come up or they damp off or get eaten by cats. You can usually give
>>>>away extra tomato plants.
>>>>
>>>>Don't plant them too early. They start out slow, but then grow
>>>>tremendously fast and get difficult to manage.
>>>>
>>>>Best regards,
>>>>Bob
>>>
>>>
>>>So when would you recommend?
>>>Here in Texas, I can usually stick them in the ground about the end of
>>>March.
>>>
>>>I've never tried from seed so don't know how fast they grow?
>>>
>>>I've got plenty of 4" and 1 gallon pots to transplant if I have to. :-)
>>
>>I've had good results starting them 5 or 6 weeks before they go in the
>>ground. Tomato seed is pretty reliable - if you plant 20 you're likely
>>to get 20.
>>
>>Kate
>>
>
>
> Cool! Thanks!
> I need to look for Plum tomatoes. I LOVE those things!
> Grow almost as prolific as sweet 100's but are more meaty IMHO.
>
> I'd like to try Romas again this year as well.
>
> I've not tried beefsteaks, ever, but mom and dad used to grow them in
> California.



I agree about the 5 or 6 weeks before setting them out. (at 3 weeks
you'll think you're a month behind, but then they start growing really fast)

"Better Boy" is a really good largish hybrid red tomato. "Principe
Borghese" is a great small tomato -- a little larger and beefier than
cherry tomatoes and perfect for dehydrating. Since you live in Central
Texas, you might look for "Porter" or "Improved Porter" (developed by
Porter and Sons seed company in Stephanville, TX) for a nice small
tomato that should do well regardless of the weather.

Best regards,
Bob

[kate]

zxcvbob wrote:
> Alternate Identity wrote:
>
>> In article >,
>> kate > wrote:
>>
>>
>>> Alternate Identity wrote:
>>>
>>>> In article >,
>>>> zxcvbob > wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> Alternate Identity wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> In article >,
>>>>>> sherwindu > wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Let's see, who should get the 'cutsy' award for this forum. We
>>>>>>> can make up a
>>>>>>> big trophy and have a presentation ceremony. Right now, I think
>>>>>>> Cereus and
>>>>>>> Alternate are running neck and neck.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Oh come on! The list was slow and won't pick up until spring
>>>>>> planting time. ;-) For those that have good sunny windows (and no
>>>>>> cats), or greenhouses, now is the time to start seeds!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I'm considering trying tomatoes from seed this year. I usually
>>>>>> cheat and buy started plants but they don't always have the
>>>>>> varieties I want.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> How many seeds should I put into, say, a 1" starter plug pot?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> One tomato seed per pot, and plant a few extra pots in case some
>>>>> don't come up or they damp off or get eaten by cats. You can
>>>>> usually give away extra tomato plants.
>>>>>
>>>>> Don't plant them too early. They start out slow, but then grow
>>>>> tremendously fast and get difficult to manage.
>>>>>
>>>>> Best regards,
>>>>> Bob
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> So when would you recommend?
>>>> Here in Texas, I can usually stick them in the ground about the end
>>>> of March.
>>>>
>>>> I've never tried from seed so don't know how fast they grow?
>>>>
>>>> I've got plenty of 4" and 1 gallon pots to transplant if I have to. :-)
>>>
>>>
>>> I've had good results starting them 5 or 6 weeks before they go in
>>> the ground. Tomato seed is pretty reliable - if you plant 20 you're
>>> likely to get 20.
>>>
>>> Kate
>>>
>>
>>
>> Cool! Thanks!
>> I need to look for Plum tomatoes. I LOVE those things!
>> Grow almost as prolific as sweet 100's but are more meaty IMHO.
>>
>> I'd like to try Romas again this year as well.
>>
>> I've not tried beefsteaks, ever, but mom and dad used to grow them in
>> California.
>
>
>
>
> I agree about the 5 or 6 weeks before setting them out. (at 3 weeks
> you'll think you're a month behind, but then they start growing really
> fast)
>
> "Better Boy" is a really good largish hybrid red tomato. "Principe
> Borghese" is a great small tomato -- a little larger and beefier than
> cherry tomatoes and perfect for dehydrating. Since you live in Central
> Texas, you might look for "Porter" or "Improved Porter" (developed by
> Porter and Sons seed company in Stephanville, TX) for a nice small
> tomato that should do well regardless of the weather.

