Mark, I started my tomatoes indoors last year on Feb 8 and planted out April 12. I used the hoophouse only the last month and still had to bring the tomatoes inside when temps dropped below 30 degrees. I started mine in a flat then transferred them to 5ounce cups then to 2 liter containers. Repotting tomatoes forces them to build stronger roots than if you just plant the seed directly. If you want to wintersow your tomatoes in the hoophouse and skip the indoor step, I'd wait until about 4 weeks before your average last spring frost. You might still need to use a bit of heat, maybe a couple 60 watt bulbs or a couple strands of rope lighting at night. And watch for daytime temps. Those hoop houses get HOT inside when all closed up if the temperature gets above 50 outside. I had temps in the 90s some days even with one end slightly open.

ok - I think that last comment goes to rlkennerly having problems with the tomatoes - all of my plants amazingly surprised. I don't think my Popcorn containers :) were the saving grace as much as the fact that our boxes sat in a 70 degree, bright sunshine all during the day before it turned cold. rlkennerly - how low was your temp this past weekend? Ours hit 33 with some frost on the ground so I am surprised all my plants survived the 2 frosty nights we had here in Nor.Cen. Tx, and then again survived the quarter size hail and heavy rains we had Monday night. I'm really being tested, because now we are experiencing winds gusting at 40+ and my toms are thrashing about...I guess this is where having some better covers would help out... ...well I guess before it's too late and yet another act of nature tries to snap my plants - here's a picture of my toms/broccoli after the cold and hail/rain... From Square Foot Gardening And I'm gushing with pride over my seeds - that decided to pop out this morning to say 'we survived'!!!! In addition to this lettuce, also sprouting now: spinach, radishes and marigolds: From Square Foot Gardening And here's a little baby...tucked in ever so sweet...awwwhh so cute.... From Square Foot Gardening Now with all this said ....I think I have something munching on my tom and broc plants....but I guess that's for another post....

Happy Sunday afternoon! How did it get to be 5:00 Sunday so fast??? We had an absolutely beautiful weekend here in NJ and I was outside enjoying it. We had a fast but heavy shower yesterday afternoon then it cleared and was gorgeous again. Zig- a good reason to throw those sneaks out. Glad you got some new ones :-) I still need to get rid of some shoes but that is for another weekend. I know what you mean about the tapes - that is one thing I like about them also. We are not all 20 and skinny. Debi, I like green tea and will have to try and drink more. When I do drink soda I drink caffeine free diet versions but I know many think soda is a no-no. I actually have nothing against water but still struggle with it. It can take me all day to drink one average sized bottle. QOD - did stuff around the house and yard along with the usual laundry. Ordered in last night, no dishes. Tikanas - keeping Joe in my prayers. Did you and your daughter go to the movies? What did you see? Gotta run - time to think about dinner and fold laundry but not necessarily in that order. My WW at work ended this past week. In a way I am glad because the leader was so-so and we did not get all of our booklets and materials. On Tuesday I am going to a meeting 5 minutes drive from my house. When the weather stays nice I can walk to and from my meeting. I understand the leader there is new - the one that was there before was fantastic but I think she burned out. She was running 2 huge back to back meetings there on Tuesdays. I don't know if I mentioned but my sister bought me an early birthday gift a few weeks ago - the WW calculator. She was tired of hearing me complain about journaling and did not want me to drop off track. I love that thing! It is simple to work and costs about $25 at WW meetings. My sister's leader said they can't keep them in stock - they go out as soon as they come in. Hugs to all who need them - will check in during the week. Donna

You did it!!! You did it!!! Oh, Caroline, I am so happy for you. And tremendously impressed too, not only by the physical difficulty of the trip, but by your dedication to a good cause. What an amazing thing you did. I can hardly wait to see your photos. Welcome back! Now you can sit back and watch the Giro d'Italia starting on Saturday. (Universal Sports, on TV & online) You'll have new appreciation for the pros putting in over a hundred miles a day in mountainous terrain LOL! Wow, you are one tough cookie...