Curbie, The toms I had sprout naturally did better then those I started indoors thisyear*LOL
I have never seen such a difference in growth.
The ones Istarted indoors are tiny 2 1/2 feet the ones that came up on thier own..produced somewhat.. Just throw the seed down and to assure germination place a soda bottle over with the tops and bottoms cut away.Or just place them in a whole with vermiculite or perlite or sand just in case you can't monitor the watering.
Next season I plant to start many outdoors direct sow.
Eggplant and peppers inside.
What I did to get reds this year...
We are getting 40deg temps here therefore, I have pulled most plants. Before the real low temps, I have pruned all new growth and unwanted leaves everywhere ( I have been topping all cold season long) then took my leaf blower (from a distance!) to stimulate the plants to let them know I want reds. I think it sorta shocks them into thinking reds are wanted, them being pleasers perform.*LOL
Not sure how scientific this is but, I have gotten many reds !
Some older or tiny greens (tiny greens can be pickled, instead of baby sat to turn red) can be taken off to relief some stress and brown bagged in a cool place. ) Not the fridge. Also… not the kitchen window. If using a small bag, not too many per bag. If you have poundage, you can layer them in a box (using brown paper towel is what I would use) none touching the other. Check often nearly every day after the first two days or so. To speed red color you can add an apple or banana, I use apples when I have a large harvest.Don't need banana yukk in my bags*lol
This year we have not had tomato growing weather.It has been in the steady 60s down to 50's for quite some time.My toms have not giving me more then a few sauces, mostly small salads.
Now to look forward to next year,sure is interesting to see what temps we will be getting for winter!
So much for global warming.. This has been the coldest summer in written history!
Surprised we harvested any toms..
SmileyFace2, I haven't had cucumbers for about or more then...a month! Good for you!
Enjoy your toms while you have them...
Kale