I've grown both varieties in containers. 4th of July will be a little bit earlier when grown in containers because the container will keep the roots a little warmer early in the growing season. Actually, this works for any variety.

Any kind of good mix will be great for the transplant from the germination beds. I use Miracle Grow Potting Mix for most of mine.

There are a lot of formulas for what people put into the holes for growing tomatoes and peppers. Earl's Hole is one of those mixtures that has become popular. I'm sure someone here can link to it on this forum.

Here's my basic approach. Always think about reducing "stress" for the plants. Try to transplant by moving the entire root system and the growing medium around those roots as a unit. Eliminate any kind of "extreme" environmental conditions - too much or too little water, heat, fertilizer, physical damage, etc. Avoid changing anything too quickly. Fast or extreme changes cause stress. After that, it's up to the plant.

It's really just plain logic. You have a living entity (the plant) and you need to provide all its needs that will allow it to keep itself alive. It may sound a bit corny, but try to empathize with your plants. What would you want if you were being set out in the back yard?

Ted

Many Thanks Ted,

Your insightI was great and will use it. And today I received my Ramapo seeds, the 4th of July seeds should be here on Friday or Monday. I plan on doing both container and direct transplant in my yard. My plan is to do 2-3 seperate germinations with bosth varieties. One starting within 5 days then the next a month later and the last one a month after that incase I mess up. I will probably pick up some Heirloom seeds as well along the way.

Below is my proud mailing today :) Thanks again Ted.

This post was edited by thebutcher on Wed, Mar 6, 13 at 20:17

There's been a lot of discussion about "staggered" planting of tomatoes. While there is some evidence that it works to varying extents, most conclude that the plants derived from the second and subsequent plantings seem to "catch up" with the first plantings. This may be because the second plantings encounter a warmer environment because of the onset of summer.

I think other veggies like beans and peas do well with staggered plantings, but have had little distinct success with tomatoes and peppers.

I wish you luck on your adventure.

Ted

Based on what I read, I don't think you did anything wrong. The "problems" you had were more likely due to the time of year rather than any fault of your own. Tomatoes are simply not going to grow as well in September because it is not as warm and the sunlight is not as good. Colder nights also have an effect.

There are any number of things that can cause yellowing of leaves late in the year. In addition, some varieties simply are not as productive as others.

Soil mixtures are probably overrated. If you give your tomatoes a bit of fertilizer here and there, they will likely grow fine in plain dirt.

Personally, I think growing in a container is a complete waste of time unless you can't grow in the ground. You will not get as good of growth or as good production.

Tomatoes need a rich and well-drained soil. Fertilizers not too high in nitrogen should be added prior to the planting; because too much nitrogen will produce a large plant, but with fewer tomatoes. If you have grown tomatoes before; then select a spot where they have not been planted for at least last four years.