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Four Veranda Red Tomatoes Split between a Bounty and Grow Tent

Grow log by Sher · Original thread

8 visual updates8 photos20 replies
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CropTomato
VarietyVeranda Red
MethodAeroGarden hydroponics, grow-tent hydroponics
Equipment30-watt AeroGarden Bounty Basic, AeroGarden Harvest side lights, grow tent
Plants4
AudienceAdvanced

What you can learnA detailed spacing and lighting lesson showing how four compact tomatoes performed across two environments and how two plants overcrowded one Bounty.

Actions:4 Pruning3 Transplant
Useful practices
  • adding Harvest units for supplemental side light
  • separating extra seedlings
  • moving plants between Bounty and grow tent
  • removing oversized leaves
  • staged severe pruning to contain two tomatoes
Problems encountered
  • Bounty light could not be lowered enough
  • seedlings stretched
  • two plants severely crowded one Bounty
  • heavy pruning removed buds and reduced production

*The days were calculated automatically and approximately.

Day 69
UPDATE#8
Grower update

Update #8

Actions taken

PruningCut away roughly three-quarters of each Bounty plant in stages.

S By Sher

Two Red Verandas in one Bounty is not recommended. I literally ended up trimming 3/4 of each plant away (in stages) to get them to fit. Obviously, I cut away many buds and hurt my production. However, they are starting to ripen.
Conversation
S
Shawn

I am sorry you had to cut but happy those you have are ripening. Looking forward to seeing how they taste.

Day 44
UPDATE#7
Grower update

Update #7

Actions taken

PruningRemoved additional oversized leaves and exposed hidden fruit.

S By Sher

These tomato plants insist on growing way out of the Bounty. I removed several more large leaves and discovered a few tomatoes that were hiding under them.
Conversation
S
Shawn

Some hidden gems

U
Unknown

and a lot more buds coming!!

A
airscapes

Sound like a really good problem to have! Remember, tomatoes are Vines.. This verity has been designed to be small and compact but they are still going to want to grow to their potential size or larger.Spread 15" Height 20" I would let it go and add some additional light, even if it is just a standard LED bulb or compact florescent.

U
Unknown

I did a severe trim and it brought out tons of buds on my 2 Verandas.

Day 32
UPDATE#6
Grower update

Update #6

Actions taken

PruningRemoved several huge leaves growing beyond the light footprint.

S By Sher

I love these plants. Thet are so stocky and sturdy, and such vigorous growers! i have had tp remove several huge leaves with thick stalks that were growing way out of the light. And they have begun flowering!
Day 20
UPDATE#5
Grower update

Update #5

S By Sher

I really like the way these are growing, after all. They are taller and more open than the varieties I have grown before.
Conversation
C
clumsythumbs

They are looking great! For about a month old, they are well developed and growing nicely. I knw why compact is good for what we do, but I also appreciate when they grow enough to spread out and fill in. I figure you can also trim down if / when something gets too big for the space, but you cannot stretch out a super compact plant! I looked it up and seems like will be a great one. A high yield, compact cherry tomato plant-- what more could one ask for!

S
Sher

Thanks, clumsythumbs. I agree. There have been times when I have gotten frustrated at how dense and balled up some of the tomato varieties get. This is a nice change.

S
Shawn

Corinne started these I think.

M
mike

They look good.

Day 16
UPDATE#4
Grower update

Update #4

S By Sher

I am used to my tomatoes growing stocky and compact in my Aerogardens. I am disappointed at how these are having to stretch toward the light. The Bounty Basic would be wonderful if only I could get the lights closer. If anyone figures out a fix, please let me know. At least the plants look healthy.
Conversation
C
clumsythumbs

I think they look great. The mainstem seems thick (relative to the height). The more powerful light will help the plant in the flower/fruiting stages! But I know you do love your Harvests

Day 12
UPDATE#3
Grower update

Update #3

Actions taken

TransplantTransferred two Veranda Reds from the Bounty into the grow tent.
PruningRemoved too much of the top from one Bounty plant.
TransplantMoved the damaged plant to the tent and replaced it with another plant.

S By Sher

I moved two of the Veranda Reds to the grow tent. I accidentally took off too much on the top of one in the Bounty, so I moved it to the grow tent and replaced it with another one from the tent.
Day 3
UPDATE#2
Grower update

Update #2

Actions taken

TransplantSplit the extra seedlings from the two original pods into four plants.

S By Sher

After I separated the extra plants in each pod, I ended up with 4 Red Verandas. I have no idea where I am going to find homes for them!
Day 1
UPDATE#1
Grower update

Update #1

S By Sher

The Red Verandas are up. I may keep 2 in the machine for a while. If they get too big, I will move one to Kratky.
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