Discover the Secret To Becoming an Expert in Growing Juicy Tomatoes from Seeds

If you were to ask most people about growing tomatoes, chances are they would most likely prefer to grow them from seedlings, NOT seeds.  Since many people don’t realize just how rewarding it is to watch the plants grow from seeds, they’ll purchase seedlings (which by the way, usually come in limited varieties) from their local nursery or garden centers. That’s unfortunate, as there is nothing more gratifying than to see something you’ve started from “scratch” and watch it grow to produce beautiful, luscious red, juicy tomatoes. So if you start with seeds, you can grow almost any type whether it’s a juicy red Beefsteak or any of the exotic heirloom types in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some that come to mind are the Cherokee Purple or maybe the Oxacan Jewel, a bi-colored tomato that ripens to a golden yellow, with streaks of red and orange. The weight of the fruit of the Oxacan ranges from 8 oz. and up. The flavor is rich, fruity, with tones of melon and slightly acidic.

So, let’s look at the “how to’s and what fors”… as you will find the most important part of growing from seeds is the temperature, humidity, nutrition and light.

First, you’re going to need to start planting your seeds somewhere around 8 weeks before the time of the last frost (you can find out when that will be from your local weather channel)  and be sure to keep them in a warm place like your house.

It helps to use a "starter" seedling potting mix simply because it will usually already contain the right balance of nutrients that have been strained so that the small seeds can push through the soil and germinate properly.  Plant them in your pot just like you would any other seed.  An inch below the surface of the soil in a small pot or seedling tray is ideal.

You should start by wetting them down with a fine mister or sprayer. Do this every day and make sure that you keep the soil somewhere around 27°C or 80°F.  This will ensure healthy growth. At least 5 hours sunlight per day should be sufficient. Keeping them on the window sill will also work.

When you see the first 3 or 4 leaves, go ahead and gently pull the tiny plants out of the starter pot and place each one into its own larger pot so as to encourage root growth.   This is when you can start placing them outside for several hours per day so as to acclimate them to the outdoors.

After the last frost you can begin transplanting them into your flower or vegetable garden – or container. You’ll find that that’s the optimum time for this is Memorial Day weekend.  You could start earlier, but you’ll have to baby sit them.

You will to need to plant them 3 feet apart since they’re going to get bushy. Also, make sure you weed them often and don’t over fertilize your plants while they’re still young as you’ll end up with one huge plant with fewer tomatoes.

Tomatoes take about six weeks to grow from seed to maturity. The tomatoes you choose should be based on how you’re going to use them. For instance, if you want a nice juicy tomato you can make a sandwich with, something like a Moreton is a good choice.  If you’re looking for something a little firmer that you can slice that stays nice and firm, you should check out the Pik-Red.  That is an excellent tomato.

That’s how easy it is to grow your own juicy, red tomatoes from seed, and I think the most flavorful ones are the heirlooms. There are quite a few online seed sellers who specialize in providing heirloom seeds.  For more details of the many delicious heirloom varieties and seed available check out Heirloom and Domestic Tomato Varieties. I've also found a lot of great and affordable tomato gardening tips at How to Grow the Best Tasty Tomatoes Ever!

Choosing a Proper Outdoor Storage Shed Plan for Your Garden

Ok, so your landscaping is now completed for the season and it looks great, except for all the garden tools and equipment that are just lying around. It's clear you need some place to store those tools. A storage shed would be the perfect answer. But you may be wondering 'what can I do about this'?  Well, what you should do is start with a storage shed plan. First, you will need to figure out which type of plan you need. You can accomplish this by doing some research on the different kinds of garden sheds available that will fit your needs.

We all know we need to store all our garden items, right?  Most likely, you have an idea of all the items that you have right now and the size of a storage area that will accommodate them. So you should ask yourself, are you thinking of purchasing a new lawn mower, or a snow blower? These are some of the items you may need to store and your new garden shed may become their home.  But only if its big enough.

Then, where are you going to put the shed? This most likely will be dictated by the space or area you have available, plus what style you are thinking of going with. Let’s say you have two choices of location. One is tucked away in the back of the garden almost out of sight, and the other one is at the edge of the flower bed. The one tucked away will be more difficult to get at.  However, they both will accommodate the size of the shed you have in mind.

Here’s where you can let your imagination run free. So if, let's say you're using the tucked away area, your style can be pretty basic because it’s not going to interfere with your landscaping. But if your space is more open,  then you're going to want a fancier style that will complement your garden. You will have to keep this in mind when you pick your shed plans.

You also should have an idea of how much you want to spend. When you go to get your storage shed plans, you may have the option of choosing your plans according to what materials you want to use. Different materials have different price ranges. For example if the basic plan falls well within your budget then perhaps a more deluxe version will be an option for you.

Be practical when choosing your plan. You are probably going to be surprised as to just how much you are going to have to choose from. If you aren’t careful and stick to your own plans you could get carried away quite easily.

