Have You Seen the Joey?

I have and it's beautiful!

If you're like me and you've resorted to using your t-shirt to haul your garden harvest then you'll be THRILLED to use the Joey Apron!  The JOEY APRON is now available at Mary's Heirloom Seeds.

-Adjustable cotton straps fit any size in comfort.
-Made from industrial strength cotton
-Water resistant nylon storage pouch
-Plastic hooks allow for easy release of the pouch
-Machine washable

The Joey is perfect in assisting you with harvesting your vegetables from your vegetable garden, pulling weeds or collecting anything that needs to be put away.

5 Tips to Increase Garden Yield

How was your 2013 harvest?  Was it everything you hoped for?  This year I definitely could have used a bit more "help" in the garden so I have a few tips to share.  Enjoy!

5 Tips to Increase Your Yields

1. The 3 Sister's Method & Companion Planting

Companion planting is the ultimate organic pest management, you may keep away unwanted pests that may be attracted to one crop but repelled by the other and this will assist in protecting the otherwise attractive prey, this is referred to as trap cropping.

Specific Companion Planting info

3 Sister's Method info

2. Encourage the Bees to stick around

Some of the most healthful foods you can think of - blueberries, cranberries, apples, almonds and squash - would never get to your plate without the help of insects. No insects, no pollination. No pollination, no fruit.       Source

Plant bee-friendly Wildflowers and Herbs to attract bees and other pollinators!

3. Mulch

Using mulch will not only cut down on the amount of water used for crop production but it is also effective at reducing weed growth.  This means less time weeding, less money watering and happy plants!

4. Fertilizer

Compost is key to healthy and organic soil.  I stay away from heavily processed, non organic fertilizers and instead prefer to make my own or use Supreme Growers natural soil amendments.

Using natural and organic Soil Amendments improves the health of your soil and can increase the productivity of veggies.

Seaweed Tea recipe

5. Transplant

Growing your own transplants from seeds is a big money saver.  Most vegetables are ready to set in the garden when they are 4-6 weeks old. Set only the best plants that are strong, stocky, vigorous and disease free.

Tomato plants 4-5 weeks old grow and yield better than older transplants.

Tomato Seedlings and Saving $$$

High Yield Varieties

Tomatoes

Beans

Peppers

GREENS
Squash
Peas

While it is not a veggie, BASIL is an amazing producer in the garden!

This list was compiled based on the amount of space required as well as crop output.

Upcoming Event Sponsored by Mary's Heirloom Seeds!

Workshop:

Grow Your Own and Make Your Own Herbal Remedies

Tuesday, October 29th @ 6:30pm   
Grow Your Own Herbal Remedies!
Can't grow them? Use Organic dried herbs!
Health benefits of garden herbs and how to use them. 

*Workshop includes detailed recipes*
$10.00 Workshop fee

2104 Tyler Street

Hollywood, FL 33020

(954) 364-8841 

Space is limited. Early reservation recommended.

 


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In the Garden Spotlight: CARROTS

Last week I said I'd start spotlighting heirloom seed varieties again.  Previous "Spotlights" include:

Basil

Pink Oxheart Tomato

Sweet Corn

Beans

Spaghetti Squash

Marglobe Tomato

Japanese White Egg (eggplant) 

The Danver's Half- Long Carrot has thick 7-inch roots and good flavor.  It is an improved strain of Danvers carrot that was introduced in 1947.

Danver's Half-Long Carrot

The Atomic Red Carrot produces Brilliant red carrots.  They are so healthy and unique-looking, sure to add color to your garden. The 8-inch roots are high in lycopene, which has been shown in studies to help prevent several types of cancer.  Crisp roots are at their best when cooked, and this helps to make the lycopene more useable.

Atomic Red Carrot

 
Growing Carrots is very easy.  I would suggest that you consider companion planting in advance.  Carrot flies and maggots can be a big issue.  Planting Onions and Leeks will help keep those nasty pest away.

From the Growing from Seed Page:
One week before planting you can add a general fertilizer, one that does not contain high levels of nitrogen, as this could cause the seeds to grow multiple roots. In most cases, plenty of compost or peat moss is enough for carrots to grow well.

Planting the carrot seeds Thinly plant the tiny carrot seeds in drills that are about ½ inch deep. Drop a few seeds into the soil at every inch. The rows should be approximately 8 inches (20cm) apart. Cover the seeds with fine soil and apply a very thin layer of straw or shredded bark. Germination takes place within 15 - 20 days.

