Indoor Gardening

So here in Texas we are in one of the worst heat waves since the 1980s. Which also means summer is in full swing. I have been monitoring my tomato plants very closely and making sure they are getting plenty of water. The yield is going to be pretty low I think, but we are going to get a few. How are your gardens looking out there? I know some of you ran out of time this year to get your small garden planted, or maybe you are in an apartment in the city and don't have a yard to put your garden into. Does that mean you cannot enjoy a homegrown tomato? Of course not! One thing you can do is grow an indoor tomato plant.


Are you wondering if it will be worth the time, effort and cost? The answer is a resounding YES! The store cannot compare to the taste of a home grown. Store bought tomatoes, to satisfy our year-round demand, are bought from commerical suppliers that plant tomato varieties suitable to production and shipping needs(read that genetically altered). These tomatoes lack the taste, color or texture that most people prefer. To better withstand shipping, they usually are picked at the "mature green" stage. To complete ripening at their destination, they are gassed with ethylene, a natural plant hormone that is part of the ripening process. I try to avoid them at all costs. Even if you cannot grow any, as long as they are in season you can buy them fresh for local farmers markets. Seasonal is the key to buying fresh.


MATERIALS

To start, all you will need is a 6 inch pot to grow one plant in, a small package of seed and some soil of some sort. Either potting soil or garden mulch, or if you have fertile soil outdoors there is no reason you cannot pull from your own soil to put into your pot, which in the end would cost you nothing to start with. You could use a larger pot if you want to do two plants, and there is always the option of using multiple pots depending on how much room you actually have.

The recommended varieties for growing tomatoes are Pixie, Patio, Toy Boy, Small Fry or Tiny Tim. These varieties will produce small plants, but they still may need to be staked, especially when they begin to bear fruit. All of these listed are a cherry tomato type. If you are looking for a bigger indoor tomato you could also go with a Roma style or even bigger to the full size Big Boys or Brandywine. I recommend heirloom tomatoes. Its a personal preference but its totally up to your taste and whether or not genetic altering is something you are ok with.


PLANTING

Germinate seeds in a small pot with starter mix. Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep and water. Keep starter mix moist but not soggy. Germination should occur in 5 to l0 days.

Transplant from starter mix into potting soil when seedlings are about 3 inches tall or two sets of leaves. Place your indoor tomatoes plants facing south where they will receive the most sunlight. Sunshine is the gardener’s secret ingredient in growing colorful tomatoes.

GROWING

Once you have you plants transplanted into their permanent pots its time to sit back and enjoy watching them grow. With daily waterings there shouldn't be any further work needed to be done to them. Water regularly. Check soil daily to keep it evenly moist. Some even mist the plants during the day between waterings.

FERTILIZING AND POLLINATION

Tomatoes grown indoors are like patio tomatoes in that their roots cannot reach deeply into the soil. They feed on only what you give them. Well-drained containers mean nutrients leak out into saucers. Fertilize regularly, but lightly, beginning about two weeks after transplanting. Feed your indoor tomatoes every 10-14 days with a balanced tomato fertilizer such as Miracle-Gro Tomato Plant Food.


Without insects and outdoor breezes to pollinate your indoor tomatoes you may need to help them along a little. After the flowers begin to form, you should tap the stems each time you water plants or use a fan to move air and help pollinate blossoms. This should ensure that your flowers will actually turn into tomatoes.

HARVEST AND ENJOY

Depending on the type of plant you are growing, harvesting begins in about 60 days. Give or take a few. Some plants will go later so only use that time frame as a guide.

GROWING LIGHTS

There are a few occasions when you may have to use growing lights. Tomatoes grow best when temperatures are between 65-85 degrees F, with an average time in the sun around 10 hours. If these ranges cannot be met then growing light might be necessary. If you are trying to grow them in the winter it may be an absolute or in a climate that does not produce alot of sunlight. But I would try it without first to see if you can produce results withouth them.

Here is a link for more information on growing lights. Click here.

So there you have it. Cost effective homegrown tomatoes in the tight space of your appartment or house, during any season. Yes, you can do it.

Y'all keep it straight out there.