I'm really enamoured with the First Lady tomato plant. Nice size
tomatoes, prolific and keeps going. I'm also growing Bradleys, Beefy
Boys and Roma's. (Or rather, I will be.)

Kate

[Gribbee]

kate wrote:
>
>
> zxcvbob wrote:
>
>> Alternate Identity wrote:
>>
>>> In article >,
>>> kate > wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>> Alternate Identity wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> In article >,
>>>>> zxcvbob > wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> Alternate Identity wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> In article >,
>>>>>>> sherwindu > wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Let's see, who should get the 'cutsy' award for this forum. We
>>>>>>>> can make up a
>>>>>>>> big trophy and have a presentation ceremony. Right now, I think
>>>>>>>> Cereus and
>>>>>>>> Alternate are running neck and neck.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Oh come on! The list was slow and won't pick up until spring
>>>>>>> planting time. ;-) For those that have good sunny windows (and no
>>>>>>> cats), or greenhouses, now is the time to start seeds!
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I'm considering trying tomatoes from seed this year. I usually
>>>>>>> cheat and buy started plants but they don't always have the
>>>>>>> varieties I want.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> How many seeds should I put into, say, a 1" starter plug pot?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> One tomato seed per pot, and plant a few extra pots in case some
>>>>>> don't come up or they damp off or get eaten by cats. You can
>>>>>> usually give away extra tomato plants.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Don't plant them too early. They start out slow, but then grow
>>>>>> tremendously fast and get difficult to manage.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Best regards,
>>>>>> Bob
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> So when would you recommend?
>>>>> Here in Texas, I can usually stick them in the ground about the end
>>>>> of March.
>>>>>
>>>>> I've never tried from seed so don't know how fast they grow?
>>>>>
>>>>> I've got plenty of 4" and 1 gallon pots to transplant if I have to.
>>>>> :-)
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I've had good results starting them 5 or 6 weeks before they go in
>>>> the ground. Tomato seed is pretty reliable - if you plant 20 you're
>>>> likely to get 20.
>>>>
>>>> Kate
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Cool! Thanks!
>>> I need to look for Plum tomatoes. I LOVE those things!
>>> Grow almost as prolific as sweet 100's but are more meaty IMHO.
>>>
>>> I'd like to try Romas again this year as well.
>>>
>>> I've not tried beefsteaks, ever, but mom and dad used to grow them in
>>> California.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> I agree about the 5 or 6 weeks before setting them out. (at 3 weeks
>> you'll think you're a month behind, but then they start growing really
>> fast)
>>
>> "Better Boy" is a really good largish hybrid red tomato. "Principe
>> Borghese" is a great small tomato -- a little larger and beefier than
>> cherry tomatoes and perfect for dehydrating. Since you live in
>> Central Texas, you might look for "Porter" or "Improved Porter"
>> (developed by Porter and Sons seed company in Stephanville, TX) for a
>> nice small tomato that should do well regardless of the weather.
>
>
> I'm really enamoured with the First Lady tomato plant. Nice size
> tomatoes, prolific and keeps going. I'm also growing Bradleys, Beefy
> Boys and Roma's. (Or rather, I will be.)
>
> Kate
>

Are you saying the First Lady has nice size tomatoes, is prolific and
keeps going? I'd be enamoured with her too...

