Hint and Ideas
We don't claim to know everything about gardening but, we've learned a few things which are beneficial when producing a healthy, productive garden.
Tomato Tips - Lesson One
See Photo Gallery - Below
Heirloom Tomatoes
We grow a lot of Heirloom Tomatoes. They're easy to maintain, resilient and delicious!
Growing From Seed
When growing Heirloom Tomatoes from seeds, consider purchasing the "72 Count" Seedling Trays.
Keep Your Newly-Planted Seeds and Seedling Trays Warm
for best germination results keep your plants at 74º to 82º Fahrenheit. Maintain germination by covering the trays with the lids that come with each tray.
Florescent Lights
As soon as they start to sprout and pop their little heads out, we add florescent lights. We currently use two 4 foot florescent light fixtures. Each fixture has two bulbs and hangs from the roof of our grow shed.
Grow Toward The Light!
Tomatoes grow toward the light. With adjustable chains, it's easy to keep bulbs the required 2 inches from the tops of small plants.
By keeping florescent lights 2 inches from the tops of plants, they won't grow too tall and tip to one side.
Time To Re-Plant...
When Heirloom Tomatoes get about 3 inches tall, replant them into larger containers. Plant them deep, which means you should tear-off some of the lower leaves and put the stems deeper into the soil. This is a great way to produce short tomato plants with thick stems. In 6-8 weeks you should have some great looking seedlings!
What Is "Hardening-Off"?
The next step is referred to as "Hardening-Off" your plants. Take your seedlings outside for 4-6 hours of sunlight and outdoor conditions for a couple weeks.
At this point, your Heirloom Tomatoes should be ready to plant directly into your Raised Bed Garden!
Be sure the temperature stays ABOVE 48 Degrees Fahrenheit.
Feel free to call us with any questions at 480-215-7743.
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Tomato Plants at Three Weeks
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Root System
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A Healthy Tomato Plaint
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High Quality Soil
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Soil Is Loose - Not Packed Too Tight
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Corn Meal Added To Soil
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Small Tomato Plants In Styrofoam Cups
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AZRaisedBedGardens.com
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480-215-7743 - Got Questions? - 480-215-7743
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