I said that I stated facts about the use of dolomitic lime, and for the record, there isn't one that you refuted. I didn't say there are not courses alternative to the use of lime, only that what I stated was fact. See quotes below. The article you linked to mentions the two words 'container gardening' as an application for the use of dolomitic lime, which doesn't support your position at all, and it goes into NO detail whatsoever. So it's sort of a smokescreen. If we're going to focus on container soils, we probably shouldn't be expanding the conversation to include dietary supplements that have no bearing on the subject; after all, we don't water with stomach acid. ;o) All soils, ores, and other things taken from the earth's crust contain lead, arsenic, and other myriad contaminants. That some forms of limestone mined from an area known to be rich in lead should contain some lead is not much of a surprise. It's normal for mineral products to be contaminated with elements and compounds other than what they're mined for. It's highly doubtful that limestone from those areas are packaged for garden/lawn use. No one I've ever met has used "laboratory-synthesized" garden lime, either. "I should have no need to go on because you should realize that, no matter how much you like to think it's fact, the use of lime in container soils is & will always remain a matter of opinion." What I said was, "... limestone is pretty much accepted across the board as the very best way to raise pH while supplying necessary Ca and Mg in peat/bark soils". I also said "... container soils benefit from the addition of lime to bring the pH to a more favorable level than peat or bark soils usually come in at - pre-limed. In addition to raising pH, lime also has the fortunate attribute of being able to supply Ca and Mg in a favorable ratio. It's difficult to imagine how you could improve on that." I'm not sure what there is to argue with in those comments, the crux of my posts. It's all true, but there is room for you to expand if you like - if you have a definitive way to improve on the use of lime to raise pH and supply Ca/Mg in peat/bark-based container soils - please share. Al

Either halide or HPS would work. Ideally a combination of both, but a Hortilux HPS or Agrosun MH would probably give you the best color spectrum and best overall growth and fruiting. The plants would LOOK better under MH, but probably give better yield under HPS.

Don't know what chalis is, but yes you can grow tomatoes very successfully in pots. For best results use the largest pot you can, at least the size of a 5 gallon bucket for tomatoes. Even in this size pot you will need to check the water ever 1-2 days depending on the weather. You will want to sink a stake next to the tomato when you plant it to tie the plant to as it grows. Full sun is best but it will fruit even in partial shade. Have fun.

Hi Vivian! Sorry for the late reply. I just kept my seeds in a sealed envelope. I did not expect any germination, but surprisingly all of it did. This year i have more space so i figured i grow them again as my wife liked the Russo Bruno for her cooking. Most of the stuff we grow now are heirlooms but like many have posted the vigor and production on the Russo Bruno is pretty impressive. The first time i grew it (in the picture) was in our balcony and we only had maybe 6 hrs of sunlight.