Growing Outdoors in Ireland... HELP!!!

[IREDARREN]

Hi lads, this is my first ever time growing tomatoes outdoor or indoor. I have already germinated and planted my 5 seeds (Swiss Miss, Nirvana) 1 of these never took off (i think i over-watered) 1 is iffy, but growing, and 3 really nice healthy looking plants.

The 3 healthy ones are 5cm now, on their 5th day, and the other one is just starting to take off. Basically, I am asking for any advice or information!

They are in 4 pots about 12cm X 12cm, under a make-shift greenhouse (pane of glass on top of an old wheelbarrow with the pots inside. Just started to take them out to get used to the wind etc. just this morning (nice and sunny). I have given them some GUANO nutrients already. I have 4 holes dug, in which I have put; some compost, GUANO, old grass cuttings and the original earth.

I plan on covering over my area with some plastic sheeting (opaque stuff) is this a good idea??? And when should I plant into the ground???

I realise I am quite late planting but i figure; they need 3 months so they should be grand...?

I really hope somebody repies...Cheers!

IREDARREN Reviewed by IREDARREN on 07-02-2008. Growing Outdoors in Ireland... HELP!!! Hi lads, this is my first ever time growing tomatoes outdoor or indoor. I have already germinated and planted my 5 seeds (Swiss Miss, Nirvana) 1 of these never took off (i think i over-watered) 1 is iffy, but growing, and 3 really nice healthy looking plants. The 3 healthy ones are 5cm now, on their 5th day, and the other one is just starting to take off. Basically, I am asking for any advice or information! They are in 4 pots about 12cm X 12cm, under a make-shift greenhouse (pane of Rating: 5

[irishgrower]

Hey, how's it goin? I dont know anything about the strains you're using but you should visit the outdoor growing section on this site. I kno a lot of the growers there are American/Canadian, but you should pick up some tips from just reading about other peoples experiences. I have put up a few pics of my 3 plants on the thread below this. I jst started growing from scratch a few years ago and learned as I went along. I kept mine indoors for about 6 weeks this year before putting them outside. Also I prefer to keep mine in pots as it makes it easier to move them in an emergency!! Ha ha.... Anyway hope your plants come on Ok. Keep us posted on the progress.........

[moshmonkey]

i had Swiss Miss, germinated great but as soon as they hit the outdoor they died

[BlackwaterWeed]

It better be a big barrow!!!!

They wont stay small for long.

For me this worked ... Water them and keep the soil/mix moist to touch. If you touch soil/mix and dirt comes up on your finger cool otherwise water them ... Make sure they have drainage too

I only tomatoe feed ... It worked for me ...

How you guys doing ... Been away for toooooooo long but I think the heat is gone now and the missus is dying for a good smoke so here we go ... again ...

[greekstroker]

hay lads i have 3 plants that are out doors and i am getting a bit worry as they are about half way through budding and covered in cristals will the rain wash it all off or will it stay on regardless also do you think i am going to have a problem with mold as i dont think the seeds i used are resistent they were the joint docs automix great seeds 7/10 female and 9/10 germinated:rastasmoke:

[IREDARREN]

Sound for advice, update is that they are now planted in the ground, under pvc sheeting (greenhouse) with a door for ventilation. growing lovely, can start to smell one of them!! They're about 15cm high now, in their 4th week. Watered them for the first 2 days once planted. Should I be doing anything else? I'd love to hear from some irish growers±!!

Thank you.

[IREDARREN]

Update: 6 weeks in, the three strong plants are about 1 1/2 feet high... the little one is just under a foot, but I am delighted! I transplanted the plants into the ground, and kept the pvc sheeting up for the first 1 1/2 weeks, but that's off now, and plants are lovely and healthy... Can smell all of them now..


Despite the fact that the max direct sunlight they can get a day is 4 hours, (trees etc...) i feel that they are growing nicely.

Some of the leaves began to be eaten by what I think were caterpillars, and an outbreak of ants but overcame both situations i think!

My question is that, this being my first ever grow, Can I be doing anything to boost the growth of my plants or any other advice would be much appreciated!!!

[Smudgeyboy]

These might be nearly done? How did it go? Sorry I couldnt have helped earlier!

[IREDARREN]

Hey dude, update: Pulled one massive male today (about 5ft), I'm sure one is female, and think the other two are one of each but not 100% sure yet.. Any advice? I'm unsure as to if the plants are mature enough to produce gange??

I plan on taking a cutting from my certain female (also about 5ft), any advice?

Sound..

[IREDARREN]

Update: I am now left with one gorgeous female. The strain is Swiss Miss. She has pre-flowered and should be ready to pull in 2/3 more weeks. She is quite a slow developer, contrary to what was expected of her. All 3 other plants turned out to be male.

My question is when should I pull her? She is loosing a lot of her foilage to mould but in great health. Growing like mad still, she must be over 5 feet and getting to be very bushy. I hope she fills out her flowers!! She is a mainly Sativa strain and have heard that it's better to hold off as long as possible with Sativa's?

Any other advice would be great as this is my first ever attempt at growing tomatoes.