Each year we start tomatoes by seed in January
under lights. They get repotted twice before
being planted in the ground in Wall O' Waters
(other brand names are
Tomato Teepees
or Kozy Coats) in early April (late March if I get
to it), giving us an almost two month head start. This
is a wonderful season extending device which is
comprised of many plastic 'tubes' in the shape of
a teepee. It is placed over the seedlings once they
are in the ground, then each tube is filled with
water. The directions say to fill them first and
let them heat up for a few days before planting
the seedling inside, but I have found this to be
an almost impossible task.
During the day the water in the tubes absorbs
solar heat. The heat is released slowly at
night, protecting the plants to 10° F. The
original Wall O' Waters were clear, as in this
picture. Now, most are green or red in color.
They are available from local garden centers,
and also from mail order companies such as
Gardener's Supply Company in Vermont.
The tomatoes usually look pretty sad for a few weeks,
but then begin to grow rapidly, producing ripe tomatoes
by the Fourth of July or earlier (not bad for zone
4b!). These tomatoes have proven to be a big seller
at the local farmer's market. The only competition
was some green-shouldered Early Girls.
Last Year's Early Tomato Log
February 4th -
Started 2 6-packs of Way-Ahead tomatoes. First
the cells of potting mix are watered, then three
seeds are placed in each one. The seeds are
covered lightly with a little more potting mix,
which is then misted. Each 6-pack is covered
with plastic wrap, and placed on a heat mat to
germinate. Watch daily for plants to emerge!
Be sure to have plants within 6-8 inches of the
lights. I use stacked shoe boxes to raise them closer
when they are small, then remove the boxes as they
get taller. Light is on a timer, and is on for 15
hours a day.
February 12 - Excellent germination, close
to 100%. All but the strongest seedling is removed
from each cell of the 6-pack. It is best to cut
them off at soil level. Pulling them out will disturb
the roots of the seedling you are keeping.
Continue to remove shoe boxes or whatever you are
using to raise up the seedlings. Check often so
that plants don't touch lights.
I'm watering with ROOTS Plus organic fertilizer.
March 23 - Seedlings are about 9" tall. Repotted
into individual 3" diameter pots. I still have 12
plants total. I'll only put 6 in the garden, so
some will be given away, and some will be composted...
April 21 - Transplanted five 14" seedlings
into ground in Wall O' Water's. This is later than
usual, but we've had many freezing nights and snow,
so wanted to be a little cautious. Added compost
and greensand to soil. Put stakes in now, to avoid
disturbing roots later.
June 1 - The Wall O' Water's
actually got snowed on once! Took the Wall O' Waters
off about two weeks ago. One plant was snapped
off during removal - a good reason to not wait
too long! The plants are doing well but growing
slowly due to cold temperatures.
June 15 - We finally started having a real
summer! All the plants are now setting fruit. One
plant in particular has a tangerine size fruit.
Still no signs of ripening, so we'll have to shoot
for later then July 4! They are all still ahead of the
other regular season varieties, and will no doubt
be the first to produce ripe fruit.
July 11 - Finally got our first ripe fruit today. A couple weeks
later than usual, but not bad overall!
Contains Tomato
Boomers, AlgoFlash, Red Mulch, and Kozy
Coats!
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