Thinning the seedlings The seedlings should be carefully thinned out when they have sprouted and reached a height of approximately 1 inch (2.5cm). Space them out so that they are first 2 inches (5cm) and then 5 inches (12cm) apart. Thin the seedlings at night, as this is when the carrot fly are absent, and destroy all trimmings by either burning, burying or binning them. Ensure that the roots of the seedlings do not suffer too much disturbance, as this can affect their growth. Pat down the soil after thinning, as carrot fly like to lay their eggs in loose soil. Apply a layer of mulch about ¾ inch thick once the plants have been established.

Watering the carrot seedlings The soil should be kept moist at all times but carrot seedlings do not need to be deluged in water. Water when the soil is dry and keep the soil moist and the plants will be happy!

Continue Reading

If you have additional questions on growing carrots just ask.  Check out Mary's Heirloom Seeds if you have a moment.  The Save some "Green" on Greens sale ends tonight at midnight.

Sharing at Wildcrafting Wednesday. 
Join me as I party HERE.  

In the Garden Spotlight: Basil

Basil is by far the easiest plant I have grown...EVER!  Basil needs sun, water and room to grow.  If your plant gets too tall or bushy, chop of a piece and add it to your salad, make pesto or even Basil Lemonade!

Purple Opal Basil

My favorite varieties are Dark Purple Opal, Fine Verde and Genovese Basil.  All three of them are great in pesto and the purple adds a bit of color to salads or even pizza!

Fine Verde Basil

Companion Plants for Basil are: tomatoes, peppers, oregano, asparagus and petunias.

From the Growing from Seed page:

Sow seeds outdoors when soil is warm and temperature does not drop below 65°F. Basil can also be started indoors 4-6 weeks before planting out. Seeds usually germinate within 7 days of planting.

Seedlings need 6-8 hours of sunlight .  Basil can be grown indoors on a nice sunny ledge or windowsill or outdoors in a sunny spot.

Make successive sowings for continuous summer supplies. Pinch back flower stalks as they appear to keep plants from bolting.  Basil prefers rich well-drained soil.

I have found Easy to grow Herbs very helpful.

Doesn't that sound easy?  I found a basil plant at my local supermarket for $4.  For $4 at Mary's Heirloom Seeds you can get a full pack of organic, non-gmo Basil seeds.  That's a possible 35 basil plants!!!

Want to grow your own?  Enter to win the Seeds in a Stocking Giveaway!  ENDS December 4th at Midnight!  Win it for yourself or give as a gift.

This is a series!  Did you miss the previous spotlights?

Pink Oxheart Tomato

Sweet Corn

Beans

Spaghetti Squash

Marglobe Tomato

Japanese White Egg (eggplant) 

In the Garden Spotlight: Japanese White Egg (eggplant)

This is definitely one of the most unique seeds available at Mary's Heirloom Seeds. I grew Black Beauty Eggplants last year and really enjoyed eating them right off the bush/plant. The Japanese White Egg will be a delightful addition to my garden.

65 days.  Produces heavy yields of 2-3" oval creamy white eggplants.  Long season.

Wonderful rich flavor.  Perfect for a delicious stir-fry or lasagna.

Companion plants for the eggplant are: amaranth, beans, peas, spinach, tarragon, thyme and marigold. Eggplant is a member of the nightshade family and does well with peppers as they like the same growing conditions.

From the Growing from Seed page:

Eggplants can grow 2 to 6 feet tall, depending on the variety.  Grow eggplant in full sun. Eggplant is not particular about the soil it grows in but will grow best in well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Eggplant is sensitive to cold (and extreme heat). It grows best where day temperatures are between 80° and 90°F and night temperatures between 70° and 80°F. Eggplant is best started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting into the garden.

Sow eggplant seed ¼ to ½ inch deep spaced 4 to 5 inches apart. Thin plants to 6 inches apart if the weather does not allow transplanting before plants grow 5 to 6 inches tall. Set eggplants into the garden 18 to 24 inches apart. Space rows 24 to 36 inches apart.

Do not over water or allow the soil to dry out. Once the soil has warmed, mulch around eggplants to retain soil moisture and an even growing temperature. Eggplants are heavy feeders prepare planting beds with aged compost and side dress eggplants with compost tea every 2 or 3 weeks during until the fruit has set. (stay tuned for compost tea recipe)

Eggplant is easily grown in containers. Plants will grow in pots at least 12 inches across and as deep. Choose a smaller growing variety.

