From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Western PA

If the tomato is kind of, out in the open, should I shade it like growing any other giant ?

8/30/2013 10:43:41 AM

Corbin, KY

I shade if there out in the open in hopes of extending the growing season.

8/30/2013 11:29:47 AM

Allentown, PA

Hi Zappa,

Shading accomplishes two things; It shields the tomato from sun scalding and slows overall maturation of the tomato.

Despite having leaves as a natural shading device, I do not rely on this.

I take light colored plastic grocery bags and cut the handles.

I then take the opposite handle ends and use them to tie the bag immediately above the tomato to the stake.

As the tomato grows larger I add bags in order to cover the tomato both front and back from direct sunlight.

Earlier in the year I sashed a white colored wash cloth to the stake in order to cover the tomato growing but I found the wash cloth difficult to move and or to add another wash cloth in order to cover the additional growth.

Plastic grocery bags are plentiful and easy to work with.

Here is a link to my diary;

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=203898 This shows what ultimately became my 4.48 LB Big Zac covered by a plastic grocery bag.

Try this and I'm sure you'll be happy with the ease and result.

8/30/2013 3:00:52 PM

Prairie Du Sac Wi

Hi
Im a first year tomato grower but im using tin foil to shade. it blocks all light and can be formed around the tom. My biggest i pollinated the third week of july and its showing no signs of turning color .its over 4 lbs and i think i can keep it going till my oct 6th weigh off. the only weird thing with this tom is that it broke 80% off the main vine at about 3 lbs.( at the time i didnt have it supported )so just for the hell of it,i zip tied it back together thinking it was over... but....it grew back together and the tom is still growing!!!and now im watering with cold water to slow it from changing! ill let you guys know if it makes it the full 73 days. I live in WI so i have to get to 5.05 lbs for the state record!

ps.. i also only get 4 hours of sunlight a day. giant toms don't seem to need a lot of sun for some reason.also im growing in pots. these facts could also be why mine are still green!!!

good luck!!!!

8/31/2013 12:29:54 AM

Central NY

Good luck at the SR....Dibs on seeds!

8/31/2013 10:12:25 AM

Massachusetts

paint strainer bags, home depot, they block 75% of the sun, and dry out quickly when spraying or watering, noticed if the mater stays wet for to long, mold mildew ect.......

8/31/2013 11:31:23 AM