trailing tom question

[Jo Sara]

That is a great photo, Colin. Because that has taught me yet another thing. I can see there's a flower on your cutting. I was wondering if I could pinch the tips of my tomatoes because they are starting to show buds, obviously you can. Brilliant. I will try this when my plants reach near the top of the basket chains on the hanging baskets I've got them in.

[buzzingtalk]

excellent.

I am considering putting them out - but am going to check the frost situation for the next week or so, as there was one last night so am not going to rush into it! I have to harden them off yet, too!

regarding hardening off, how is it usually done? i am not going to be able to do it every day as i work overnight some times (from 1.30pm until up to 48 hours later until i'm home) but i wreckon at least every other day they can go out and be put back in - is this bad, do they need it every day for a set time or is it a general thing? How long do you do it for, what about the first time you leave them overnight outside? I don't have a greenhouse, or a blowaway so its all or nothing!

I feel like I'm sending my kids out to war!

[Potstubsdustbins]

I have checked the 5 day forecast for our area and the lowest minimum temp is 9c. Today my tumbler went into a glass topped lean to this will get them used to a lower temp but not make them wind hardy. So on days where there is a breeze not a wind they will sit outside and go back into the lean to at night.

About 2 weeks from now they should be in their final positions on a south facing wall.

The great thing about hanging baskets in fact all containers is if the weather turns you can just take them back inside.

Colin

[Potstubsdustbins]

Nice surprise today set my seed on 28th Feb and today got mini tom's on both my sungold and tumbler. This warm weather is good for something then.

Colin

[buzzingtalk]

Excellent news Colin - mine are still indoors, being moved in and out on days wherever possible. Aiming to plant them out in their pots in a week or so, then I'll have to bring them indoors and leave them on top of the fridge for the night...

[Potstubsdustbins]

Buzzing,

2 Sheds will confirm this but I would have thought that where you are you would be safe in a week or so to leave them out.

As I say wait for 2 Sheds to reply because she lives your way.

Colin

[buzzingtalk]

Thanks again

I am going to be vigilant though as I work erratic hours, and often late into the night or through the night, so wouldn't be able to pop home to bring them in if there was a frost. I am wary of the weather at the minute, as it seems unsettled.

[Sylvan]

Nice surprise today set my seed on 28th Feb and today got mini tom's on both my sungold and tumbler. This warm weather is good for something then.

Colin

I'm so jealous! I sowed mine on 3rd Feb and only have flower buds so far (on both the sungold and the tumbler).

They've just moved to 6" and 7" pots.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Gosh I don't know quite how to say this, but I went out this evening to settle things down and low and behold I have cumbers as well. OK you might need a magnifying glass to see them but they are there.

Looks like this might, just might be a good year.

Colin

[Potstubsdustbins]

Sylvan

I am going to get the map out and see are far we are apart as the crow fly's I dont think it will be that far but the difference in the growing season is enormous.

I used to work in Sheffield on a regular basis approx 45 miles north and their toms were about a month behind ours in Nottm.

I think you do very well given your climate to do what you do. Keep up the good work.

Colin

[Sylvan]

I think quite a lot of it could be the day length. Now that we've passed the equinox ours will be increasing faster than yours. Wonder how long it'll take my toms to catch up...

[Potstubsdustbins]

I suspect not long and I am sure they will catch up as you say you will soon have more daylight than down here.

Colin