Most often the plans will give you a picture of the finished projects. You’ll see several that you really like. Some of them look like little cottages. Now look at them realistically, because they have to meet all the needs that you have identified. Pick out two or three that you really like and see if they answer these questions.

1. Are they the size that you need?

2. Will it fit in with the area you have chosen?

3. If it requires a building permit will it meet the criteria?

4. Is it simple and easy to understand for the novice?

5. Does it give a complete list of materials, and will these materials be readily available in your area?

If you have gotten all the right answers, then you just need to choose the shed plans you like the best and get ready to work.

If you're at the stage of checking out what's available, you should start here! 

Starting your First Garden? Then Check this Out First!
 

Lisa M. Policastro

There’s so many types of gardening out there that you can experiment with, you’re bound to find the one that’s just right for you whether its plants, flowers, trees, veggies, fruits, OR if you’re just interested in having your own herb garden, that’s cool too. For more information, check out Louie's Garden Patch. 

Starting with the size, the possibilities are endless, whether it’s container gardening or maybe a window box (for those with limited space). For those with more space, a 6’x4’ raised garden bed or something that you can design with your front and backyards offers the most choices.  But again, you’re only limited by your imagination.

Just think about this, gardening is not only a pleasurable pastime, but a practical one as well… Do you remember when, as a child, that even during the winter, you could have those veggies or fruits that had been preserved from that summer’s crops?

To start with, investing in a garden tool shed or green house will help keep all of your garden tools and equipment safe and secure.  Also, if you have a green house that you can keep your young new plants in, you won’t have to worry about temperature changes that might otherwise damage them.

Different Kinds of Garden Tools

As with any other undertaking, you need to have realistic plans, otherwise growing a family-sized garden can quickly get out of control.

It could be tempting to fall for every ad and display that you see that promise the best and “latest” in gardening tools, but you should know that you don’t have to have everything that’s out there.  However, there are some basic tools you’re going to need to start with.

So the following is a good place to start with the tools you’ll need:

Shovel – every gardener needs to have a shovel close by.  This tool is useful when digging small areas for soil preparation and large areas when planting crops such as potatoes and other veggies or flowers.

Rake – after you’ve prepared the soil, a garden rake will help you keep that soil level and smooth. It’s also useful when you’re covering up the seeds in those planted rows.

Tiller – while this can be a rather expensive tool, it sure makes your gardening much easier. And if you plan on working with more than a small area or raised garden beds, you’ll most likely need one of these. With this tool, you’ll be able to break up and loosen the soil a lot easier.  Actually, you don’t need to purchase these tillers.  Most garden shops will rent them out or maybe you have a neighbor who owns one. You can save A LOT of money this way.
Please be sure to take good care when borrowing, because if you do, that neighbor will be more likely to be accommodating should you need to borrow it again.

Trowel - Whenever you are planting seedlings, there’s no better tool to use.  It will make uniform holes to place your plants, making the job go a lot smoother.

Also, the following will make Gardening a lot more pleasurable.

Garden Clothing

You’re probably going to need those items to wear when you’re gardening and it’s very simple.  Such as garden gloves – a good pair will protect your hands and give you a good grip on things like weeds.

Gardening Shoes – the best reason I can think of for these is the most obvious.  If you step on something sharp like thorns, you’ll find that a good pair of old tennis shoes or those new styled rubber shoes which are especially designed for gardening, to be ideal for protection.

That’s about it for the Garden clothing part.

Now let’s talk about preparing your garden soil and planting.

One of the most important things to keep in mind is the soil.  You have to start with a good base for planting those flowers or veggies.  There needs to be a balance between the nutrients and topsoil structure as this is one of the most important benefits to maintaining the optimum soil.  Remember, the soil is basically the “birthplace” of everything you put into it!  Chemical elements such as Hydrogen, Potassium, Sodium, Magnesium and Calcium are just a few of the components necessary to have the best growing medium, in order to grow that beautiful rose or that scrumptious, juicy tomato.

In order to make sure your topsoil is chemically correct, you should test it.  To get the most reliable results, testing kits for soil should be implemented. Once tested, the soil can then be improved by adding fertilizer, lime and any other improvers that are required.

The point is, there is nothing more joyful & amazing than to watch something you’ve planted and then watch as it blooms into this gorgeous, almost other-worldly creation that only you can take credit for.

Right now, take that time out for you.  You’ll soon realize you’re creating something beautiful and maybe even something you can prepare a dish from at the same time!

So in closing, let me say that you really shouldn’t have any problems getting information on growing methods, what sort of plants are best suited for your particular locale and so forth. The Internet offers as much, if not more info than even your local library. There are so many experts out there with the most up to date information you could imagine. And it’s all available with the click of a button!  Besides the pleasure it gives, the added benefits such as saving money on veggies, or flowers, it also makes growing these homegrown vegetables  all the more special.

Happy Gardening!!