[Alternate Identity]

In article >,
zxcvbob > wrote:

> > Cool! Thanks!
> > I need to look for Plum tomatoes. I LOVE those things!
> > Grow almost as prolific as sweet 100's but are more meaty IMHO.
> >
> > I'd like to try Romas again this year as well.
> >
> > I've not tried beefsteaks, ever, but mom and dad used to grow them in
> > California.
>
>
>
> I agree about the 5 or 6 weeks before setting them out. (at 3 weeks
> you'll think you're a month behind, but then they start growing really fast)
>
> "Better Boy" is a really good largish hybrid red tomato. "Principe
> Borghese" is a great small tomato -- a little larger and beefier than
> cherry tomatoes and perfect for dehydrating. Since you live in Central
> Texas, you might look for "Porter" or "Improved Porter" (developed by
> Porter and Sons seed company in Stephanville, TX) for a nice small
> tomato that should do well regardless of the weather.

I had excellent luck with Better Boys last year... I bought them in 6
packs at Lowe's. <G>

What is the best "starter" soil for tomato seeds?
Just plain Miracle Grow?

[Alternate Identity]

In article >,
kate > wrote:

> > I agree about the 5 or 6 weeks before setting them out. (at 3 weeks
> > you'll think you're a month behind, but then they start growing really
> > fast)
> >
> > "Better Boy" is a really good largish hybrid red tomato. "Principe
> > Borghese" is a great small tomato -- a little larger and beefier than
> > cherry tomatoes and perfect for dehydrating. Since you live in Central
> > Texas, you might look for "Porter" or "Improved Porter" (developed by
> > Porter and Sons seed company in Stephanville, TX) for a nice small
> > tomato that should do well regardless of the weather.
>
> I'm really enamoured with the First Lady tomato plant. Nice size
> tomatoes, prolific and keeps going. I'm also growing Bradleys, Beefy
> Boys and Roma's. (Or rather, I will be.)
>
> Kate

I like the "meatiness" of Romas. Not tried those others.
I'll see what shows up around here.

I might put in one or two sweet 100's, simply because I have co-workers
that want them. <G>

[Alternate Identity]

In article >,
Gribbee > wrote:

> kate wrote:
> >
> > I'm really enamoured with the First Lady tomato plant. Nice size
> > tomatoes, prolific and keeps going. I'm also growing Bradleys, Beefy
> > Boys and Roma's. (Or rather, I will be.)
> >
> > Kate
> >
>
> Are you saying the First Lady has nice size tomatoes, is prolific and
> keeps going? I'd be enamoured with her too...

<snork>

The thread just went downhill again...... ;-)

[Cindy]

>> I'm really enamoured with the First Lady tomato plant. Nice size
>> tomatoes, prolific and keeps going. I'm also growing Bradleys,
>> Beefy Boys and Roma's. (Or rather, I will be.)
>>
>> Kate
>
> I like the "meatiness" of Romas. Not tried those others.
> I'll see what shows up around here.
>
> I might put in one or two sweet 100's, simply because I have
> co-workers that want them. <G>

Have you tried yellow pear tomatoes? I haven't had them for years, but my
mom used to grow them.

[OmManiPadmeOmelet]

In article >,
"Cindy" > wrote:

> >> I'm really enamoured with the First Lady tomato plant. Nice size
> >> tomatoes, prolific and keeps going. I'm also growing Bradleys,
> >> Beefy Boys and Roma's. (Or rather, I will be.)
> >>
> >> Kate
> >
> > I like the "meatiness" of Romas. Not tried those others.
> > I'll see what shows up around here.
> >
> > I might put in one or two sweet 100's, simply because I have
> > co-workers that want them. <G>
>
> Have you tried yellow pear tomatoes? I haven't had them for years, but my
> mom used to grow them.
>
>

No, I have not, thanks!
I like to grow the small plum tomatoes which are similar.

(back to my normal ID since the other crossposts have been removed, and
we are back on topic. <G>)
--
Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch." -Jack Nicholson

[zxcvbob]

Alternate Identity wrote:
> In article >,
> zxcvbob > wrote:
>
>
>>>Cool! Thanks!
>>>I need to look for Plum tomatoes. I LOVE those things!
>>>Grow almost as prolific as sweet 100's but are more meaty IMHO.
>>>
>>>I'd like to try Romas again this year as well.
>>>
>>>I've not tried beefsteaks, ever, but mom and dad used to grow them in
>>>California.
>>
>>
>>
>>I agree about the 5 or 6 weeks before setting them out. (at 3 weeks
>>you'll think you're a month behind, but then they start growing really fast)
>>
>>"Better Boy" is a really good largish hybrid red tomato. "Principe
>>Borghese" is a great small tomato -- a little larger and beefier than
>>cherry tomatoes and perfect for dehydrating. Since you live in Central
>>Texas, you might look for "Porter" or "Improved Porter" (developed by
>>Porter and Sons seed company in Stephanville, TX) for a nice small
>>tomato that should do well regardless of the weather.
>
>
> I had excellent luck with Better Boys last year... I bought them in 6
> packs at Lowe's. <G>
>
> What is the best "starter" soil for tomato seeds?
> Just plain Miracle Grow?



Tomatoes grow so vigorously once they get 2 sets of leaves, I'm not sure
it matters much. I've used Peter's Professional potting soil and
Miracle Grow. They work. This year I might use just a mixture of
sphagnum moss and mason's sand. I have some cactus cuttings rooting in
that.

My tomatoes always get tall and spindly, but then I set them in post
holes (almost) with just the top few leaves sticking out.

How many aliases do you have? :-)

Bob

[OmManiPadmeOmelet]

In article >,
zxcvbob > wrote:

> Alternate Identity wrote:
> > In article >,
> > zxcvbob > wrote:
> >
> >
> >>>Cool! Thanks!
> >>>I need to look for Plum tomatoes. I LOVE those things!
> >>>Grow almost as prolific as sweet 100's but are more meaty IMHO.
> >>>
> >>>I'd like to try Romas again this year as well.
> >>>
> >>>I've not tried beefsteaks, ever, but mom and dad used to grow them in
> >>>California.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>I agree about the 5 or 6 weeks before setting them out. (at 3 weeks
> >>you'll think you're a month behind, but then they start growing really fast)
> >>
> >>"Better Boy" is a really good largish hybrid red tomato. "Principe
> >>Borghese" is a great small tomato -- a little larger and beefier than
> >>cherry tomatoes and perfect for dehydrating. Since you live in Central
> >>Texas, you might look for "Porter" or "Improved Porter" (developed by
> >>Porter and Sons seed company in Stephanville, TX) for a nice small
> >>tomato that should do well regardless of the weather.
> >
> >
> > I had excellent luck with Better Boys last year... I bought them in 6
> > packs at Lowe's. <G>
> >
> > What is the best "starter" soil for tomato seeds?
> > Just plain Miracle Grow?
>
>
>
> Tomatoes grow so vigorously once they get 2 sets of leaves, I'm not sure
> it matters much. I've used Peter's Professional potting soil and
> Miracle Grow. They work. This year I might use just a mixture of
> sphagnum moss and mason's sand. I have some cactus cuttings rooting in
> that.
>
> My tomatoes always get tall and spindly, but then I set them in post
> holes (almost) with just the top few leaves sticking out.
>
> How many aliases do you have? :-)
>
> Bob

3 total, but I'm only using 2....... ;-)

I rarely, if ever, use the "katra" identity anymore.

I use Om pretty much exclusively, and Alternate Identity when "trolling"
crossposts.

I have a good reason for doing that based on some very bad past
experiences. I don't care if AI is killfiled.
--
Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch." -Jack Nicholson

[OmManiPadmeOmelet]

In article >,
zxcvbob > wrote:

> How many aliases do you have? :-)
>
> Bob

Oh yeah, almost forgot about one other I very rarely use!

"trollhunter".

