Day 120
UPDATE#12
Grower update
Update #12
They just keep going, and going, and going! Check out the new bunch on the right.
GrowLog
SuccessfulLong-Producing AeroGarden Heirloom Cherry Tomato
Grow log by Sher · Original thread
12 visual updates15 photos40 replies
View recapCrop🍅Tomato
VarietyAeroGarden Heirloom Cherry Tomato
MethodAeroGarden hydroponics
EquipmentAeroGarden Harvest, AeroGarden Bounty
Plants3
AudienceAdvanced
What you can learnA detailed example of long-term indoor tomato management through aggressive pruning, branch support, supplemental calcium-magnesium, and repeated harvest.
Actions:3 Pruning2 Harvest1 Planting1 Nutrients1 Training
Useful practices
- starting three pods for winter supply
- heavy branch pruning to renew fruiting growth
- supporting dangling branches
- using green tomatoes in cooking
- harvesting continuously
Problems encountered
- extremely dense canopy
- root mass too large for transfer
- accidental removal of green fruit during pruning
*The days were calculated automatically and approximately.
Conversation
G
Sher , thanks for that information. I am going to go with the heirlooms next time! I am so impressed at how productive they are.
S
gsaxon, I think it is mostly due to heavy pruning. If you prune a branch off, they just produce more fruiting branches.
G
Go it, Sher. I will definitely try it. I do not ever prune enough. This should make a big difference.Thanks.
Day 111
UPDATE#11
Grower update
Update #11
Actions taken
HarvestReported already having enjoyed many tomatoes from the plant.
These tomatoes are jaw dropping producers! We have already enjoyed many tomatoes, and the plant just keeps on putting on more. I have to show off two views of this one! Scroll the pictures to the right to see all of them.
Conversation
S
They are bright red
C
Red and so pretty!
Day 102
UPDATE#10
Grower update
Update #10
I don't think these little tomatoes will ever stop producing! So far, they are my favorite tomatoes to grow.
Day 95
UPDATE#9
Grower update
Update #9
Actions taken
PruningCut back the overgrown plant heavily.
TrainingSecured hanging branches using a bungee.
HarvestCollected several green tomatoes cut during pruning and used them in a recipe.
I decided I had to trim my overgrown tomato plant. So I hacked away, tied up dangling branches with a bungee -- and ended up cutting off several large green tomatoes. I like fried green tomatoes, but I didn't want to fry these, so I used them in this recipe. Here's what the plant looked like after pruning. (Still is too big.)
Conversation
G
Nice pruning job. I have a hunch it is going to explode again with more new growth and more tomatoes!
S
gsaxon, it already has flower clusters that don't show in the picture. This variety is one thsf I will definitely grow again.
G
I have got to give the Heirloom Cherry tomatoes a try. I have had some luck with Tiny Tim, but the heirloom look so much more productive.
S
gsaxon, the heirloom tomatoes vary in size, but some are much bigger than the Tiny Tims. The secret to keeping them blooming is pruning branches. They just keep making more.
Day 93
UPDATE#8
Grower update
Update #8
Actions taken
PruningRepeatedly trimmed branches after they finished fruiting.
This plant just keeps producing. Whenever I trim off a branch that has finished fruiting, it puts on more fruiting branches. I tried to move it from the Harvest to a Bounty tonight, but the roots are too big to get it out. Right now it is getting extra light from the Harvest next door (that I emptied today, but am still leaving the light on). After the tomatoes on the big branch in the lower front turn red, I am going to have to do some merciless chopping!
Conversation
C
Do you like pasta? This is a favorite around here: link -- colors on tomatoes is optional! It is a yummy dish & I'm planning to make it again soon! Feel free to make it your own. Substitute finely chopped mushrooms for the beef (not by weight!), broth for the wine, asiago for the parm, etc. Check the fridge & see what needs using!
Day 74
UPDATE#7
Grower update
Update #7
This is the first time I have grown AG's heirloom tomatoes. Some of the tomatoes are larger than I expected. I am pleasantly surprised.
Conversation
S
Look like you have a lot you enjoy
U
vibrant reds..looks like they will have a lovely tomato-y taste!
S
They do! Full, rich, tangy, vibrant. And juicy.
S
They look perfect
S
Just wanted to add that when they are fully ripe, they are sweet, not tangy. Great taste!
C
Wow! Very impressive! How do you plan to use them? Just so I can dream...
S
campingcorgis, we have been eating them in frequent salads, except for the ones I pick and pop directly into my mouth. I have two tomato plants producing fruit, one adolescent chibikko tomato in the grow tent, and am planning to plant a Red Veranda today. My goal is to eventually have a noninterrupted supply of tomatoes. Excess will be dehydrated and used in cooking. See, I'm dreaming, too!
Day 69
UPDATE#6
Grower update
Update #6
Actions taken
PruningHeavily cut back the dense plant to redirect growth.
NutrientsAdded calcium-magnesium supplement, leaving visible residue on the deck.
At one point, the canopy was so dense and there were no tomatoes on one side. So I severely pruned (butchered) the plant to direct all its energy into ripening that one big cluster. Instead, it put out new productive growth and is producing tomatoes on the other side, too. The white, crusty deck is evidence of adding cal-mag.
Conversation
S
Look at all those green gems
U
gonna be a great yield.
W
This looks great! Fresh cherry tomatoes in January are going to be just delicious. Maybe you can make this burst cherry tomato risotto sauce (Step 9) www.bonappetit.com/recipe/bas-best-risotto I made the risotto last night and was wishing for some nice cherry toms.
S
waterphoenix, that recipe looks superb! Something new for me to try. Thank you!
G
What a healthy plant. Looks like it is going to be a bountiful harvest!
Day 59
UPDATE#5
Grower update
Update #5
Here's an update. It is putting on new growth at the top.
Conversation
U
My eyes keep gravitating to those bunches at the bottom, though!
S
Mine, too!
Day 47
UPDATE#4
Grower update
Update #4
This is the tomato that is still in the Harvest. Seeing new tomatoes form never gets old!
Conversation
S
You are doing a great job with your tomatoes
Day 15
UPDATE#3
Grower update
Update #3
Now that I have an available Bounty (from the eggplant), I will be moving two of the little tomato plants into it, and leave the one on the left in the Harvest. I am waiting until I get the room for the grow tent organized from top to bottom to set it up. I'm not quite there yet.
Conversation
U
I am excited about the grow tent..take your time and plan...it will be grand!
S
My plans for already would cram a 4x4 grow tent. Am working on scaling them down to 2x4. I have some yet to be announced goodies for it ordered.
Day 6
UPDATE#2
Grower update
Update #2
No more pristine deck! I plan to leave one plant in the Harvest and put the other two in the grow tent once I get it set up.
Conversation
S
Still looks pretty good to me
Day 1
UPDATE#1
Grower update
Update #1
Actions taken
PlantingStarted three AeroGarden heirloom cherry tomato pods.
I have three Aerogarden heirloom cherry tomato pods started. I want to make sure I have tomatoes this winter! I will move two plants when they get bigger.