Homegrown Black Beauty Eggplant

Harvested: Eggplants, tomatoes and swiss chard!

Do you have a favorite variety?  Would you like to share your garden?  Send me an email or leave a comment!

The Seeds in a Stocking Giveaway is almost finished.  2 days left!

No wrapping required!  No Card?  No Problem!
Includes 3 seed packs of your choice, a mini stocking and a holiday card for you to personalize.

*Stockings available in Red, Green and Blue*

This is a Garden Spotlight series!
Pink Oxheart Tomato
Sweet Corn
Beans
Spaghetti Squash
 Marglobe Tomato

In the Garden Spotlight: Marglobe Tomato

My first "spotlight" post was the Pink Oxheart Tomato.  I am currently growing them in the garden but they are just seedlings.  I had terrific success growing Marglobe Tomatoes in my Florida garden.

Aren't they Gorgeous?

75 days. Determinate.  Marglobe tomatoes can be traced back to 1917 but were introduced by the USDA in 1925.  Medium size red fruit make excellent canning tomatoes or sliced for a sandwich or salad.  Good size and uniform deep scarlet color, 7 to 10 ounce fruits.  Great for humid climates.

I highly recommend heirloom marglobe tomatoes.  They are especially great for Florida gardeners as they grow well in humid climates.

For growing instructions check out the Growing from Seed page.

If you intend to grow organically or you would like to reduce your dependency on expensive treatments, use Companion planting.

Companion plants include:  asparagus, basil, beanborage, carrots, celery, chive, cucumber, garlic, head lettuce, marigold, mint, nasturtium, onion, parsley, pea, pepper, marigold, pot marigold and sow thistle.

Borage

 I especially like to grow borage and calendula around my tomatoes.  They are beautiful flowering plants, attract beneficial insects and can be eaten in salads.  Calendula is great for tinctures or beauty products.

Calendula

This is a Garden Spotlight series!

Pink Oxheart Tomato

Sweet Corn

Beans

Spaghetti Squash

Enter the Seeds in a Stocking Giveaway!

 

In the Garden Spotlight: Spaghetti Squash

You see, there is a method to my madness!  The 3 Sister's Method growing Corn, Beans and Squash.

The new variety of squash at 

Mary's Heirloom Seeds is the Spaghetti Squash and is a winter variety.  

I am really looking forward to growing these gorgeous cucurbita! 

88 days.  Introduced in 1934.  Easy to grow.
This is a very popular squash with stringy flesh that can be used like spaghetti.  Squash is ripe when they turn yellow and sound hollow when thumped.

Companion plants for squash are: Beans, corn, cucumbers, icicle radishes, melon, mint, onions and pumpkin. Helpers: Borage deters worms, improves growth and flavor. Marigolds deters beetle.  Oregano provides general pest protection. Dill may repel the squash bug that will kill your squash vines.

From the Growing from Seed page:

In spring, sow seeds in prepared beds or hills after your last frost has passed, or sow them indoors under bright fluorescent lights. Set out seedlings when they are about three weeks old. In Zone 6 and warmer, you can plant more winter squash in early summer, using space vacated by fall-planted garlic or early spring lettuce. Stop planting winter squash 14 weeks before your expected first fall frost.

How to Plant Winter Squash

Winter squash grows best in warm conditions, in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Choose a sunny site and prepare 3-foot-wide planting hills within wide rows, or position them along your garden’s edge. Leave 5 to 6 feet between hills. Loosen the soil in the planting sites to at least 12 inches deep. Thoroughly mix in a 2-inch layer of mature compost and a light application of balanced, organic fertilizer. Water well. Plant six seeds per hill, poking them into the soil 1 inch deep. After seeds germinate (about 10 days after sowing), thin seedlings to three per hill. Set up protective row covers as soon as you’re done planting.

Harvesting and Storage

Fruits are ripe if you cannot easily pierce the rind with your fingernail. Never rush to harvest winter squash, though, because immature fruits won’t store well. Unless pests or freezing weather threaten them, allow fruits to ripen until the vines begin to die back. Expect to harvest three to five squash per plant. Use pruning shears to cut fruits from the vine, leaving 1 inch of stem attached. Clean away dirt with a soft, damp cloth, and allow fruits to cure for two weeks in a spot that’s 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Store cured squash in a cool, dry place, such as your basement, a cool closet or even under your bed. Check every two weeks for signs of spoilage.