But that one is for special occasions. <G>

MT newswatcher is cool. There is a default ID, but there is also a pull
down window if you are using multiple identities for whatever reason.
--
Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch." -Jack Nicholson

[kate]

zxcvbob wrote:

> Alternate Identity wrote:
>
>> In article >,
>> zxcvbob > wrote:
>>
>>
>>>> Cool! Thanks!
>>>> I need to look for Plum tomatoes. I LOVE those things!
>>>> Grow almost as prolific as sweet 100's but are more meaty IMHO.
>>>>
>>>> I'd like to try Romas again this year as well.
>>>>
>>>> I've not tried beefsteaks, ever, but mom and dad used to grow them
>>>> in California.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I agree about the 5 or 6 weeks before setting them out. (at 3 weeks
>>> you'll think you're a month behind, but then they start growing
>>> really fast)
>>>
>>> "Better Boy" is a really good largish hybrid red tomato. "Principe
>>> Borghese" is a great small tomato -- a little larger and beefier than
>>> cherry tomatoes and perfect for dehydrating. Since you live in
>>> Central Texas, you might look for "Porter" or "Improved Porter"
>>> (developed by Porter and Sons seed company in Stephanville, TX) for a
>>> nice small tomato that should do well regardless of the weather.
>>
>>
>>
>> I had excellent luck with Better Boys last year... I bought them in 6
>> packs at Lowe's. <G>
>>
>> What is the best "starter" soil for tomato seeds?
>> Just plain Miracle Grow?
>
>
>
>
> Tomatoes grow so vigorously once they get 2 sets of leaves, I'm not sure
> it matters much. I've used Peter's Professional potting soil and
> Miracle Grow. They work. This year I might use just a mixture of
> sphagnum moss and mason's sand. I have some cactus cuttings rooting in
> that.

I've been using a soilless germinating mix, mostly a mix of sphagnum
peat and vermiculite. I've used the ones from Peaceful Valley and
Gardeners Supply and they've worked too. (I'm getting the feeling
tomatoes aren't particular about the starting medium....)

I think they're fun to grow - I start them in 2" soil blocks and I've
been transplanting them into 3" peat pots. What do other people do?

Kate - inquiring minds and all that

[OmManiPadmeOmelet]

In article >,
kate > wrote:

> >
> > Tomatoes grow so vigorously once they get 2 sets of leaves, I'm not sure
> > it matters much. I've used Peter's Professional potting soil and
> > Miracle Grow. They work. This year I might use just a mixture of
> > sphagnum moss and mason's sand. I have some cactus cuttings rooting in
> > that.
>
> I've been using a soilless germinating mix, mostly a mix of sphagnum
> peat and vermiculite. I've used the ones from Peaceful Valley and
> Gardeners Supply and they've worked too. (I'm getting the feeling
> tomatoes aren't particular about the starting medium....)

Are you adding any fertilizer to that?
Sort of like doing hydroponics?

>
> I think they're fun to grow - I start them in 2" soil blocks and I've
> been transplanting them into 3" peat pots. What do other people do?
>
> Kate - inquiring minds and all that

Can't say. I've not tried 'maters from seed yet but want to. <G>
That's why I was asking.

Thanks!
--
Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch." -Jack Nicholson

[zxcvbob]

zxcvbob wrote:
>
> Tomatoes grow so vigorously once they get 2 sets of leaves, I'm not sure
> it matters much. I've used Peter's Professional potting soil and
> Miracle Grow. They work. This year I might use just a mixture of
> sphagnum moss and mason's sand. I have some cactus cuttings rooting in
> that.
>
> My tomatoes always get tall and spindly, but then I set them in post
> holes (almost) with just the top few leaves sticking out.
>
> How many aliases do you have? :-)
>
> Bob


Just a clarification -- I meant Miracle Grow potting soil, not Miracle
Grow fertilizer.

