Now Taking Reservations For Tomato Plants!!

Doing some sunbathing on 4/17/14

Tomato plants as of 4/6/14

[Totals updated 4/17/14]

**All plants are now $3.00 each**

This is the original post from 3/29/14, that details how the plants were grown and when they can be potted or put inground. For current total numbers of plants, scan down to photos and descriptions of each variety.

Okay, okay...I think it's time to start reserving your tomato plants! [Can you feel my excitement?]

If you're a Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky local, I know the weather outside belies the fact that spring is coming, but I guarantee that as soon as that thermometer hits and stays above 65, everyone will be flocking to the home and garden stores to get first dibs on their summer plants. Wouldn't you like to have the comfort of knowing that yours are growing safely, warmly and organically in the home of a really nice person you know?!

Okay, you can see from the pictures that these beauties will be more than ready by the time you are. Average final frost date is May 10th around here and that's just six short weeks away. And if you're planting in containers, you can plant in late April or very early May and just move the plant into a garage or covered area if we are expecting a frost. I'd be happy to explain more on this if you need it.

Following this second photo, I will list what I already have available and if you're interested, please message me through Facebook or a.barthauer@gmail.com with the specific plant type and amount that you want. You do not need to pay until you pick them up, but here is the breakdown for cost. If you pick up before April 15th, you pay only $2.00 per plant. All sales April 16th or later will be $3.00 per plant. 

I need to move some of these out because I have more sprouting already. If I don't yet have what you would like, I probably soon will. There are a few things to keep in mind as you are shopping: 

• All plants were started from non-GMO, heirloom seeds from the SeedsNow company.
• To the best of my ability, all plants have been grown organically. I am, however, reusing and amending potting soil that I have utilized in the past. This original soil consisted of some organic, some conventional. All fertilizers, insecticides (if used) and worm castings have been organic, not conventional. Most have been purchased at Worm's Way and the castings are from my own wormery. We eat about 50-75% organically grown produce, so even the worm castings are mostly from organic food.
• Because all plants have been grown indoors, you will need to harden them before planting directly outside. When you make a purchase, I can give you counsel on how to do this.
• All reservations will be filled in a first messaged, first served order...but to have your order reserved, you must give me the specific type and number of plants you want.
• See the list of availability below. All photos and descriptions of varieties are taken directly from SeedsNow.com and are used merely to illustrate what the tomato should look like. Size and quantity may vary due to planting location, care given, soil used, etc.

Tomato plants as of 3/25/14

Cherry White,  1 available now: Very sweet; skin turns from white to pale yellow as they mature; high yield of tomatoes on one plant; crack resistant; great flavor and easy to grow

         

Black Krim,  2 available now:   Amazingly rich in flavor; skin turns to a reddish black color as it matures; interior is dark reddish green; very sweet; easy to grow

Cherokee Purple,  1 available now: Produces high yields of 6-12 oz fruits; very sweet and rich flavor; skin turns to a dark pink/purple color with a hint of green on top; easy to grow; extremely flavorful

Cherry, Chocolate,  0 available now: High yields; grows in clusters of 8; indeterminate plant height; high yield on one plant; crack resistant; great flavor and easy to grow

Rutgers,  1 available now: Excellent yields of bright red, medium-small fruits; vigorous vines; popular for cooking, canning, and paste

Tigerella, 1 available now: Rich tangy flavor; produces high yields up to three weeks earlier than other varieties; grows extremely well outdoors

Roma,  2 available now: Excellent yields of bright red, medium-small fruits; vigorous vines; popular for cooking, canning, and paste

Brandywine Pink,  2 available now: Produces large, up to 1 pound, pink fruits; excellent, exotic flavor; soft texture, creamy smooth flesh; easy to grow.

Cherry, Red (Small), 1 available now: Grows 1/2-inch small, sweet and firm fruits; Grows for an extended period of time; Very easy to grow

Beefsteak/Ponderosa Red, 1 available now: A great slicer; full of flavor; Easy to grow

Heritage Rainbow Mix, 1 available now: Produces good yields of great tasting beefsteak tomatoes; Chosen for wide-range of rainbow colors; very popular

Pear Yellow, 1 available now: Easy to grow; Excellent for canning and sauce; Produces small pear shaped yellow fruits.

Surprise!: 2 available now: These are two plants that came up "volunteer" and I am uncertain as to what variety they are. They will be one of the above varieties though.

***I may also have a limited number of Santa Fe, California Wonder (green/red) and Yellow Bell Peppers. Contact me for more information regarding these.***

That's it for now. I will continue to update quantities and availability as reservations are made. 

**Remember to message me through Facebook or at a.barthauer@gmail.com with the specific variety and amount that you want!**

As of 4/17/14, I have potted 5 plants here and 16 more plants have gone out to other gardeners. Four more are heading to Indiana to my nephew next week. There are only 16 left!