Fish Lake Oxheart Tomato

[barefootgardener]

There are ways a determined gardener can grow any variety in zone 4, at least in decent years.

Starting the plants extra early is the main method that I used. I even grew Hughs in Montana. They need to be uppotted several times, and they go out rather large. Hughs went out in nominal 5 gallon containers in mid June started in January. They had been pruned back around May 1st.

I usually start mine in early to mid February, and end up transplanting once or twice, They are for the most part, nice sized plants when set outside or in GH..

 

[Nyboy]

That photo has me craving a BLT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Jared77]

I ask because I have plant assassins aka indoor cats that have thwarted ALL attempts at indoor plants be it house plants or seedlings. They are literally unbelievable with their determination and ability to destroy them.

So I am planting new varieties as I can find them to unless its direct sown or a transplant forget it.

However I did have a thought yesterday of using an empty aquarium with some CFL or LED bulbs over it and starting the plants inside there with a lid of probably hardware cloth so I still have ventilation but its still strong enough to keep the cats out. I'll be doing this until I can get my greenhouse in a couple of years.

This year is a bust for us anyway with everything we'll have going on this summer. Right now I'm literally planning on a small container garden on the deck so we'll have fresh tomatoes and the rest Ill be buying at the Farmers Market for some salsa and sauce we make this year.

 

[barefootgardener]

I ask because I have plant assassins aka indoor cats that have thwarted ALL attempts at indoor plants be it house plants or seedlings. They are literally unbelievable with their determination and ability to destroy them.

So I am planting new varieties as I can find them to unless its direct sown or a transplant forget it.

However I did have a thought yesterday of using an empty aquarium with some CFL or LED bulbs over it and starting the plants inside there with a lid of probably hardware cloth so I still have ventilation but its still strong enough to keep the cats out. I'll be doing this until I can get my greenhouse in a couple of years.

This year is a bust for us anyway with everything we'll have going on this summer. Right now I'm literally planning on a small container garden on the deck so we'll have fresh tomatoes and the rest Ill be buying at the Farmers Market for some salsa and sauce we make this year.

A fish aquarium is a great idea with lid, hardware cloth, and ventilation.. I only have to deal with one cat, and boy do I know from experience, they love to do damage to houseplants , and anything with dirt, little seedlings etc.. My GH is unheated, so when I start my seedlings indoors, in late winter, I have to protect them from the cat and the occasional mouse..I now have a spare bedroom and an upstairs bathroom that get plenty of natural light. I can just shut the door to keep the cat out... But at night, i put the seedlings, in boxes with a lid. (In case the mouse wants to come out and play), Sometimes I also use rubbermaid storage containers.
When the Gh heats up in very early spring, I put the seedlings out in the GH..Bring them in at night..When the night' s become a little warmer, I put them in a cold frame, and tuck hot water bottles all around, to keep them warm .
My greenhouse was built from recycled old storm patio doors, sliding glasss doors and windows, that I have been saving and collecting for many years. My husband and I built it a few years back. We have the GH panels on the roof, and up one partial side. I love it. We are moving off the farm soon, and I am dismantling it, and taking it with me..lol

Ginny

 

[Jared77]

I don't blame you for dismanteling the GH and taking it with you I would!

We have brother and sister siamese cats who are the assassins. I can't even by DW cut flowers in the off season because they'll leave a pile of little petal confetti next to the vase. Absolutely maddening.

So of course in all my infinite wisdom we get our daughter a kitten. He's SUPER cool, ton of personality, feet on the floor kind of cat, so I think we'll be safe once the other 2 are no longer with us. Although brother and sister are only 10 so we've got a while before that will happen.

I really want a GH so I can grow all the annuals I want. Id do my own starts for hanging baskets that we give to the parents on Mother's day (we have 3 sets of in laws, her parents are divorced and remarried plus my parents) each year plus the hanging baskets and containers I want to fill on our decks, railings, steps, window boxes etc. Plus all the veggie starts, and other projects.....Yep I REALLY need a GH!

 

[barefootgardener]

I don't blame you for dismanteling the GH and taking it with you I would!

We have brother and sister siamese cats who are the assassins. I can't even by DW cut flowers in the off season because they'll leave a pile of little petal confetti next to the vase. Absolutely maddening.

So of course in all my infinite wisdom we get our daughter a kitten. He's SUPER cool, ton of personality, feet on the floor kind of cat, so I think we'll be safe once the other 2 are no longer with us. Although brother and sister are only 10 so we've got a while before that will happen.

I really want a GH so I can grow all the annuals I want. Id do my own starts for hanging baskets that we give to the parents on Mother's day (we have 3 sets of in laws, her parents are divorced and remarried plus my parents) each year plus the hanging baskets and containers I want to fill on our decks, railings, steps, window boxes etc. Plus all the veggie starts, and other projects.....Yep I REALLY need a GH!

Your daughters kitty sounds adorable..

I can feel your excitement about you wanting and getting a GH as soon as you can. Being able to start your own seedlings, and put together hanging baskets, window boxes etc..is a lot of fun, and something so creative and magical about it..

Have you thought about building your own GH? If you look in the ads in the paper, or on trash day, many people are giving/throwing away used storm doors, windows etc..Everyone you collect, they all add up..
I posted a picture of mine on here a while back..Let me find it, and I will post a pic.

Here it is..


Ginny

 

[897tgigvib]

Jared, siamese cats can live the longest lives. 21 is very possible.