I started my tomato seeds 2-29-2024.
This is my third year growing tomatoes. Last year was very successful, growing in Bato buckets with 100% perlite. We had way more tomatoes than we needed. The tomatoes were good, but not quite as delicious as the year before when I grew different varieties, in the ground. I may have just preferred the varieties I grew the first year.
Flavor improved toward the end of the season last year year when I switched to Masterblend, increased EC with extra Masterblend, and increased EC by switching from RO to tap water.
I am going to try drain to waste this year, instead of recirculating. I will be using normal pots instead of Bato buckets, and 75 coco 25 perlite. Masterblend with drip irrigation.
The coco behaves more like a normal potting mix, so I should be able to underwater a little in an attempt to increase sweetness and flavor intensity.
I haven’t 100% decided on how to support the plants, but I am leaning toward using T-posts with a Florida weave, or something similar with T-posts. I might try the Florida weaves with my pepper plants too.
Listed below are this year’s varieties. Two years ago, Abe Lincoln produced my tastiest tomato ever, but it was a poor producer. I am hoping for better production with hydroponic technique. The other varieties are new to me.
Sudduth brandywine
Abe Lincoln
Hugh’s
Lilian’s yellow
Aunt Ginny’s purple
Honey Delight
Mountain magic
This is my third year growing tomatoes. Last year was very successful, growing in Bato buckets with 100% perlite. We had way more tomatoes than we needed. The tomatoes were good, but not quite as delicious as the year before when I grew different varieties, in the ground. I may have just preferred the varieties I grew the first year.
Flavor improved toward the end of the season last year year when I switched to Masterblend, increased EC with extra Masterblend, and increased EC by switching from RO to tap water.
I am going to try drain to waste this year, instead of recirculating. I will be using normal pots instead of Bato buckets, and 75 coco 25 perlite. Masterblend with drip irrigation.
The coco behaves more like a normal potting mix, so I should be able to underwater a little in an attempt to increase sweetness and flavor intensity.
I haven’t 100% decided on how to support the plants, but I am leaning toward using T-posts with a Florida weave, or something similar with T-posts. I might try the Florida weaves with my pepper plants too.
Listed below are this year’s varieties. Two years ago, Abe Lincoln produced my tastiest tomato ever, but it was a poor producer. I am hoping for better production with hydroponic technique. The other varieties are new to me.
Sudduth brandywine
Abe Lincoln
Hugh’s
Lilian’s yellow
Aunt Ginny’s purple
Honey Delight
Mountain magic