Winter squash face challenges from squash bugs, squash vine borers and cucumber beetles. To defend your plants from all three insects, shield them with row covers held aloft with stakes or hoops until the plants begin to bloom. Big, healthy plants will produce well despite pest pressure. Among diseases, powdery mildew is a common problem best prevented by growing resistant varieties, which often have “PMR” (for “powdery mildew resistance”) after their variety names. In addition, a spray made of 1 part milk and 6 parts water can suppress powdery mildew if applied every two weeks during the second half of summer.

Winter Squash Growing Tips and Ideas

Grow open-pollinated varieties so you can save your own seeds for eating and replanting. Only choose hybrids if you need a space-saving bush habit or a special form of disease resistance.

Try growing winter squash in an old compost pile located along the edge of your garden. Small-fruited varieties do well if allowed to scramble up a fence.

This is a Garden Spotlight Series:

Pink Oxheart Tomato

Sweet Corn

Beans

Enter the Seeds in a Stocking Giveaway!  

Ends December 4th at Midnight!

In the Garden Spotlight: Beans

If you would like to start your own garden or add to your collection of seeds, check out the Seeds in a Stocking Giveaway going on now.  Includes your choice of 3 varieties of heirloom seeds, a mini-stocking and a holiday card for you to personalize (in case you decide to give as a gift).

Blue Lake Beans (like you buy in the store)

60 days.  This dark-green bean has been a favorite for over 40 years.  Heavy yield.  Matures its large crop early and all at once.  Stagger planting for longer harvesting.
Developed from the Pole Blue Lake

I mentioned the Three Sister's method when growing Sweet Corn in the last spotlight.  This is similar to companion planting.  It is a garden practice used by Native Americans when growing Corn, Squash and Beans.

 

From Wikipedia:  "The three crops benefit from each other. The maize provides a structure for the beans to climb, eliminating the need for poles. The beans provide the nitrogen to the soil that the other plants utilize, and the squash spreads along the ground, blocking the sunlight, helping prevent establishment of weeds. The squash leaves also act as a "living mulch", creating a microclimate to retain moisture in the soil, and the prickly hairs of the vine deter pests. Maize lacks the amino acids lysine and tryptophan, which the human body needs to make proteins and niacin, but beans contain both and therefore maize and beans together provide a balanced diet."

Golden Wax Bean

55 days.  Old-time favorite introduced in 1900.  Excellent quality and yields. 
Stringless pods are 5-7 inches long with delicious wax bean flavor.  Good for freezing or canning.

This year I have added several bean varieties!  The Kentucky Wonder or "Old Homestead" is a pole variety.  The Blue Lake Bush, Royalty Purple Podded and Golden Wax are all bush varieties.

Kentucky Wonder Bean

65 days.  Pole Bean variety.  Introduced in 1864, this bean was originally known by the name 'Old Homestead.'  What made the 'Kentucky Wonder' a wonder was, in part, its size. The beans are extraordinarily long.  They produce beans in clusters over an extended season.

Royalty Purple Podded

 56 days.  Bush variety.  Tender, bright purple pods turn green when cooked. 
Prolific producer and a good home garden variety.  Beautiful addition to your garden and very tasty.  Plant a row every three weeks until July for a long harvest period.

Royalty Purple Beans are a nude color

I recently added the Royalty Purple to my own garden.  I soaked the beans for 3 hours before I planted them and the germination was much faster and more successful.  Living in South Florida allows me to try different varieties throughout the year.  I am looking forward to purple beans in another 37 days or so.

Bean seedling at approx day 19

From the Growing from Seed page: 

For the sake of simplicity, I classify beans in 2 categories: Bush and Pole.

Bush beans are usually compact and grow close to the ground. Pole beans climb and require a trellis or other support. Bush beans tend to produce more beans in a shorter time, while pole beans will produce more over an entire season. Pole beans typically require much less.

Two weeks before planting, work compost or fertilizer into a garden spot that receives full sun. Well after the fear of frost has passed, use a garden hose to lightly moisten the soil. Plant bean seeds directly into rich, fast draining soil in spring after the soil has warmed. For bush beans, form 1inch-deep furrows and place beans every few inches. For pole beans, position the trellis or bean teepee before planting the seeds. Plant several seeds in each 1-inch furrow.  Cover all seeds with soil and water well. 

Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate. When seedlings sprout, carefully thin them to one plant every 6" to 8". Apply a generous layer of mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and prevent weed growth. Bean plants need about 1" of water per week. They should be watered in the morning so the foliage has time to dry before dark. Fertilize bean plants with an organic fertilizer every two weeks for the first six weeks, then once every three to four weeks. Keep an eye out for bean beetles, which are easily picked off by hand and terminated.

The plants require full sun and regular water. In general, bush beans mature faster and are less sensitive to drought and extreme temperatures than pole beans. Provide support for vines in the form of a trellis or pole.

Tip: Never work around bean plants when they are wet. Disease can quickly spread from plant to plant, destroying an entire crop. 

Bush beans are ready to harvest in 50 to 60 days, while pole beans take between 60 and 90 days. Beans should be harvested when the pods are 4" to 6" long. Beans that stay on the plant too long are much less tender and flavorful. Beans should be harvested frequently, even daily, to encourage continued production. Simply pull the pods from the vine to harvest, but try not to knock the blooms off the plant

Are you enjoying the In the Garden Spotlight series so far?  I appreciate all of the feedback so far.  See you tomorrow!

In the Garden Spotlight: Sweet Corn

I wish I had planted Sweet Corn last year.  I thought I didn't have to room but I was wrong.  Had I read more about the Three Sister's method I would have planned ahead and made it happen.  I recommend Heirloom Seeds ONLY.  Sweet Corn is a very common GMO crop and I refuse to poison my garden with it!


The 2 varieties I have chosen are Stowell's Evergreen and Country Gentleman Sweet Corn.

Stowell's Evergreen Sweet Corn

90-110 days.  Released commercially in 1856.
This delicious white sweet corn is regarded as the "King of All White Sweet Corn Varieties", has been popular for over 162 years.  
Stowell's Evergreen matures slowly over a long period, extending the usual harvest and produces 9 inch ears with 16 to 20 rows of plump, sweet white kernels.
It has a good shelf life, and is a good option for eating fresh, canning or freezing.

Country Gentleman Sweet Corn

90 days.  The ears reach 7-8 inches long and produce a sweet and delicious, white kernel.  The ears have no rows, as this is a shoepeg type, and kernels are packed in a zigzag pattern.  Country Gentleman was introduced around 1890 by Frank Woodruff & Sons.  One of the best heirloom sweet corns.

As you can see, the Stowell's Evergreen has uniform rows while the Country Gentleman rows are a zigzag pattern.

Companion Plants for Sweet Corn are: Amaranth, beans, cucumber, white geranium, lamb's quarters, melons, morning glory, parsley, peanuts, peas, potato, pumpkin, soybeans, squash and sunflower.

From the Growing from Seed page:

To ensure an early crop, sow sweet corn seeds either indoors or in a heated greenhouse.  I recommend using Peat Pellets or something like it do the delicate roots are not disturbed.  Corn does not transplant well.

Seeds should be sown in warm conditions, covered very lightly (depth of ¼ inch) and kept reasonably moist until seedlings emerge. 

The sweet corn seedlings should germinate after 10 – 12 days, and once they have fully emerged the weakest seedling from each pot should be removed.  If you choose to direct-sow, thin Seedlings 6-8 inches apart.

Water well and if they are being germinated indoors - move to a warm, bright windowsill.

Do not over water.

The young Sweet Corn plants can be planted into their final positions once all danger of frost has passed – around the middle of May, but remember that they will need to be hardened off for a week or so before hand. This can be achieved by either bringing them back under protection over-night or placing them under a cloche or poly-tunnel outside.

Plant corn in well-drained soil with lots of organic matter.  Grow in full sun.  Mulching around your corn will help keep the free of invasive weeds during the summer.  Plant with beans, cucumber, melons, morning glory, potato, pumpkin, soybeans, squash and sunflower.  For complete details, read Companion Planting 101.

Non-gmo Sweet Corn seeds

 I know it's almost December and most of you are thinking about buying gifts and decorating for Christmas.  Me?  I'm thinking about what I'd like to grow in the Spring.  In order to get the best harvest with the least issues you must plan ahead!

In the Garden Spotlight: Pink Oxheart Tomato

I've grown the Cherokee Purple, Amana's Orange, Marglobe, Ace 55 
and the Red Fig tomatoes so far. I am absolutely thrilled to try the 
Pink Oxheart!

85 days.  Vigorous vines produce large bunches of huge pink tomatoes in the shape of an oxheart.  Tomatoes are very meaty and flavorful.

Popular with old timers, a good all-purpose variety.  

Great for processing or sliced for a sandwich. 

