My Tomato Patch in N. California Jan. 17 warning graphic photos

14 years ago

Well, my weather "luck" ran out about 4 weeks ago when we had 3 straight days of a freeze here. My bountiful Carmello went from lush production - - to this:

I was able to protect my Goose Creek plants by bringing them inside for a few nights, and they are making marginal progress outside again:

Tomatoes are beginning to blush on the 2 plants:

Six of my Pepper plants continue to do fine. I am just hoping they will survive, irrespective of producing anything now, so that I can hit off the Spring with them healthy for an early crop:

The Oregon Snow Peas survived the 3 days of nighttime freezes:

Here are a couple of tomatoes still on the vine I picked today:

So, in spite of the disappointing weather, we were able to slice a few on January 17. Taste is probably 70% of the Summertime tomato, but still far better than anything at a Supermarket:

"Cycle-of-Life" kind of thing, as the new seedlings for 2010 are coming along nicely:

Some are even developing their true leaves (Berkeley Tie Dye):

Life is good.......

Raybo

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Comments (10)

heirloomjunkie
14 years ago
Sorry to hear about the weather! But hey, I'm in Indiana, unable to grow anything at all. I'm positively itching for Spring! :)
naturegirl_2007 5B SW Michigan
14 years ago
It's fun to see your Berkeley Tie Dye seedlings and good to hear they grow fast. My "unnature" daughter gave me seed for them at Christmas. It's a gift and giver combo I'll remember easily since she lives within shouting distance of Berkeley. Could hardly believe she would give me a "nature" kinda gift. Too bad I have to wait 2-3 months before planting them.
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suburbangreen
14 years ago
Going for year-round production, are you?
rnewste
Original Author
14 years ago
suburban,

Remember, this is Northern California, and most folks here throw in the towel on tomatoes about November 1. The exposed sides of the EarthTainers absorb some warmth from the Sun, so that is one reason that I am able to extend the Season a bit.

We typically have garden tomatoes on the Christmas Day dinner table, so any production that I get in to the new year is a bonus. Other than the 3 day freeze in mid-December, we haven't dipped below 40 degrees any nights since then, with daytime temps in the mid 60s. The Snow Peas are really loving this weather, and are growing quite hardy.

Raybo
sprtsguy76
14 years ago
Maybe this down pour of rain will perk those babies up. Seriously, we do need the rain. Hey, do you crush your lime before you put into your mix or leave it as is? Thanks again for the seeds! Looking forward to growing the 'Goose'. Did I read correctly somewhere that Goose Creek is your fav?

Damon
rnewste
Original Author
14 years ago
Hey Damon,

Yeah, we have had more than 6 inches of rain here so far, and more to come over the next 2 days. As we are near the Los Gatos hills, we always seem to pick up more rain than they get in the San Jose area.

I just mix in the Espoma Garden Lime (Home Depot $4.00 for a 5 pound bag) and after watering it into the Potting Mix, is seems to disperse pretty well. Regarding Goose Creek, it is my personal favorite tomato, so it will be interesting to see your growing and taste results this Season.

Raybo
cates5
14 years ago
I live in Mesa, AZ. My Cherry tomatoes are just fine after the Freeze nights. I just wrapped the plants with a bed sheet. I also check the weather on a nightly base. Hopefully that plant will perk up with all this rain and sun.
wabikeguy
14 years ago
We just moved to Arizona from Washington. I would never have tried to grow tomatoes out doors prior to moving here.

I have two Early Girls with flowers and green tomatoes in the ground now, and have been covering them to protect them from the rain.

Do I need to be doing this?

Also.....same with zuchini. Do I need to continue covering these guys as well?
cates5
14 years ago
We just moved to Arizona from Washington. I would never have tried to grow tomatoes out doors prior to moving here.
I have two Early Girls with flowers and green tomatoes in the ground now, and have been covering them to protect them from the rain.

Do I need to be doing this?

Also.....same with zuchini. Do I need to continue covering these guys as well?

I only cover when it gets below 35 degrees. I have never had a problem with the rain and do not cover them. The humidity in the air keeps the temperature up enough below freezing during this rain right now. So I do not cover my plants. i don't think that it will hurt them if you keep them covered though.
lazy_gardens
14 years ago
Cates - The rain shouldn't hurt the tomatoes.

The frost after the rain can kill the leaves, but all it takes is a bit of shelter, such as an overhang or frost-protective row cover.. My tomatoes planted under a mesquite tree are ripening. the rest of them are dead.

My Tomato Patch in N. California Jan. 17 warning graphic photos

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heirloomjunkie

naturegirl_2007 5B SW Michigan

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My Tomato Patch in N. California Jan. 17 warning graphic photos

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