Bob

[OmManiPadmeOmelet]

In article >,
zxcvbob > wrote:

> zxcvbob wrote:
> >
> > Tomatoes grow so vigorously once they get 2 sets of leaves, I'm not sure
> > it matters much. I've used Peter's Professional potting soil and
> > Miracle Grow. They work. This year I might use just a mixture of
> > sphagnum moss and mason's sand. I have some cactus cuttings rooting in
> > that.
> >
> > My tomatoes always get tall and spindly, but then I set them in post
> > holes (almost) with just the top few leaves sticking out.
> >
> > How many aliases do you have? :-)
> >
> > Bob
>
>
> Just a clarification -- I meant Miracle Grow potting soil, not Miracle
> Grow fertilizer.
>
> Bob

So did I... :-)

Danke!

For fertilizers, I keep hearing really good things about HastaGro.

Any opinions on that stuff?

My biggest bitch about Miracle grow is it's terribly short duration.
--
Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch." -Jack Nicholson

[kate]

OmManiPadmeOmelet wrote:
> In article >,
> kate > wrote:
>
>
>>>Tomatoes grow so vigorously once they get 2 sets of leaves, I'm not sure
>>>it matters much. I've used Peter's Professional potting soil and
>>>Miracle Grow. They work. This year I might use just a mixture of
>>>sphagnum moss and mason's sand. I have some cactus cuttings rooting in
>>>that.
>>
>>I've been using a soilless germinating mix, mostly a mix of sphagnum
>>peat and vermiculite. I've used the ones from Peaceful Valley and
>>Gardeners Supply and they've worked too. (I'm getting the feeling
>>tomatoes aren't particular about the starting medium....)
>
>
> Are you adding any fertilizer to that?
> Sort of like doing hydroponics?

No fertilizer until they go into the ground. Then they get an organic
miracle grow type liquid and once more when they start to bloom.
>
>>I think they're fun to grow - I start them in 2" soil blocks and I've
>>been transplanting them into 3" peat pots. What do other people do?
>>
>>Kate - inquiring minds and all that
>
>
> Can't say. I've not tried 'maters from seed yet but want to. <G>
> That's why I was asking.

This will only be my third year so that's why I'm asking too. <g>

[OmManiPadmeOmelet]

In article >,
kate > wrote:

> OmManiPadmeOmelet wrote:
> > In article >,
> > kate > wrote:
> >
> >
> >>>Tomatoes grow so vigorously once they get 2 sets of leaves, I'm not sure
> >>>it matters much. I've used Peter's Professional potting soil and
> >>>Miracle Grow. They work. This year I might use just a mixture of
> >>>sphagnum moss and mason's sand. I have some cactus cuttings rooting in
> >>>that.
> >>
> >>I've been using a soilless germinating mix, mostly a mix of sphagnum
> >>peat and vermiculite. I've used the ones from Peaceful Valley and
> >>Gardeners Supply and they've worked too. (I'm getting the feeling
> >>tomatoes aren't particular about the starting medium....)
> >
> >
> > Are you adding any fertilizer to that?
> > Sort of like doing hydroponics?
>
> No fertilizer until they go into the ground. Then they get an organic
> miracle grow type liquid and once more when they start to bloom.
> >
> >>I think they're fun to grow - I start them in 2" soil blocks and I've
> >>been transplanting them into 3" peat pots. What do other people do?
> >>
> >>Kate - inquiring minds and all that
> >
> >
> > Can't say. I've not tried 'maters from seed yet but want to. <G>
> > That's why I was asking.
>
> This will only be my third year so that's why I'm asking too. <g>
>

You are still way ahead of me..... ;-)

I'd like to try some heirloom types, and I've never seen those in 6
packs at the garden centers!

Now that my sister and brother in law are planning on moving back to
Texas, I will grow 'maters again this year. I did not plant any last
year as I generally end up with too many.

I really REALLY need to try canning! Mom was an avid canner and taught
me the basics, but I never did it enough with her to really learn it. I
have a big, beautiful pressure canner that belonged to her, so there is
no need for the tomatoes to go to waste. I can do small batches if I
grow enough of them, and my sister would be delighted to share the crop
with me. <G>

She liked to come and steal some of the green ones off the vine for
fried green tomatoes when she lived in San Antonio!

And that was ok by me.......... :-)
--
Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch." -Jack Nicholson