As a 'recap' to my previous post,
To View Go here: Firsts of The Season - A September Preview
today.... I am showing a progress report on what is shaping up to be a bumper crop this year aka 'a whole of digging going on.'
First up Tomatoes:
Sweet 'n' Neat Hybrid Tomato (Determinate) has lots of little blossoms and vigorous, healthy growth. This little tomato can be grown on a patio in a 10" pot, but I transplanted mine in in a 3 gallon pot for optimum root development.
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| Sweet n Neat |
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| Early Girl 50 Days |
The Early Girl - 50 days - Hybrid (Indeterminate), has grown another 6" since my "September Preview" post and, true to its name, has little tomatoes developing, which I anticipate harvesting maybe last week of October.
Tip Time: I want to pass along two tips that I think have contributed to the rapid and vigorous growth of the above two plants. I dig in used coffee grounds around the plant and have watered the whole plant (leaves and all) with a diluted solution of Epsom salts. Bonemeal incorporated into the soil at planting will result in good yields.
I planted Cherokee, Heatwave II and Brandywine tomato seeds on 9-13 and they are already up, although are a teeny bit spindly, so I will have to remember to brush my hand over the seedlings to strengthen them. I have also taken to sprinkling a little cinnamon powder over the tiny seedling to prevent damping off. Evidently Chamomile tea is also a preventative for this fungal soil disease. More information regarding this can be found by clicking here: Damping Off Problems
I didn't have a great deal of luck with the Cherokee last year, but I'm game for another try. I will not be growing either Roma or Solar Fire this year. Heatwave II and Brandywine are new and exciting additions to our garden. We also have my favorite Lemon Boy coming along nicely.
Eggplant: A pretty flower of two weeks ago has developed into fruit.
This hybrid variety is a prolific producer. The skin is quite thin and the flesh is sweet and delicious.
I'm not sure why the lizard decided to pose on it.
You can buy transplants now at any big box outlet and plant them for a reliable crop within 2 - 3 weeks.
On the left we have Burpless Cuke with seedlings of Radish - Cherry Belle -surrounding it. The Radishes have a two-fold promise, they should be ready in 22 days and are reported to keep the dreaded cuke beetle off...
The Calabaza I mentioned in my previous post was a mere 5" back then and draped all over the bottlebrush. Now we need two hands to hold it and it's evident by the 12" ruler how fast these grow. I did removed the vines since the dinner plate size leaves were filtering the sunlight much needed for the tomatoes.
Our raised veggie bed installed last month now has transplants of Broccoli and Blue Lake Beans. The Ichiban Eggplant also shares the space. I have Nasturtiums planted in there because they look lovely in the vegetable garden.
Here's a photo of the raised veggie bed - before and after.
For planting times of some popular Florida vegetables visit my post: Ready Pot Grow....
In Zone 10, you can get going now seedlings of all Peppers, Broccoli, Radish, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Corn, and Eggplants.
Probably better to wait on sowing cooler vegetables like Spinach, Lettuces, Peas, Celery and Arugula until last week in October.
Tip Time: I want to pass along two tips that I think have contributed to the rapid and vigorous growth of the above two plants. I dig in used coffee grounds around the plant and have watered the whole plant (leaves and all) with a diluted solution of Epsom salts. Bonemeal incorporated into the soil at planting will result in good yields.
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| Heatwave II and Brandywine |
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| Cherokee |
I didn't have a great deal of luck with the Cherokee last year, but I'm game for another try. I will not be growing either Roma or Solar Fire this year. Heatwave II and Brandywine are new and exciting additions to our garden. We also have my favorite Lemon Boy coming along nicely.
Eggplant: A pretty flower of two weeks ago has developed into fruit.
 |
| Ichiban Eggplant |
This hybrid variety is a prolific producer. The skin is quite thin and the flesh is sweet and delicious.
I'm not sure why the lizard decided to pose on it.
You can buy transplants now at any big box outlet and plant them for a reliable crop within 2 - 3 weeks.
 |
| Burpless Cuke with Radish Seedlings |
On the left we have Burpless Cuke with seedlings of Radish - Cherry Belle -surrounding it. The Radishes have a two-fold promise, they should be ready in 22 days and are reported to keep the dreaded cuke beetle off...
 |
| Calabaza |
The Calabaza I mentioned in my previous post was a mere 5" back then and draped all over the bottlebrush. Now we need two hands to hold it and it's evident by the 12" ruler how fast these grow. I did removed the vines since the dinner plate size leaves were filtering the sunlight much needed for the tomatoes.
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| After |
Here's a photo of the raised veggie bed - before and after.
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| Before |
Probably better to wait on sowing cooler vegetables like Spinach, Lettuces, Peas, Celery and Arugula until last week in October.
I'm envious of your tomatoes! :-) I was so bummed when I killed all my seedlings, but I'm going to try again. I purchased Floramerica seeds and they are just now sprouting.
ReplyDeleteYour veggies look great. Great post. As I sit here behind my desk it makes me want to head home and garden!
eli
Thanks eli, I looked up your Floramerica tomato on Dave's Garden to check it out, since I haven't run across it yet. You'll have to post a blog on its hardiness and flavor at maturity.
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