Day 53
UPDATE#10
Grower update
Update #10
More tomatoes - I am just sooooooo delighted (Krakty has some too!)
GrowLog
SuccessfulMega Cherry Tomato with a Kratky Transplant
Grow log by petunia · Original thread
10 visual updates18 photos51 replies
View recapCrop🍅Tomato
VarietyMega Cherry Tomato
MethodAeroGarden hydroponics, Kratky hydroponics
EquipmentAeroGarden Bounty, Kratky container
Plants2
AudienceBeginners
What you can learnA clear early tomato diary showing preservation of an extra seedling through Kratky transplant and fruit set in both systems.
Actions:1 Transplant1 Equipment
Useful practices
- transplanting an extra seedling to Kratky
- rearranging the Bounty to create space
- maintaining both parent and transplanted tomato plants through fruit set
Problems encountered
- multiple seedlings shared one pod
- rapidly expanding tomato foliage required more space
*The days were calculated automatically and approximately.
Conversation
S
Looks healthy and happy!
S
Lots of clusters. Yum
H
I just planted my Mega Cherry Tomato in my Aerogarden Extra 7-pod. I've grown lettuce and herbs very successfully but this is the first time I've tried tomatoes. I only planted in two of the pods. I was wondering how tall your plants got and if you had to rig up the trellis system? Did you keep pruning them as they suggest in the manuals? Thanks for any tips you can give me. I'm excited to have tomatoes growing in the dead of winter!
S
Welcome hipgranny72, While you are waiting on a answer to your question, may I also direct you to the Tomatoes board as well as the Garden Patches where you will find what members are growing. You may find some answers and help there as well! Happy Growing!
S
hipgranny72 , I waited to answer because I have not grown the mega tomatoes, but I have gtown several varieties of cherry tomatoes. You should have no height worries in an Ultra. I am growing the heirloom tomatoes in the shorter Harvests. No trellis is needed. The only pruning you need to do is remove large leaves and branches that are shading out other growth. If not removed, they will cause the growth beneath to die from lack of light. Also sometimes the top leaves get so dense that air can't circulate and moisture accumulates. If that happens, you need to thin the leaves so air can evaporate the moisture. Don't worry about pruning hurting fruit production. The plant will just send out new flowering branches.
H
Thanks for the advice. I wasn't sure if the Megas would be ridiculously huge in size. I guess I'll find out! But, yes, I know my Ultra extends higher than other newer models. I think I measured 24" or more. I hope to keep the Megas pruned to well within that range.
H
Oops...actually, I have an "Extra", not an "Ultra". I've had it for five years.
S
It's still a tall machine. One of our members grew the mega cherries, maybe @cornne or Shawn. Try a search for pictures. As I recall, the plants don't get huge. The tomatoes are just larger than regular cherry tomatoes.
C
Just a quick question- Do you trim the suckers off the cherry tomatoes? The heirlooms in the kit seem to set a lot of suckers.
L
When I did it, the tomatoes grew tall, were slow to blossom, and slow to set fruit. The garden was relatively close to a furnace vent, so that may have factored in.However, the experience persuaded me that it's best to leave the tomatoes alone, and let them form a canopy before they get too tall. The canopy can be pruned to improve air circulation at any time. Also, the lower leaves that aren't getting any light and the center leaves that are twisted together can be removed at any time.
Day 44
UPDATE#9
Grower update
Update #9
Mater bears fruit!!!
Conversation
S
Awww. Nothing is as fulfilling as getting your first baby tomatoes! There is something so elementary satisfying about it!
Day 33
UPDATE#8
Grower update
Update #8
HELLO FIRST TOMATO FLOWER!! (Day 38) (and a bunch more on the way!) I am in Aerogarden heaven right now
Conversation
S
So exciting!
P
I'm like a little kid on Christmas every time I walk by the bounty, lol.
S
These are great projects and hobbies that offer so much joy and anticipation.
P
Amen!
Day 32
UPDATE#7
Grower update
Update #7
Bounty update
Conversation
E
What is the third one from the left, the one that looks like it's just a stem? Is that a leek?
S
Are you slipping steroids into your Bounty?
