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So stoked to see my tomatoes coming through. These are the beefsteak variety as I'm waiting for my Black Krim to sprout. I decides to go hard on producing more veggies and fruits since I been lollygagging on getting around to starting up my raised beds. Got a no til plot that should be ready to plant in, just undecided if I should give that plot to my tomatoes or to corn? What would y'all do? Growing anything juicy this season?
I got one pathetic tomato from my half ass attempts at growing tomatoes a few months ago. I planted 5 seeds from that one in an egg carton a couple of weeks ago and have 3 sprouted and looking good. My issue here is that there are a lot of little green inch worms that got to my plants last time and lead to all dying. I'm not sure what to do about that one.
I planted some jalapeño pepper seeds but those take longer to start.
I'm curious how little of a root is needed on a green onion to regrow one so I have another half ass experiment going with that too.
Maybe sprinkle some DE on the top of your soil after watering to deter the pests or I've read that hydrogen peroxide (dilute) in a spray bottle helps kill the pests as well. How was your experience with egg carton growing?
Yeah my hot peppers are taking a bit to sprout whereas my sweet peppers have already shot out their true leaves. Try nicking your pepper seeds if you want them to germinate faster
Egg cartons are just convenient to keep by the coffee pot at a window so that I monitor and keep with the routine. My whole purpose is to add a light layer of meditative continuity to daily routine. The carton is an effective jumping off point to stay in a broader routine after planting in pots.
In terms of the plants, the carton starts to fall apart around the time the plants need to be relocated. The roots quickly integrate and start penetrating the carton. Last time I removed most of the plants breaking some of the roots in the process. These did not do as well. I also made the mistake of multiple plants in the same container.
Last time, I had discarded a bunch of extra egg carton in some soil in a plastic post thinking "compost it" (too lazy to throw away). There was also one egg holder that did not have anything sprouted, and everything was just tossed together. It turns out that one holder then sprouted a single plant. That plant had no help getting its roots through the carton but it was by-far the strongest plant and resulted in my one tomato... in December... bc... whatever... I'm not doing it for the food... I'm thinking the plant did so well because of that old adage "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger," but maybe it was just luck. I'm interested in how that plant's babies do now. I think it was infected after it was placed in close proximity to another that wasn't doing great and died after finding lots of little green caterpillars over time. I also probably screwed up by handling the plants to remove any caterpillars I found and the eggs from whatever moth or butterfly is the metamorphosed reproductive phase of said caterpillars.
Maybe sprinkle some DE on the top of your soil after watering to deter the pests or I’ve read that hydrogen peroxide (dilute) in a spray bottle helps kill the pests as well.
I tried these when I had fungus gnats, but the only thing that worked was mosquito bits. But I don't know if that would also work for inchworms.
Hydrogen Peroxide diluted 50/50 works for me in my grow tent when they attack, the issue is you have to get both stages so if you haven’t killed the adults you’ll just get rid of them for a bit until the new eggs hatch.
I’ve had good luck with DE but I have to use a sprayer to get it to coat the plants almost to the point of harming their photosynthesis for a day or two then wash them clean.
The DE + Hydrogen Peroxide so I can kill both stages has been the only thing that works.
That and /or a pyrethins or insecticidal soap if you’re into it.
Man, I miss my Black Krims. I salute you!
Give it another go if you can!
I wouldn't grow corn personally. The grocery store corn is like four for a dollar when it's in season. Give that space to some different tomato or pepper varieties!
Man I go nuts when it’s .69 instead of .99 (CAD) .25 would be amazing.
I haven't bought it in years, those may very well be pre covid prices I'm remembering.
[glances outside at the 6+” on the ground]
I won’t start seeds for about another 2 months, so please keep me updated on your plants so I can garden vicariously until then!
I did order a micro cherry tomato variety the other day that I’m excited to try in my tabletop hydroponic setup. They’re only supposed to grow to be 9” or so tall. I’m really curious how many tomatoes such a small plant may produce. But even if it’s not many, I’m still looking forward to fresh tomatoes in winter.
Mine are juuuuuuust sprouting, up here in zone 7a
Granted they’re in a grow tent and won’t get to actually go out for another month or so … I’m jealous of your sun.
Nice! Its far too cold where I live for tomatoes, I just end up with a few pathetic green rocks.