Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Flannel Wearing Tomato

Oh yeah! Tomato wearing flannel...I am one of these gardeners that like to  push plants to their limits. I started my plants on March 1st . Sorting  three tomatoes out,putting them in pots to give them space to get a bigger root system... Heading me to the next level when it became apparent how good that decision was working. I wanted to risk one to the elements in an effort to get that first home-grown red juicy tomato at the earliest possible date.

We started getting whipped with extreme wind and the forecast for frost. I needed to find a solution so the tomato plant wouldn't become a victim of the elements lasting only a couple days.

I was feeling good about the steps I had taken to provide protection with an old flannel sheet - until a little while later, when I discovered the whole cage plastered up against the fence. My home-made,concrete reinforcing wire cage needed some anchoring to keep it from flying away...The cage got a tilt like the leaning Tower of Pisa, but couldn't get enough lift to take off, or fall completely over once I got the stakes in place.

The rain is here again! However, I believe it is time to shed the sheet and let the light in,what light is available. Temps are more acceptable, the sunshine is going to break-out come Friday,once more brightening the landscape for plant and human-kind. ;)

8 comments:

murphyfish said...

Hi Cd,
Excellent idea, I'm still in the process of hardening my Tom's off at the moment although they are now in larger pots (still look as if they are way behind yours). It's my first effort with growing stuff in our small back yard so it's a bit of a learning curve to say the least!
Best regards,
John

CDGardens said...

Murphyfish - Thanks! I had some pretty nice days for this plant to take root. It has over 6 inches of stem under the ground that has set-up more area for rooting...creates a good sturdy structure.

Congrats on getting started with your gardening! It is very rewarding to grow your own veggies. ;)

SimplyOutdoors said...

You're doing much better than me. I can barely make weeds grow, let alone a real, live plant of anything:)

CDGardens said...

SimplyOutdoors - Thanks, I love growing plants and they seem to respond. Oh, and weeds are comfortable here too. ;) lol

Marian Ann Love said...

Your tomato plant has a really good start and looks like the flannel sheet and stakes helped...I can't wait to eat a tomato sandwich..it's my favorite. Good Luck with your garden this year. I know it is a lot of hard work but you will be rewarded! :)

CDGardens said...

Marian Love Phillips - Now that the weather is going to warm up again the plant should really take off with all the rain that has come.

I have turnips, beans, kohlrabi,peas and spinach above the ground so far...waiting on beets, buttercrunch lettuce, corn and white potatoes sprouted from the kitchen cupboard. So much more to get in the ground. Looking forward to my summer and winter squashes, pumpkins etc...etc...;)

Tipper said...

Well how neat a tomatoe in flannel! I do hope you get an early early ripe tomato. The last cold snap tinged some of our tomatoes with brown-I should have wrapped them in flannel too : )

CDGardens said...

Tipper - Thanks for stopping by! I am working towards that nice juicy "Big Boy" tomato come July 4th. Only time will tell. ;)

Tomatoes are resilient and yes, lol, maybe some flannel jammies would help the next time around.