In my own garden I choose to use the Companion Planting method for organic pest control and healthy tomato plants.  

Companions for tomatoes are asparagus, basil, bean, carrots, celery, chive, cucumber, garlic, head lettuce, marigold, mint, nasturtium, onion, parsley, pea, pepper, marigold, pot marigold and sow thistle.  I use marigolds (calendula), lots of green and purple basil and borage for pest control.

From the Growing from Seed page:
There are two basic kinds of tomatoes: Determinate and Indeterminate.

Determinate tomatoes produce the fruit all at once. These are typically bush tomatoes, and make the best tomatoes for container gardening. Since all the tomatoes are ripe within a short period of time, these are great plant choices if you plan to can or have a short tomato growing season.

Indeterminate tomatoes grow on a vine. They will produce all season until the first frost.

Preferred Growing Conditions

Tomatoes love sun, and lots of it. Determinate or bush tomato plants work best for tomato container gardening. Soil should be rich in organic matter. Compost works best mixed in with the soil, and is a great organic fertilizer. Tomatoes tend to do well in soil that is a little acidic. Get a soil pH tester if you are unsure of your soil’s pH level.

Mulch will be important around tomato plants. Since tomato plants prefer full sun, the soil will dry out. Mulch will help retain moisture in the soil.

How to Plant Tomatoes

Space out tomato plants 13 – 17 inches apart. Really just follow the planting instructions with the variety you choose. It will all depend on the variety of tomato you grow. You just want to make sure they will have enough room to grow and the roots not compete with each other. You can plant tomato seedlings after the last frost. Seeds can be started just before the last frost.

Keep in mind tomatoes do well in raised beds. If you are not planting in a raised bed, raise your tomato rows about six inches in the garden. Rows should be 4-5 feet apart. But, don’t forget that determinate tomato varieties grow well in containers, too!

Companion Plants for Tomatoes

Growing these companion plants around tomatoes will be helpful: basil, chives, oregano, parsley, onions, carrots, asparagus, marigolds, celery, and geraniums.

Some plants actually are bad to the health of tomato plants.

Avoid these plants around tomotoes: black walnut, corn, cabbage, potatoes, kale, and rosemary.

Maintaining Your Tomato Plants

Not sure what to do in the meantime? You will most likely need to stake your tomatoes. Again, depends on the variety. Bush tomatoes may need to be staked or caged for support. But, indeterminate tomatoes, or vine tomatoes, will definitely need support since they continue to grow all season. A trellis works nicely with vine tomatoes or a tomato cage.

Should you prune tomatoes? Depends on who you ask! Suckers, or side shoots, grow in the “v” of the stem and branch. You can pinch them off or leave them. Leaving the suckers on produces more tomatoes. But these will be smaller tomatoes. If you have a large tomato plant, like the indeterminates, you might want to prune the side shoots here and there. But don’t go hog wild, you want these plants to produce.

When to Use Organic Fertilizer

It’s a good idea to use organic fertilizer in your garden, and avoid the chemicals around your food. Typically, tomatoes are fertilized every 3-4 weeks, with the first fertilization at planting. The next time you’re ready to fertilize should be about the time the plant is bearing small tomatoes. Some determinate varieties will only be fertilized two times, since they produce tomatoes all at once.

You can also find products at nurseries, like Tomato Thrive, a microbial growth promoter, that help tomato plants absorb nutrients from the soil. This makes your fertilizer absorb better, too.

When to Harvest Tomatoes

Tomatoes take 50-80 days to harvest. Just pick them when they have turned their full color. You can pick them early and let them ripen in the windowsill. But, the best tomato flavor is one that has ripened on the vine.

Tomato Pests and Diseases

Keep an eye out for tomato hornworms. They are the large, beautiful green worms that blend nicely with the stems.

Marglobe Tomatoes

Ripened and sliced Cherokee Purple Tomato

Cherokee Purple Tomatoes with Swiss Chard and a huge Radish!

Would you like to know my favorite thing about growing tomatoes?  The taste!  You won't find a sweeter, juicier tomato than one that was freshly harvested from the garden and sliced up on the spot still warm from the heat of the sun.

Amana's Orange Tomato!  So tasty!

 I hope you have enjoyed the spotlight!  Do you have any questions about growing from seed?  Would you like a particular variety in the Spotlight?  Send me an email or leave a comment! 

Don't forget to enter the Seeds in a Stocking Giveaway!  You can choose whichever 3 seed varieties you want!