Tag Archives: seed-starting

Undertones of the Earth: The Tomato Sprouts’ Trek

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Amidst the shifting diurnal temperature range, the tomato sprouts embarked on a transformative journey from the grow tent to the open garden.

With the stabilization of extremes between daytime and nighttime temperatures (diurnal temperature range) at the Veggie-Bed, we made the decision to move the tomato seedlings -once baby sprouts- from the grow tent to the garden outdoors.

Here are the essential steps to successfully grow tomato plants outdoors:

  1. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining, fertile soil and a pH between 5.8 and 7.
  2. Start tomato seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your area’s last frost date. Alternatively, buy transplants. Transfer the plants outdoors when the soil warms up.
  3. Stake, trellis, or cage the tomato plants immediately after planting. Use sturdy tomato cages 5 to 6 feet tall—space small bush tomato varieties twenty-four inches apart and larger ones 36 to 48 inches apart.
  4. Water tomato plants regularly, aiming for deep watering once weekly. Once they start flowering, feed them with high-potash fertilizer.
  5. Look for pests like spider mites and aphids and use neem oil spray to control them. Prune the plants to remove suckers and prevent fruit-rot.
  6. Gently harvest ripe tomatoes with pruners. Enjoy them fresh or preserve them for later use.

Remember, each variety has unique characteristics, so explore diverse types and enjoy the flavorful fruits they bring to your garden!

Writer/Digital creator: Tom Myrick

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@urbangardening4u2day17

View on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555328057879

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Understanding Diurnal Variation in Your Garden

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Extreme temperature fluctuations can be a rollercoaster ride for your garden. From seedlings to mature plants, day-to-night temperature swings can cause stress for your garden.

We wanted to share some information about the temperature difference between night and day at the Veggie-Bed. Over the years, this difference has been quite extreme, especially during this time of year. This temperature difference is called the diurnal temperature range.

Unfortunately, an extreme diurnal temperature range is not just a statistic; it poses a serious threat to gardens and can affect every stage of plant growth. From delicate vegetable seedlings to mature flowering and fruit-producing plants, all can be affected by its potential devastation.

It’s essential to be aware that temperature swings between day and night can significantly stress your plants. Vegetable sprouts and seedlings are particularly susceptible to the impact of extreme diurnal temperature ranges. Seedlings and young plants are sensitive to rapid temperature changes, which can stress them. During the day, high temperatures can cause excessive transpiration, leading to water loss. At night, cold temperatures can hinder metabolic processes and slow growth.

Just as we need a stable environment to thrive, wide temperature swings can also affect root development, reducing nutrient and water uptake and impacting overall plant health and vigor. Extreme temperature variations can also disrupt photosynthesis, limiting photosynthetic activity and affecting energy production and growth.

To help mitigate this problem, especially with our fruit-vegetable sprouts and seedlings, we germinate and grow them indoors until the temperatures stabilize. We are fortunate to have a room set aside just for this purpose. This process works well with our small backyard suburban garden. It ensures the young plants are healthy and strong when they arrive in the garden.

Remember, gardening is a delightful journey, and each plant has its unique requirements. Enjoy the process, observe your garden, and adapt your care routine accordingly!

Writer/Digital creator: Tom Myrick

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@urbangardening4u2day17

View on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555328057879

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Growing Success: The Benefits of Starting Vegetable Plants Indoors

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Whether you’re tending a cozy balcony garden or a sprawling backyard plot, indoor plant starting is a valuable practice for every vegetable gardener.

At The Veggie-Bed, we’ve discovered that starting our vegetable gardening plants indoors offers a wealth of advantages, especially for our small-scale garden. Let’s delve into the reasons why indoor plant starting is a game-changer:

When we start plants indoors, we provide them with the best conditions for germination and early growth. This results in faster development compared to direct sowing in the garden. Indoor plant starting allows us better control over light, warmth, and moisture. As a result, seeds tend to germinate more successfully, leading to healthier seedlings.

By keeping seedlings indoors, we shield them from outdoor pests and diseases. This protection ensures that our plants get a strong start without interference. Indoor environments are more stable than outdoor conditions. We can keep consistent temperatures, crucial for seed germination and early growth.

When we start plants indoors, we can closely check their progress. This consistency helps ensure uniform growth and healthy plants. We can track their growth, adjust care as needed, and address any issues promptly.

Starting plants indoors provides a head start on the growing season, allows for better control, and ultimately leads to more successful harvests. Whether you have a small garden or a larger plot, starting plants indoors is a valuable practice for any vegetable gardener!

Writer/Digital creator: Tom Myrick

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@urbangardening4u2day17

View on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555328057879

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Nurturing Green Dreams- The Veggie-Bed’s Indoor Seedling Saga

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At the Veggie-Bed, we’re just a bunch of green-thumbed enthusiasts running a cozy little seasonal vegetable garden. Our team? Well, it’s just enough to keep things manageable and fun.

Photo by: Tom Myrick

Now, let me spill the beans (or should I say, seeds?) on why we’re all about starting our plant babies indoors:

Extra Growing Time: By kickstarting our seeds indoors, we snag a few precious weeks of growing magic. You see, warm-season veggies like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants can be a bit finicky. They’re not too keen on chilly soil temperatures early in spring. So, we pamper them indoors until they’re ready to brave the great outdoors.

Germination Galore: Indoors, we play matchmaker between seeds and soil. We monitor moisture levels and temperature like seasoned detectives. The result? Stellar germination rates! Our seedlings get the VIP treatment, and they strut their stuff as strong, sturdy plants.

Healthier Sprouts: When we germinate our own seeds, it’s like being plant parents from day one. We fuss over them, whisper encouraging words, and make sure they have all the TLC they need. The payoff? Healthier, happier seedlings—way better than those store-bought transplants.

Budget-Friendly Moves: Seeds are like the frugal superheroes of gardening. They’re way cheaper than nursery plants. So, we save some green (both literally and figuratively) while expanding our veggie repertoire. Plus, we get to grow funky heirloom varieties that don’t hang out at the garden center.

Weather Warriors: Our neck of the woods dishes out wild weather—extreme heat, frosty mornings, and everything in between. Starting seeds indoors is our secret weapon. It lets us grow veggies that would otherwise throw in the towel outside. Variety is the spice of life, after all!

So, fellow gardeners, let’s raise our trowels and toast to indoor seed-starting. May your sprouts thrive, your harvests be bountiful, and your dirt-stained hands wear their badges of honor proudly!

Writer/Digital creator: Tom Myrick

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@urbangardening4u2day17

View on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555328057879

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If you would like to be a part of Urban Gardening’s mission of encouraging and sharing information about vegetable gardening throughout the world, please join our group on Facebook: