tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15606443443261449142024-03-05T10:03:35.706-05:00The Official Blog of Thompson & Morgan Seeds (US & Canada)Quality English Seeds Since 1855Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01357080208759692583noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560644344326144914.post-27182829563622314772012-09-04T07:56:00.001-04:002012-09-04T07:56:34.172-04:00When Growing Flowering Plants From Seed<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/product/Foxglove-Primrose-Carousel/Shop_Biennial_Flower_Seed" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.tmseeds.com/images/uploads/2274_3131_large.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">A lovely ensemble
of flowers is something every gardener wishes and longs for. Growing flowers
from seed is one of the most economical and effective way of fulfilling that
desire. A vast variety of flowering plants, both <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/Shop_Perennial_Flower_Seed" target="_blank"><b>perennials</b></a> as well as <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/Shop_Perennial_Flower_Seed" target="_blank"><b>annuals</b></a>
can be cultivated from seed, that too, at a healthy pace. Growing flowering
plants like <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/s?keyword=sunflower" target="_blank"><b>Sunflowers</b></a>, <b><a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/s?keyword=marigold" target="_blank">Marigold</a></b> and Roses from seed is relatively easy, and is
fast becoming a popular practice. The reason lies in the market prices of young
plants, which is often more than a hundred times the price of individual seeds!
Also, gardening from seed allows one to grow even those varieties that aren’t
easily available at the local garden centers.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: .35pt;">Most seed packets come
with labels bearing details of the care and conditions the seeds require. Commercially
available starting mediums</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"> are ideal for sowing your plant seeds. Moisten the
mix at least an hour before sowing. The sowing depth varies with the type of
seed and should be in accord with the details on the seed packet. Water lightly
after sowing and cover with a plastic sheet or dome. Most new seedlings are
pretty identical. It’s hence advisable to label the containers when sowing. </span><span style="letter-spacing: .35pt;">Irrigate regularly to fulfill the seeds’ need for
moisture while making sure not to over water. Once the seeds germinate, remove
the plastic cover. Seedlings generally require ample sunlight for growth. You
can use fluorescent lamps or other artificial means to provide the seedlings
with the desired amount of light and temperature conditions. Start fertilizing
the plants when they’ve grown at least 2 sets of true leaves. Use a good
quality fertilizer and feed the plants once a week. You can also remove the
young plants to individual pots in order to facilitate the hardening process.
Start by allowing the plants a couple of hours in a sheltered spot of your
garden. Increase the duration of their time outside over the course of about 2
weeks before transplanting them into the garden.</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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T and M's Garden Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330495004646775360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560644344326144914.post-29992881322101013692012-07-11T03:43:00.000-04:002013-04-10T07:42:05.275-04:00Basics of Bonsai<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/product/Bonsai_Trees_Mixed/Shop_Shrub_Tree_Seed" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.tmseeds.com/images/uploads/2581_3728_large.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">An eight year old with a handful of G.I. Joes, I was
always on a look out for newer terrains to keep adding my own little chapters
to the never ending battle between good and evil. The old study table, bedroom
floor, bath tub… these were just some of my preferred ‘battlegrounds’. My
favorite was mom’s little Bonsai garden. The<a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/product/Bonsai_Trees_Mixed/Shop_Shrub_Tree_Seed" target="_blank"><b> bonsai conifers</b></a> and maples were
just perfect for ‘jungle battles’! Sure, I wasn’t even allowed to lay a finger
on those ‘precious plants’, doesn’t mean I didn’t.
Unfortunately, that also doesn’t mean I never got caught, but that’s another
story! My point is- I’ve been fascinated by bonsai ever since I was eight and
although it’s become very popular over the last decade or so, I always considered
bonsai gardening a tough nut and didn’t try my hands at it until last year. As
it turned out, I wish I’d started earlier!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The ancient Japanese art of growing miniature trees
and plants does call for some care and dedication, but it allows you to create
some truly wonderful spectacles! Bonsai is often confused with Dwarfing, but
one has absolutely nothing to do with the other. While dwarfing pertains to
developing dwarf trees by means of genetic modification, the essence of bonsai
lies in growing small sized trees and plants from regular seed and stock,
employing techniques like leaf trimming, root reduction, selective pruning,
defoliation and grafting. Virtually all perennial woody trees and shrubs can be
used for bonsai. While the material of container is a matter of personal
preference, its volume shouldn’t ideally exceed 10 liters. Once your<a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/product/Bonsai_Trees_Mixed/Shop_Shrub_Tree_Seed" target="_blank"><b> bonsai trees</b></a> reach their planned final size, the container environment serves to restrict
further growth.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Regular, careful irrigation is one of the most
important aspects of bonsai care. Along with watering, fertilization and
composition of soil too, needs to be specialized to the cultural needs of the
bonsai plant. You’ll also be required to re pot your bonsais as they gain in age
and vigor. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Remember,
the true aim of bonsai is creating a miniature replica of a full grown tree or
plant. Keep your goals in mind at all times, have some patience and you’ll do
wonders!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
</div>
T and M's Garden Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330495004646775360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560644344326144914.post-90269104441104508892012-06-06T07:16:00.003-04:002012-06-06T07:18:51.117-04:00Growing Carrots in Containers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/product/Tendersnax/Carrot_Seeds" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://cdn.tmseeds.com/images/uploads/2244_2596_large.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Lack of growing space is one factor
that obstructs the realization of many a gardening goal. And it can be
frustrating as hell! Fortunately, there is a way around this hurdle-
innovation! Container gardening is one of the most obvious applications of
lateral thinking. The long list of plants that can be successfully grown in
containers features many that can surprise you. One of them is <i><b>Carrot</b></i>. Carrots,
along with tomatoes and pepper are amongst the most popular plants in home
gardens. Not many, however, know how easy it is to grow <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/Carrot_Seeds" target="_blank"><b>carrots</b></a> in containers. Take
a look.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">You can start carrot seeds indoors
in a container that’s about15 inches in diameter and 12-13 inches deep. Fill
the container with quality potting soil and sprinkle the seeds. Top the seeds
with a ¼ inch layer of soil and apply water. <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/Carrot_Seeds" target="_blank"><b>Carrot seeds</b></a> usually take 2-3
weeks to germinate. Make sure you keep the soil moist throughout this period. Once
the seedlings grow 2-3 inches tall, thin them such that they’re at least an
inch apart. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Caring for carrots isn’t difficult. Place
the container at a location that gets at least 5-6 hours of full sun every day,
irrigate on a regular basis and fertilize them every 3 weeks, preferably with a
liquid organic fertilizer. <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/Carrot_Seeds" target="_blank"><b>Carrots</b></a> will be ready to be harvested within 60-80
days from sowing the seeds. Loosen the soil around the carrots using a garden
fork and pull them out. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Growing carrots in containers is a
simple process that, while it helps save space also allows you to produce
healthy, delicious food for your household. So what are you waiting for? Start
now!</span></div>
</div>T and M's Garden Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330495004646775360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560644344326144914.post-56557408796139129062012-05-14T10:06:00.001-04:002013-04-10T07:58:07.646-04:00Best for Containers- Eggplants<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/product/Eggplant-Orlando-F-Hybrid/Container_Plants" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://cdn.tmseeds.com/images/uploads/3027_2954_large.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">“<i>Eggplants</i>
in containers? You’ve got to be kidding me!” These, if memory serves me right,
are the exact words I uttered when I'd first heard the idea of growing
<a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/s?keyword=eggplants" target="_blank"><b>eggplants</b></a> in containers. I’d chanced upon one of my not too friendly neighbors while
out for a jog and had struck a conversation about vegetable gardening. I figured
he was just pulling my leg or trying to slow me down- he was struggling to
keep up with me. God! I was wrong! After having debated the subject for almost
half an hour, I expressed my eagerness to check out his container garden. Hard
as I’ve tried, I have, to this day, been unable to forget the disturbing,
triumphant guffaw he’d let out as I gaped at that astonishing sight- gorgeous eggplants
growing in a 3 gallon container!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">It wasn’t
too long before I took up the challenge myself. And to be honest, growing
eggplants in a container turned out to be a surprisingly simple activity. Here’s
an account of my own little success story.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">I started
<a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/s?keyword=eggplants" target="_blank"><b>eggplant seeds</b></a> indoors about 8 weeks from the last frost date. I filled the
tray with sterile potting mix and planted the seeds. Eggplant seeds should be
planted shallow, with no more than ¼ inch of soil covering them. I covered the
tray with a plastic sheet and placed it on top of the refrigerator. My main
focus was on keeping the soil moist at all times. The seedlings emerged within
2 weeks of planting and I heaved a sigh of relief. I removed the plastic and
moved the tray to a sunny window. I started fertilizing eggplants right after
they developed a couple of pairs of leaves. I used a 5-10-10 fertilizer and
decided to feed the plants every week. It turned out to be the right strategy-
the seedlings were soon big enough to be moved to individual containers. I picked 5 gallon containers for my eggplants, spread them along the sunlit
sidewalk and irrigated them on a regular basis. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Growing
eggplants from seed is a rewarding process, even for those with a limited
growing space. Give it a go!</span></div>
</div>
T and M's Garden Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330495004646775360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560644344326144914.post-57974110924447421962012-04-28T06:35:00.003-04:002012-04-28T06:37:23.495-04:00Best For Containers: Begonias<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/product/Begonia-boliviensis/Container_Plants" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://cdn.tmseeds.com/images/uploads/2799_2953_large.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a world brimming with color and beauty, where every
passing day witnesses the introduction of newer varieties, it’s quite rare for
a particular plant to retain its appeal for long. <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/s?keyword=begonia" target="_blank"><b>Begonia</b></a> is one such rarity!
This remarkable plant, with its flashy flowers and vibrant foliage comes from
the family Begoniaceae and is a wonderful choice for containers and pots.
Here’s some information on how you can grow begonia plants in containers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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When growing begonias from seed, sprinkle the seeds on the surface
of the medium and mist the surface to help the seeds settle down. Use a plastic
or glass sheet to cover the seeds and place them at a shaded spot. <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/s?keyword=begonia" target="_blank"><b>Begonia seeds</b></a> can take up to 2 weeks to germinate. Move them to a bright spot and keep
the medium moist at all times. If growth is slow, you can use a balanced
fertilizer to feed the plants. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Once the seedlings are strong enough, move them to
individual containers. Choose a pot or container with drainage holes at its
bottom. If you’re using a pre used container, I’d recommend you sterilize it
before planting begonias. Make sure to irrigate begonia seedlings deeply,
immediately after planting. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Begonia plants can thrive in both sunny and partially shaded
locations and can hence be utilized for hanging baskets, table decorum and other
ornamental purposes. Irrigate the young plants on a regular basis. Once the
plants establish, you only need water them when the soil feels dry to touch.
Fertilize begonia plants once a month, with a standard liquid fertilizer.
Potted begonias need to be kept clean in order to prevent diseases and insect
build up. Cut off begonia flowers when they fade. Also, remove the dead leaves
on a regular basis. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Growing <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/s?keyword=begonia" target="_blank"><b>begonias</b></a> is a fairly simple process. These beauteous
plants have a delightful presence, fit for every household and garden!</div>T and M's Garden Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330495004646775360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560644344326144914.post-59426165902478079792012-04-11T04:36:00.004-04:002012-04-11T04:42:52.707-04:00Best for Containers- Basil Plants<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/product/Basil-Siam-Queen/Shop_Vegetable_and_Herb_Seed" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Basil Siam Queen " border="0" src="http://www.tmseeds.com/images/uploads/3013_2920_large.jpg" title="Basil" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Basil</i> is one herb you can find in almost every
kitchen! Integral to a number of recipes savored across the world, this
perennial herb is a great option for every home garden. Growing <b><a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/s?keyword=basil">basil</a></b> in
containers is both economical and easy. Also, it’s a fun filled way of ensuring
that only safe, best tasting food makes it to your plate.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">You can start <b><a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/s?keyword=basil">basil seeds</a></b> indoors 4-6 weeks from the
final frost date for your region. Check the seed packet for details of the
right planting depth, spacing and temperature range for basil seeds. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Basil
seeds take about 7-10 days to germinate. Make sure you irrigate on a regular
basis so the seeds can get all the moisture they require. After the seedlings
develop 3-4 pairs of true leaves, you can transplant them to individual containers.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">An 8 inch container with sufficient drainage holes is perfect for growing
basil plants. Fill in with good quality container soil, up to a couple of
inches from the top of the container. Dig a hole that can accommodate the
plant’s roots with ease. Set the seedling into the hole and refill. Water
thoroughly. </span><br />
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Basil plants will do best at a site where they can get full sun for 5-6
hours a day. Mulch the young plants, using a mix of straw, chopped leaves and
other organic materials. This will keep away the roots and help in retention of
moisture. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Basil plants thrive on moist conditions but have a known dislike for
standing water. I’d suggest you water the plants deeply whenever the soil
appears to be drying up. Pinch off the tops of new shoots, along with basil
flowers. This will encourage faster growth.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Growing basil in containers involves little care and lesser effort. But it’s
very rewarding! Start now.
</span></div>
<br /></div>T and M's Garden Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330495004646775360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560644344326144914.post-51373592474442686872012-03-02T07:55:00.002-05:002012-04-10T07:02:34.108-04:00How to Grow Marigolds from Seed<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thompson-morgan.com/flowers/flower-seeds/marigold-seeds/marigold-durango-bolero-f1-hybrid/4243TM" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.thompson-morgan.com/medias/sys_tandm/8796532375582.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="intro">
A bright summer day, gentle breeze and a group of <a href="http://www.thompson-morgan.com/flowers/flower-seeds/marigold-seeds">Marigolds</a> in
bloom… it’s hard to even imagine a spectacle more stunning! What if you could
create this same stunning spectacle in your own garden? Sounds like a tough
task? Well, it isn’t! Growing marigolds from seeds takes just a little effort
and care. Here’s some information to help you grow marigold plants.</div>
<div class="intro">
<br /></div>
<div class="intro">
You can start <a href="http://www.thompson-morgan.com/flowers/flower-seeds/marigold-seeds">marigold seeds</a> indoors in spring, 6-7 weeks from
the first frost free date for your region. Use a sterile seed potting mix for
sowing the seeds. Fill the tray with the potting mix and add water to moisten
it. Sow the seeds at least 2 inches apart and top them with about ¼ inch of
medium. Cover the tray with a plastic cover and place it at a warm spot. Seed
germination usually takes 5-7 days. Make sure to check on the seeds ever day
and keep the mix moist at all times. </div>
<div class="intro">
<br /></div>
<div class="intro">
Once the seeds germinate, remove the plastic cover and move the
tray to a bright spot, away from direct sunlight. The seedlings will be ready
to be moved to individual containers within the next 10 days. Place the
containers in a location that offers full sun. Irrigate the plants regularly,
making sure the soil doesn’t become dry. </div>
<div class="intro">
Hardening off the seedlings is essential to prepare the plants
for the outdoor conditions. Start by placing them in a bright, sheltered area
of your garden for a couple of hours. Gradually add to the time the plants
spend outdoors over a span of 7-10 days. Once the danger of frost is past, you
can transplant marigold seedlings in your garden. </div>
<div class="intro">
<br /></div>
Pick a sunlit spot with well draining soil for planting marigold seedlings.
Next, remove all stones and weeds from the planting site and incorporate peat
moss or other organic materials. The planting hole should be just enough large
to accommodate the root ball. Sow the seedlings 10-15 inches apart and water
well after refill. <br />
<br />
Growing marigolds from seed is a process that’s both exciting and
inexpensive. Recommended to all!T and M's Garden Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330495004646775360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560644344326144914.post-61790143479934772142012-02-25T02:47:00.000-05:002012-03-02T05:23:35.169-05:00Tips for Growing Impatiens from Seed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/product/Impatiens-Envoy-Peach-Butterfly-F1-Hybrid/Shade_Annuals" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.tmseeds.com/images/uploads/3278_2459_large.jpg" /></a></div>
One of the world’s most popular annuals, <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/Shade_Annuals">Impatiens</a> is also
one of the most beautiful! This lissome plant blooms early in the spring
season, adding both color and appeal to the surroundings. Impatiens plants are
cold hardy and can be cultivated in both sunny and shaded sites. Interested in
growing impatiens? It’s pretty simple, really, and very economical too! The
following tips will help you grow impatiens from seed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li>Fill
the container with a sterile seed starting mix and moisten it by adding
water. Scatter impatiens seeds and press them gently so that they’re only
just below the surface. Use a plastic sheet or lid to cover the container.</li>
<li>Check the estimated last frost date for your region. You can start <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/Shade_Annuals">impatiens seeds</a> 8-10 weeks from this date.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Refer
the details provided on the seed package for the right growing temperature
for the seeds. Artificial lighting apparatus is the easiest means of
making sure the seeds get the desired warmth. In case you wish to use
direct sunlight, place the container near a window. Make sure you turn the
container at regular intervals in order to allow all the seeds to benefit
the heat. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"> Check the seeds every day. Also, make
sure the mix stays moist at all times. Seed germination normally takes
about 10-14 days. Those living in cooler regions might have to wait a
little longer. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Once
the seedlings develop 2-3 pairs of leaves, you can transplant them to
individual containers. Fertilize regularly, using a standard, well
balanced fertilizer. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Hardening
impatiens seedlings is an essential step in preparing the young plants for
the outdoors. Start by placing the containers in a sheltered part of your
garden for a couple of hours. Gradually increase the time they spend
outdoors over a period of 7-10 days. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Transplant
impatiens only after all threat of frosts is over. In the mean time, you
can clear the planting site and add good quantities of organic substances
to the soil. Water the plants before removing them from their individual
containers. This will loosen the roots and allow for easy transplantation.
</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Leave
a gap of 3-4 inches between adjacent plants and water thoroughly after planting.</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Irrigate your plants regularly, especially during the first
couple of months after planting. Fertilize impatiens just before they bloom in
spring. That, and a little care is all you need
for growing impatiens!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>T and M's Garden Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330495004646775360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560644344326144914.post-29595104067513228552012-02-17T05:11:00.000-05:002012-02-17T05:11:14.152-05:00Growing Pansies in Containers<span class="producthead">A joyous burst of color- that’s what Pansies bring to the scene! That’s also one of the major reasons behind </span>the immense
popularity of these winsome plants. <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/Container_Plants">Pansies</a> offer an incredible range of flower
color that’s invaluable in container gardening. Growing pansies in containers
doesn’t take much effort or expertise. It does, however, call for the right
knowledge and some planning. Take a look.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/images/uploads/3094_2921_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.tmseeds.com/images/uploads/3094_2921_thumb.jpg" /></a></div>
If you’re looking to start pansy seeds indoors, it’s
important to sow the seeds at the right time. You can either start in late
winter, 7-10 weeks from planting in spring, or start seeds in late summer and
plant them in the beginning of fall. The instructions on the seed packet are
normally a reliable source of information regarding the right planting depth,
spacing and temperature conditions. I sow the seeds shallow, with only a thin
layer of soil to cover them. Water thoroughly and cover the container with a
plastic lid. Place the container in a cool, dark place. Pansy seeds normally
take 2-3 weeks for germination. Check the container at regular intervals and
make sure the soil doesn’t dry up at any point. Once the seedlings develop 3-4
leaves, you can transplant them to individual containers.<br />
<br />
It’s very important to get the new
container all ready for the young plant. Mix equal quantities of organic
compost and potting soil. Provide a couple of inches thick layer of loose gravel
at the base of the container. The layer of gravel helps in drainage and
thus, prevents water logging. Wet the mixture of compost and potting soil. I’d
recommend you use distilled water for the task as it’s free from fluoride and
other chemicals present in water from regular sources. Next, fill in the
container with this mix, up to a couple of inches from the top.<br />
<br />
Water the seedling before
transplanting. This will loosen the soil and make it easier to remove them.
Plant the seedling into the new container and pack the soil firmly around it’s
base. A layer of organic mulch bodes well for the young plants and is therefore
recommended. Place the container in a spot that offers full sun for at least
5-6 hours every day.<br />
<br />
If you aren’t growing <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/Container_Plants">pansies</a>,
you’re missing out on a gardening experience that’s as exciting as any other.
Short on space? Ha, grow pansies in containers!<br />
<br />T and M's Garden Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330495004646775360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560644344326144914.post-44993752706922877862011-10-14T10:39:00.001-04:002011-10-14T10:40:00.155-04:00Fall Gardening Reminders<span style="color: black;">In some regions, gardeners are finding that it’s just too cold to be outside. Don’t spend the season mourning the loss of your summer garden, though. Get your growing fix by tending to your forgotten houseplants, attending a gardening workshop, or getting ready for the holidays with some <a href="http://gurneys.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_73484&eid=103009gb&sid=512440&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=GU" target="_blank">amaryllis </a>and other favorites. Here are my monthly suggestions for October and November.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<a href="http://gurneys.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_15000&eid=103009gb&sid=512440&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=GU" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignleft" height="244" src="http://gurneys.com/images/250/15000.jpg" title=" Buttercup Winter Squash" width="244" /></a><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: black;">Personally, I like to start thinking about my plans for next year’s garden. I clean my gardening equipment before storing, check my stored produce (like <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/Squash_Zucchini_Seeds" target="_blank">winter squash</a>) and remove any that is damaged or rotten, and I may even start building new garden structures for the upcoming growing season.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">And don’t forget that November is perfect for pruning! I use branches and other pruning remnants to hold down mulch for the upcoming winter. Of course, soon you’ll want to cover flowers to protect from early cold snaps.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">If you’re like me, you love the birds that late autumn and winter bring. In these months, I stock up on birdseed, and continuously check my birdbath to make sure it has fresh water for those over-wintering birds.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">If you have any good fall gardening tips, please share it with everyone by leaving a comment below!</span>T and M's Garden Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330495004646775360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560644344326144914.post-31403969322659166672011-09-07T11:52:00.004-04:002011-09-07T11:54:39.194-04:00How to Make Sun Dried TomatoesJudging from the size of my tomato plants, I'm hoping for a banner crop. This photo is only 2 weeks old, but with the amount of rain we've been getting in Ohio lately, they're twice as big right now. I've never seen so many flowers!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_po5axQTXX1mh-kCxNGX97dycVMlGW1Fu0I7iEo2WGGPnEeY0hhzDKmPNoVzkLKBd0GRa4b9_k2U08fdaz5rcqP1gfLE2y3zdJgnoonadKF78zUycyF_hJM09NoPdIob3XhdAxiGdx6c/s1600-h/tomateos.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348333479963747186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_po5axQTXX1mh-kCxNGX97dycVMlGW1Fu0I7iEo2WGGPnEeY0hhzDKmPNoVzkLKBd0GRa4b9_k2U08fdaz5rcqP1gfLE2y3zdJgnoonadKF78zUycyF_hJM09NoPdIob3XhdAxiGdx6c/s400/tomateos.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 336px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
What is one to do with a ton of tomatoes? Salsa ? Sure, that's an easy one. Spaghetti sauce? Yes, that's on my list too. How about sun dried tomatoes? That might be a nice way to add flavor to a dish.<br />
<br />
I spent some time in the Thompson & Morgan library this morning & found an article we published about that very same topic. It must be tomato karma! Here's a reprinted version for to you enjoy as well.<br />
<br />
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">How to Make Sun Dried Tomatoes</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Drying food is a long-established and time-honored method for preserving fruits and vegetables. The basic premise is simple: small pieces of food are placed out in the sun and warm, dry air passing over, under and around the food pulls the moisture from it. Ovens and commercial drying equipment are meant to mimic this natural process.<br />
<br />
When foods are properly dried, they can't support the growth of spoilage organisms like bacteria, yeast and molds. Well-dried vegetables have almost 90% of their water removed, creating an environment hostile to these spoilage organisms.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">To Dry:</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">The best tomatoes to use for drying are meaty types such as paste tomatoes. Slice tomatoes into halves or thirds if large. If drying outdoors, place skin side down on a screen or tray in an enclosed screen house to keep insects and dirt off the produce. Outdoor drying will take a few days during warm breezy and dry weather. Bring tomatoes in at night to protect from dew. Hot but humid weather is not conducive to drying and it's recommended to use an alternative method if the humidity is high. If using a commercial food dryer, follow those specific directions that are given with the unit. If using the oven, use the lowest setting possible to maintain a temperature below 65C (124F). Drying in an oven can take as little time as overnight. If the temperature cannot remain below 65C (145F), you should consider the other techniques mentioned for drying. Well dried tomatoes should be leathery but pliable. Store in glass or plastic jars with tight lids. At room temperatures of 20C (70F), tomatoes should store up to 3 months; at cooler temperatures, they can store for as long as 6-9 months.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">To Use:<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pour an equal mix of vinegar and boiling water, or just boiling water, over the tomatoes and let stand from a few minutes to a half an hour until they are soft and chewy. Drain off water and cover with olive oil and garlic. Let them marinate in the refrigerator or room temperature for several hours prior to use. They'll keep in the oil for about a month. Their concentrated flavor is delicious with pasta or antipasto. </span></div></div></div></div></div></div>T and M's Garden Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330495004646775360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560644344326144914.post-6731523094956486182011-05-26T13:41:00.002-04:002011-05-26T13:41:33.256-04:00Grow Up! - The Vertical Vegetable GardenDo you picture a typical <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/Vegetable_and_Herb_Seeds" target="_blank">vegetable garden</a> as a vast area, with neat rows stretching to the horizon? Well, it doesn’t have to be that way. If your garden area is limited, you can save space by doing something your mother probably told you– “Grow Up!”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/images/popup/4790.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.tmseeds.com/images/popup/4790.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>Container Basics:</b><br />
The size of the container should be compatible with the size of the plant. Small plants in big containers put their efforts into root production, stinting foliage and blooms. Large plants full small pots with their roots, leaving little room for a nutritious planting medium. Think Goldilocks and go “just right.” <br />
If your container doesn’t come with holes for drainage, use a drill to create some. For breakable materials like terra cotta, cover the bottom of the pot with tape to avoid cracks.<br />
Fill your container with moist, but not soggy, planting medium. The best mediums are comprised of sand, soil, and light planting material such as sphagnum or coir fibers. Garden soil is not a good choice for container planting, because it’s too heavy and retains too much moisture.<br />
When you’ve got the right container and the right medium, fill the container to 2” below the rim. While filling, break up any clumps of soil, and gently press down the soil to remove all air pockets.<br />
If you’re starting with seedlings or transplants, set them on top of the soil in an arrangement that works for you, then remove the plants from their pots and place them in their spots. Next, fill in the space around each plant up to its crown. If you’re starting with seeds, plant according to the depth and spacing requirements specified on the seed packet, and finish by providing good gentle soaking of water.<br />
Container gardens need frequent watering. Check the moisture level by poking your finger in the soil; it should be moist, but not soggy. If the soil is dry, add water until it runs out the holes in the bottom of the container. In warm areas, you may have to do this twice a day.<br />
Finally, don’t forget to fertilize. Once a week, use compost tea when you water. If that’s too much trouble, use a gentile, all-natural, slow-release fertilizer that won’t cause salt build-up.T and M's Garden Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330495004646775360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560644344326144914.post-80479586011719040492011-04-22T09:41:00.000-04:002011-04-22T09:41:16.214-04:00Hardening Off Seed-Grown Plants in the SpringYou’ve your <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/">seeds </a>sprout, grow true leaves and get taller. In your controlled environment, your seedlings have enjoyed a relatively stress-free life, protected from the heat, cold, wind and rain. Without elemental exposure, your little <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/">seedlings </a>lack the hardiness to be successfully transplanted; but you can change all that by starting the hardening-off process on your own.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://gurneys.com/vegetable-seeds/c/10/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Vegetable Seeds" class="alignright" height="198" src="http://gurneys.com/images/250/83395.jpg" title="Vegetable Seeds" width="198" /></a>Hardening off takes two weeks, and entails gradually exposing your tender seedlings to the elements until they can be transplanted and live outside comfortably.<br />
<br />
<b>Beginning the Process</b><br />
<b> </b><br />
Start the hardening-off process two weeks before the seed’s outside planting date, which is dependent on the hardiness of the plant and the last frost date in your area. Once you’ve determine the date, begin by setting your <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/">seeds </a>outside for a couple hours during the day in an area that’s shielded form sun and wind. Direct sun is a definite no-no for young seedlings at this stage, because it will burn the tender leaves. Remember to bring your seedlings in at night. Over the following days, you may increase the time your plants go outside, but do so gradually.<br />
<br />
<b>Your Seedlings are Almost Ready</b><br />
<b> </b><br />
After a few days of gradual and protected outside exposure, you can step up your efforts a notch. Leave your plants out longer and put them in sunnier, cooler, and windier spots. Although some evidence suggests that tomatoes respond well to fertilization at this point, generally it’s not a good idea to feed or overwater your plants right now – remember, you’re trying to toughen them up!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://gurneys.com/tunlcover%253Csup%253Etm%253C-sup%253E-plant-protector-/p/15468/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tunlcover™ Plant Protector" class="alignleft" height="196" src="http://gurneys.com/images/250/15468.jpg" title="Tunlcover™ Plant Protector" width="196" /></a><b></b><b>Ready, Set, Grow!</b><br />
<b> </b><br />
After two weeks of increasing exposure, it’s time to plant them for good. Water the ground thoroughly, and dig a hole just a few inches deeper than the pot in which your seedlings are currently residing. Holding your seedling by the stem, place the seedling in the hole and cover it gently with soil. Once the hole is filled, create a depression around the rim of the plant where water can collect. Be sure to water frequently and to fertilize after this final step. If your weather turns nasty, you can protect your <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/">seeds </a>with <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/Shop_Gardening_Supplies/a">sun shields</a> and <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/Shop_Gardening_Supplies/a">wind blocks</a>.T and M's Garden Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330495004646775360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560644344326144914.post-42337993529778630932011-03-31T09:22:00.002-04:002011-03-31T09:23:19.332-04:00Sowing Your Own Seeds – Part III<b>On a Feeding Schedule </b><br />
Now that the plant has sprouted and gone through the food supply provided by the seed itself, you’re responsible for feeding the burgeoning baby plant. You should feed your seedlings one-quarter strength plant food. If the solution is too strong, it will burn the baby plant. Use room temperature water when you are watering your plant.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/product/Seed-Starting-Kit/Shop_Gardening_Supplies" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seed Starting Supplies - Seed Starting Kit" class="alignright" height="250" src="http://gurneys.com/images/250/80917.jpg" title="Seed Starting Supplies - Seed Starting Kit" width="250" /></a>After the little plants have formed their second set of real leaves, they are ready to be transplanted into bigger pots. Dislodge the soil using a fork or pencil and gently lift the plant out of the pot, then dangle the plant over its new pot and sprinkle the roots with soil. Once your seedlings have grown a few more inches, they’ll be ready to face the great outdoors. You have to introduce them slowly, however, through a process called hardening off. We’ll go over this process in our next blog post!<br />
<br />
<b>Thompson & Morgan <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/product/Seed-Starting-Kit/Shop_Gardening_Supplies">Seed Starting</a> Kit<br />
</b><br />
Looking for an easier way to start seeds? I’m really excited about our new <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/product/Seed-Starting-Kit/Shop_Gardening_Supplies"><u>Seed Starting Kit</u></a>. We’ve assembled the absolute best way to start seeds. You’ll get healthy and hearty plants every time! The best part is it’s clean…no fussing with messy potting soil or Dixie cups.<br />
<br />
Our <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/product/Seed-Starting-Kit/Shop_Gardening_Supplies"><u>Seed Starting Kit</u></a> allows you to quickly, easily and successfully start all kinds of seeds. Each kit contains everything you need for fast germination and vital root growth. The soil-less grow plugs are made of natural, biodegradable materials so that each plug can be directly transplanted into the garden greatly reducing transplant shock. Each grow plug contains beneficial bacteria to aid in maximum seed germination.<br />
<br />
The lightweight 55-cell growing tray wraps each grow plug in warmth and floats them in the water-filled reservoir tray, allowing each seed to get the perfect water-to-air ratio. The humidity dome holds in the warmth and moisture, ensuring early and uniform seed germination<br />
I recently had the opportunity to give the <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/product/Seed-Starting-Kit/Shop_Gardening_Supplies" target="_blank"><u>Seed Starting Kit</u></a> a try, and let me tell you, it works! This is by far the easiest method I have ever used. It allows me to do more – and easily. <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/product/Seed-Starting-Kit/Shop_Gardening_Supplies"><u>Give it a try today!</u></a>T and M's Garden Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330495004646775360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560644344326144914.post-84174737878348505622011-03-23T15:14:00.000-04:002011-03-23T15:14:20.726-04:00Sowing Your Own Seeds – Part II<b>Some Like It Warm</b><br />
<b> </b><br />
To sprout, most <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/" target="_blank">seeds </a>prefer a temperature between 70 and 85 degrees (for specific temperatures, see the back of your seed packet). <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/">Seeds </a>can be kept in any place that offers warmth. Windowsills can also work, but be sure to check them for drafts that could potentially end your seedling’s short life. You can check by running a lighter or candle along your windowsills; if the light flickers or goes out, you know you’ve got a serious draft. If your windowsills prove to be too drafty, you can use artificial lights. The heat provided by an ordinary shop light offers plenty of warmth for germinating <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/">seeds</a>. Once you’ve found a cozy spot for your seeds, it’s time to cover them with plastic (to keep in moisture) and wait for them to send their shoots above the soil line.<br />
<br />
<b> </b><br />
<a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Vegetable Seeds" class="alignleft" height="250" src="http://gurneys.com/images/250/82359.jpg" title="Vegetable Seeds" width="250" /></a><b>They’re Alive!</b><br />
Immediately following your first sprouts, remove the plastic covering to get essential oxygen to the young’uns. These sprouts are not “true leaves”; they’re cotyledons, which existed within the seed and fed your plant during germination. You’re on the right track; true leaves will appear soon. Remember, even though they’ve sprouted, your seeds still need temperatures in the 60-to-80-degree range to ensure proper growth. <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/">Seeds</a> also need light at this stage. If you’re growing with natural light, make sure the containers are raised a little above the sill to minimize the “stretching” <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/">seedlings </a>can experience in their efforts to get enough light, and turn then regularly to keep them from growing lopsided.<br />
<br />
Artificial light provided by fluorescent shop tubes or grow lights (household incandescent lights don’t offer the right light spectrum for plants) work best, just make sure they offer a combination of warm white and cool white light. Artificial light should be kept 1 – 4” above your seedlings’ tops. Pulley systems work especially well, because you can adjust the lights as the seedlings grow. <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/">Seedlings </a>need roughly 16 hours of exposure daily; using a timer on the lights is the easiest way to achieve this. Some gardeners leave the lights on continuously and say their plants have suffered no ill affects. The choice is yours; consult your seed packet for lighting instructions.T and M's Garden Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330495004646775360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560644344326144914.post-27602281988761019932011-02-10T15:51:00.000-05:002011-02-10T15:51:03.255-05:00Sowing Your Own Seeds – Part I<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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Every spring, you head down to the local nursery to buy the plants you carefully selected during your winter hibernation. The joy of seeing the plants you will nurture and enjoy is often marred by the jolt you receive when the cashier gives you the total price of your new garden! Thankfully, there’s a way to avoid sticker shock; you can start seeds at home. Not only does starting your own seeds save you a ton of money, it opens up your seed choices considerably. As you browse through Gurney’s Seed catalog and website, you’ll find varieties you would have had to seek out through multiple stops at different nurseries. The rewards of seed-starting aren’t just fiscal, though. Through this process, you’ll gain the satisfaction that comes from knowing you were behind the plant’s success – it also gives you a head start on the growing season! <div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/images/uploads/2225_3772_popup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.tmseeds.com/images/uploads/2225_3772_popup.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Let’s Get Started</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Once you’ve found the right seed varieties for you, you’ll need to determine the proper start date. Typically, seeds are started indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Get your seedlings off to a good start by using the right growing medium. A perfect growing mix is very light and holds moisture well. Avoid using potting soil, which becomes too dense after a few waterings and doesn’t allow good air and water circulation. Additionally, regular potting soil can introduce bacteria to a young seed, resulting in its death. If you don’t want to buy a mix, you can create your own by combining 2 parts peat or sphagnum moss with 1 part perlite and 1 part vermiculate. This will not have the nutrients usually included in a commercial mix, however. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<b>Where to Start Your Seeds</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The first container for your seeds should be no more than three inches deep and provide good drainage. If you don’t want to buy containers specifically designed for starting seeds, you’ll need to create your own: empty egg cartons, cut-off milk cartons, or deep-sided disposable aluminum pans work fine. Make sure you punch drainage holes in the bottom. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Planting Your Seeds</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The general rule of thumb is to plant seeds four times as deep as the seed is wide. Fine seeds, such as petunia seeds, should be sprinkled on top of the medium but not covered. When using individual containers, plant more than one seed in each cell; you’ll need extras since you seldom get 100% germination. If you’re using flats, space seeds a half inch apart only if they’ll be transplanted into a separate pot following germination. If they’re going to stay in the flat until they head outside, space the seed one to two inches apart. Label your seeds, because most seedlings look alike. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Watering Your Seeds</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Once they’re planting, you won’t have to worry about feeding your little guys at first. Seeds contain their own food supply packaged neatly within their shells. Make sure you keep them mist, since most seeds absorb water and use it to bust through their shells. Daily checkups are necessary at this point. To water, you can either use a spray bottle, or set up a bottom watering system (this way, seeds can take as much water as they need.) If you choose a bottom watering system, it’s important to avoid letting your pots sit in a pool of water; this can lead to a moldy pot and a dead seed. </div>T and M's Garden Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330495004646775360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560644344326144914.post-8312982183224761122010-11-18T17:15:00.000-05:002010-11-18T17:15:13.168-05:00Seed Starting Tips from Thompson & Morgan<span style="color: black;">I love starting seeds. It’s a lot cheaper than buying transplants, and there’s nothing better to us gardeners than watching something grow from a tiny speck into a full mature plant. I’ve always considered it the “second” or intermediate stage of gardening. If you’re a new gardener, chances are, you’re starting with plants and flower bulbs, because they’re so simple.<br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/images/uploads/2928_3336_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.tmseeds.com/images/uploads/2928_3336_large.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="color: black;">Seed starting is admittedly more complicated, but that doesn’t mean it’s difficult. It’s actually quite the opposite, especially when you have the right resources and a little ambition! So for those of you who are hesitant to try seed starting, fear not! There is a way to make seed starting simple, quick and fun. And contrary to popular belief, you don’t need an elaborate basement operation with fluorescent lights and elegant light fixtures!<br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">I’m really excited about Thomspon and Morgan’s <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/product/Seed-Starting-Kit/Seed_and_Herb_Kits" target="_blank">new Seed Starting Kit</a>. We’ve assembled the absolute best way to start seeds. You’ll get healthy and hearty plants every time! The best part is it’s clean…no fussing with messy potting soil or Dixie cups.<br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Our <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/product/Seed-Starting-Kit/Seed_and_Herb_Kits" target="_blank">Seed Starting Kit</a> allows you to quickly, easily and successfully start all kinds of seeds. Each kit contains everything you need for fast germination and vital root growth. The soil-less grow plugs are made of natural, biodegradable materials so that each plug can be directly transplanted into the garden greatly reducing transplant shock. Each grow plug contains beneficial bacteria to aid in maximum seed germination.<br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">The lightweight 55-cell growing tray wraps each grow plug in warmth and floats them in the water-filled reservoir tray, allowing each seed to get the perfect water-to-air ratio. The humidity dome holds in the warmth and moisture, ensuring early and uniform seed germination</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">I recently had the opportunity to give the <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/product/Seed-Starting-Kit/Seed_and_Herb_Kits" target="_blank">Seed Starting Kit</a> a try, and let me tell you, it works! This is by far the easiest method I have ever used. It allows me to do more – and easily. <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/product/Seed-Starting-Kit/Seed_and_Herb_Kits">Give it a try today</a>!<br />
</span>T and M's Garden Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330495004646775360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560644344326144914.post-76966518403527631472010-11-11T15:50:00.000-05:002010-11-11T15:50:14.155-05:00Composting: Save Your Leaves!<span style="color: black;">For most gardeners, November is a month for raking leaves and racking your brain trying to figure out what to do with them. You could put them in the street or bag them, but why let them go to waste? Here’s a suggestion: Composting. Besides being extremely earth-friendly, composting is the best way to build fertile, productive soil.<br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/images/uploads/2950_2163_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.tmseeds.com/images/uploads/2950_2163_large.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="color: black;"><strong>What and When to Compost<br />
</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">You may be surprised what kinds of materials can be composted. Leaves, dead plants, grass clippings, vegetable scraps and other organic material can all be composted. The fall season is the best time to start a compost pile – the composting process continues throughout the winter.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Chop or shred leaves before adding them to your compost pile, because intact leaves tend to mat down. Remember, you should always add roughly equal amounts of “green” and “brown” material at any given time, and your compost should contain a mix of nitrogen and carbon-rich materials. Green, leafy waste is high in nitrogen, and brown, woody scraps are high in carbon. You may not be able to use all your leaves at once; bag up the rest and hold onto them for next summer, when you’ll surely be looking for more “browns” to add to the “greens” you’ll have coming out of your ears!<br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Composting is great for your garden, and it’s very easy. All you need is a small area in your garden for a compost pile, or a compost bin. If you don’t already compost, you can buy or construct a bin, or purchase a barrel-sized crank-operated composter, which are far more efficient than traditional composting methods. See, with a composter, the two main ongoing jobs as each batch “cooks” are to turn the compost often to aerate it, and to add water if it gets dry.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Fall is the best time to start a compost pile. So get out there in your garden in the crisp fall weather and have fun!<br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Check out these great <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/Shop_Gardening_Supplies">Thompson & Morgan composting products</a>!<br />
</span>T and M's Garden Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330495004646775360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560644344326144914.post-48595920207312856522010-11-03T17:23:00.000-04:002010-11-03T17:23:53.918-04:00How to Grow and Care for AsparagusI love picking <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/New" target="_blank">asparagus</a> straight from the garden and eating it fresh. It’s one of the best reminders of spring turning to summer. Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that can produce annual springtime harvests for up to 20 years, following an initial three-year period while the bed gets established after planting. It’s a popular vegetable, so I’m sure many of you are growing it in your gardens.<br />
<a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/images/uploads/2534_3310_popup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.tmseeds.com/images/uploads/2534_3310_popup.jpg" width="200" /></a>That’s why I’ve come up with some general facts and care tips about asparagus:<br />
First and foremost, <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/New" target="_blank">asparagus</a> is a hungry plant. Keep it well fed and it will remain happy. This is the basic maintenance requirement, along with mulching and weeding. A slow-release fertilizer will work great, adding nutrients as needed; apply it in the spring and again after harvest.<br />
Also, you’ll want to check the makeup of your fertilizer to be sure your asparagus gets plenty of phosphorus and potassium. You can provide those nutrients by adding bonemeal and wood ash to the soil. Pellet fertilizers are fine, but make sure you combine them with organic matter. A top dressing of these materials after harvest and in the fall will help ensure good growth. Asparagus grows best in a sandy loam with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.<br />
After harvest and through the fall, leave the plant alone. Let them just do what asparaguses (asparagi?) do naturally! If your asparagus turns yellow, don’t worry, that’s normal. Even as it yellows, the foliage is still feeding the plant, so don’t cut it back until it totally dies back. At that point, usually in early winter, remove all remaining foliage. This will protect your plant from pests and disease.<br />
And speaking of pests, the most common asparagus pest is the appropriately named “asparagus beetle.” Cutting the foliage back in the winter should keep the buggers away, but if not, you can always pick them off and drop them in soapy water to kill them.<br />
That about covers <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/New" target="_blank">asparagus</a> care. Just remember the best protection against pests and disease is to keep your plants healthy and strong through feeding, weeding and mulching!T and M's Garden Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330495004646775360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560644344326144914.post-5988407667827413582010-10-13T16:26:00.001-04:002010-10-13T16:26:57.816-04:00Can’t Wait to Grow Some New Plants from T&M!Hey folks! Sorry it's been a while since our last update. We've been busy gearing up for our Fall catalogue release! (Speaking of our new catalog, request one <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/catalog_request">HERE</a>).<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/images/popup/7169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.tmseeds.com/images/popup/7169.jpg" width="200" /></a>I don't know about you, but I often have trouble finding exactly what I want at my local florist. It’s nothing against their shop—it’s a great, local, family-owned establishment that’s been in town for decades. However, in order to meet my ever-growing needs (and wants) as a gardener, I am looking for a broader selection. Thankfully, Thompson & Morgan is releasing some new products this fall, and our lineup looks promising.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One plant I’ve really got my eye on is <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/New">Coreopsis ‘Roulette’</a>. I love finding new plants to try in fresh cut bouquets, and when I heard about this one I just had to put it on my list of ‘things to plant’. It’s a unique bouquet addition because it has a second row of petals on each bloom. Each time I look at one I feel as if the roulette ball just landed on my lucky number!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There are a few others I’m going to try: <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/New">Sweet Pea ‘Ballerina Blue</a>’, with its large, aromatic blooms; <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/New">Petunia ‘Rose Vein Velvet’ F1 Hybrid</a>, a perennial that flowers all summer; and <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/New">Cosmos ‘Brightness Mixed’</a>, with its bushy, free-flowering mixture of gold, lemon, orange and red.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I can’t wait till these come out! Talk about adding variety to a bouquet!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>T and M's Garden Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330495004646775360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560644344326144914.post-68176214880400833792010-07-19T10:49:00.000-04:002010-07-19T10:49:18.642-04:00Growing Herbs from SeedIn terms of grower satisfaction, it’s hard to beat <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/Herb_Seeds" mce_href="http://gurneys.com/herb-plants/c/77/" target="_blank">herbs</a>. If you have limited time and space, herbs give you more for less than anything else you can grow. Just one or two leaves of the right herb can completely transform a salad, pasta dish or stew. Best of all, they are easy to grow and immune to most pests.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/images/large/476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.tmseeds.com/images/large/476.jpg" /></a></div>The compact growth of most <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/Herb_Seeds" mce_href="http://gurneys.com/herb-plants/c/77/" target="_blank">herbs</a> makes them ideal for containers, too. A few nursery pots, 18-24” across the top, will provide a happy home for your herbs. In a colder climate, you can bring the pots indoors to a sunny spot.<br />
Choose as many herbs as you will actually use and have room for. Make sure you sort them into two groups, annuals and perennials. Common annuals include basil, dill and parsley. Common perennials include chives, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage, sorrel and thyme. Whether you grow herbs in beds or in pots, keep your perennials separate from your annuals so they can continue to grow year after year without being disturbed.<br />
Most herbs will grow well from seed, but transplants are just as easy to grow. With transplants, make sure the soil or growing medium you’re putting the plants into is well-watered (moist but not soggy) in advance. Drainage is important – few plants like wet feet – so augment your soil with perlite, vermiculite or compost.<br />
If you start herbs from <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/Herb_Seeds" mce_href="http://gurneys.com/herb-seed/c/98/" target="_blank">seed</a>, wait until the seedlings have their first true leaves (leaves that resemble those of an adult plant), then thin them so they stand several inches apart. Do this by snipping off the unwanted plants at ground level with scissors – don’t pull them out, which can injure the roots of the surviving plants.T and M's Garden Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330495004646775360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560644344326144914.post-23181725218200925712010-06-17T16:55:00.000-04:002010-06-17T16:55:17.425-04:00How to make your own Herbal TeaStrictly speaking, herbal “teas” are actually called “tisanes” or “infusions”, while real tea is made from the leaves of the tea plant. Even so, the term herbal tea is now widely used for the dozens of varieties on the market. It’s easy to make your own from fresh herb leaves picked from the garden for a special treat!<br />
<br />
My favorite herb tea is <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/product/Scent-sational_Herbs_Mint/Vegetable_and_Herb_Seeds" target="_blank">mint</a>, but some varieties are tastier than others. I use the English mint I grow in my backyard, which has a full mint flavor with no off notes. For a good mint tea, pick about a half-cup of leaves, packed, then bruise them on a cutting board. Place in a warmed teapot, add two pints of boiling water, and steep for about five minutes. Strain and serve…then enjoy! Apple mint is delicious, too, as is peppermint.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/images/large/857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.tmseeds.com/images/large/857.jpg" width="200" /></a>Use the same method with catnip (yes, catnip!), chamomile flowers, sage, dill (double the amount of leaves), Echinacea, lavender, thyme or rosemary (half the amount of leaves). You can also use an herb to flavor regular tea, especially green tea, for a delightful drink. Earl Grey tea is flavored with bergamot fruit rind to give its distinctive taste.<br />
Lemony herbs, such as lemon verbena, make good teas by themselves or with other herbs. Lemon verbena with mint is a nice combination. If you use St. John’s wort, add about a tablespoon of thyme for a much better taste. With this and other herbal teas, the best sweetener is a good honey, which sweetens without masking the taste of the tea.T and M's Garden Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330495004646775360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560644344326144914.post-38719043578409312972010-06-02T16:06:00.000-04:002010-06-02T16:06:30.071-04:00Growing Great Melons!<strong>Sweet, juicy and easy to grow, nothing says “summer” like a ripe melon!</strong><br />
On a hot summer day, few things quench your thirst and inspire fond memories like feasting on a slice of succulent red watermelon. Try growing <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/product/Melon_seeds__Watermelon__Charleston_Gray/Vegetable_and_Herb_Seeds">watermelon</a>, cantaloupe, or honeydew melon, and you can relive those wonderful memories and at the same time spare your wallet and your taste buds from bland, expensive supermarket produce.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/images/large/253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.tmseeds.com/images/large/253.jpg" /></a></div><em>Here are a few tips on how to grow some great melons:</em><br />
<em> </em> <br />
A sun-loving crop, melons need protection from cool spring and fall winds, proper air circulation, and space, whether it’s up a sturdy lean-to trellis or spread out in a 4’ by 4’ area. Melons prefer light, sandy, loamy oil that’s packed full of organic matter and nutrients. Cantaloupes and other melons require a pH of 6-7.5, but <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/product/Melon_seeds__Watermelon__Charleston_Gray/Vegetable_and_Herb_Seeds">watermelons </a>can take a pH as low as 5.5. A warm-weather crop, melons prefer soil temperatures of at least 70°F and ambient air temperatures of 50-55°F. If this sounds too warm for gardeners in cooler climates, don’t worry: There are other compact cool-season cultivars that will grow just fine.T and M's Garden Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330495004646775360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560644344326144914.post-18558155465786380322010-05-06T08:53:00.000-04:002010-05-06T08:53:11.988-04:00Grow Up! - The Vertical Vegetable GardenDo you picture a typical <a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/category/Vegetable_and_Herb_Seeds" target="_blank">vegetable garden</a> as a vast area, with neat rows stretching to the horizon? Well, it doesn’t have to be that way. If your garden area is limited, you can save space by doing something your mother probably told you– “Grow Up!”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/images/popup/4790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.tmseeds.com/images/popup/4790.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><strong>Container Basics:</strong><br />
The size of the container should be compatible with the size of the plant. Small plants in big containers put their efforts into root production, stinting foliage and blooms. Large plants full small pots with their roots, leaving little room for a nutritious planting medium. Think Goldilocks and go “just right.” <br />
If your container doesn’t come with holes for drainage, use a drill to create some. For breakable materials like terra cotta, cover the bottom of the pot with tape to avoid cracks.<br />
Fill your container with moist, but not soggy, planting medium. The best mediums are comprised of sand, soil, and light planting material such as sphagnum or coir fibers. Garden soil is not a good choice for container planting, because it’s too heavy and retains too much moisture.<br />
When you’ve got the right container and the right medium, fill the container to 2” below the rim. While filling, break up any clumps of soil, and gently press down the soil to remove all air pockets.<br />
If you’re starting with seedlings or transplants, set them on top of the soil in an arrangement that works for you, then remove the plants from their pots and place them in their spots. Next, fill in the space around each plant up to its crown. If you’re starting with seeds, plant according to the depth and spacing requirements specified on the seed packet, and finish by providing good gentle soaking of water.<br />
Container gardens need frequent watering. Check the moisture level by poking your finger in the soil; it should be moist, but not soggy. If the soil is dry, add water until it runs out the holes in the bottom of the container. In warm areas, you may have to do this twice a day.<br />
Finally, don’t forget to fertilize. Once a week, use compost tea when you water. If that’s too much trouble, use a gentile, all-natural, slow-release fertilizer that won’t cause salt build-up.T and M's Garden Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330495004646775360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560644344326144914.post-2781209420759176722010-03-25T15:37:00.007-04:002010-03-25T15:49:26.581-04:00Determinate, Indeterminate and Semi-Determinate Tomato VarietiesIn our last blog, we discussed the difference between hybrid and heirloom tomatoes. Today, we'll talk about the differences between determinate, indeterminate and semi-determinate tomato varieties, and how to care for each. You can find the <span class="producthead"><a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/product/Tomato_seeds__Tigerella/Tomato_Seeds">Tigerella Tomato</a> (featured below) on our web site, along with a number of other great tomato seeds! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tmseeds.com/images/popup/260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.tmseeds.com/images/popup/260.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><br />
Determinate:</b> a.k.a. bush; reach heights between 3-5’; set fruit all at once, offering one big harvest.<br />
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<table style="padding-left: 15px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="vertical-align: top; width: 60px;"><b>Pros:</b></td><td>Fruit are good for canning and making sauces; plants don’t need pruning.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="width: 60px;"><b>Con:</b></td><td>Single harvest can leave you with an overabundance of tomatoes</td></tr>
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<tr><td colspan="2" style="width: 60px;"><b>Preferred growing method:</b> Caging or stalking</td></tr>
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</tbody></table><br />
<b>Indeterminate:</b> a.k.a. vining; grow continuously and offer fruit all season long.<br />
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<table style="padding-left: 15px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="vertical-align: top; width: 60px;"><b>Pros:</b></td><td>Produces fruit until the first frost</td></tr>
<tr><td style="width: 60px;"><b>Con:</b></td><td>Need lots of space; must be pruned, because the plant will concentrate on growing taller instead of producing fruit</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="width: 60px;"><b>Preferred growing method:</b> Trellising</td></tr>
<tr> </tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b> Semi-Determinate:</b> The best of both worlds – easy to manage like determinate varieties, and produces all season long like indeterminate varieities. <br />
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<table style="padding-left: 15px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="vertical-align: top; width: 60px;"><b>Pros:</b></td><td>Bushy and sturdy with thick stems; produce considerable and constantly.<br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="width: 60px;"><b>Preferred growing method:</b> Caging or stalking<br />
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>T and M's Garden Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330495004646775360noreply@blogger.com0