P
That is an organic Green Onion. I bought a bunch from the supermarket, left them soaking in water overnight before cooking and they were standing up in the sink! Could not resist, so after cutting them I kept one bulb, cut open a sponge, dropped it in a grow basket with label and cap. Went away for five days and returned to find this delightful onion making itself at home!
P
I actually did put a little bit extra nutrients in the last feeding
Day 19
UPDATE#6
Grower update
Update #6
Actions taken
EquipmentRearranged the garden to create space for the rapidly expanding tomato.
Totally taking over! Had to rearrange everything to give her some space!
Conversation
J
Huge leaves. Much bigger than the Heirloom Cherry and Golden tomatoes. Looking forward to seeing the tomatoes.
P
Me too! I am looking forward to a delicious crop
S
Keep in mind, that once the plants get bigger, using the trellis will make it harder to turn and move the plants. I know many use the trellis, I have not but then again I am not a tomato grower. Just posting as an FYI for trellis and moving/turning plants.
P
That's a good point! It will be less mobile
Day 17
UPDATE#5
Grower update
Update #5
Mega Cherry Mater is happy in this spot [Day 25]
Conversation
S
They are really growing! Looking great!
Day 14
UPDATE#4
Grower update
Update #4
Sept 17, 2020 7:27:40 GMT -5 Sher said:He will. Those little transplants really want to live! UPDATE: Look who's doing well! (Day 19)
Conversation
S
He is making it
S
He looks content in his new home.
P
Yes! He is growing above the label
Day 11
UPDATE#3
Grower update
Update #3
Actions taken
TransplantTransferred the extra Mega Cherry seedling into its own Kratky pod.
Moved the little one to his own kratky pod . . .
Conversation
S
Awww. The new one looks hapoy in its new home!
P
I think so. My first transplant. Hoping he does well!
S
He will. Those little transplants really want to live!
Day 6
UPDATE#2
Grower update
Update #2
Day 11Looks like Mega has company! Contemplating where to put this little stowaway when I remove him - I also I think there's third hiding down under the label!
Conversation
S
Maybe Kratky? Or a pot if you have space. It will be fun to see where it ends up!
P
Thinking of Kratky The idea of not letting it grow (somewhere else) is upsetting - so I'll put him somewhere
S
I need a new house so I can have a grow room. I would use my spare room but reaper needs a place to sleep when here lol
S
I would love to have a grow room! I have Aerogardens in the kitchen, the dining room, the living room... and moved 3 to my window to provide added light to the other plants that don't get enough. So that makes 4 by my window! I have a Kratky closet, but it's getting cramped in there! I also have the decks, but indoor plants are my true love! I am eyeing Ron's office!
S
I have in my Kitchen, two in the dining room, one in the living room, one on my desk in the living area and two in the spare now. Now to mention those in the garage not in use. Mark wanted one in his office but needs outlets and room. There are too many guitars in there. Then he realized the UV in the LED's would harm the guitar finish so that is a no go room.
S
I would never have thought of UV harming his guitars, Shawn. I had decided against buying a grow tent. But the idea still lurks. It would give me a mini room to help organize my plants. Especially this winter when I will probably want to grow more.
Day 1
UPDATE#1
Grower update
Update #1
I know, I'm like a toddler on sugar at high noon But I have a new seedling!!! (I promise not to do this with every plant) And in honor of the new mega mater seedling, let me introduce my budget Bee
Conversation
S
Love it!
S
I love your description of your excitement. And I think all Aerogardeners still get a thrill when new seeds sprout and pop their heads over the labels.
I
Congrats! I just started my aero garden a few weeks ago. Have a ton of lettuce (already ate from it and it’s great) and have a lot of flowers on my tomato bushes. Very excited about this like you are !!
S
So happy to hear about your projects, ibehere10. How are you polinating your tomatoes? Shaking the plant daily, or some other way? Welcome! And thank you for posting!
S
Welcome to the forum! Look forward to seeing your gardens
P
Hi ibehere10:Isn't is fabulous having a fresh salad just begging to be picked and eaten? Congrats on your tomato flowers!!! I foresee many happy salads in your future!