Plant Sale Frequently Asked Questions

How do you grow your plants?

All starts are grown using organic methods, including OMRI listed potting mix and fertilizer, and are inoculated with mycorrhizae for improved root development. I grow indoors under grow lights in plastic pots (see sizes below). I do reuse my own and any that people give back to me (see below). 

If you’d like information on my growing set-up, see this article.

Plants will be hardened off for you. Starting at the beginning of May, I transfer trays in and out of the house for daily outside time. 

What are your favorite varieties?

Here are our family’s favorite tomatoes

Do you have descriptions of the plants? 

The list is incomplete, but many descriptions and images for the tomatoes can be found here. Other varieties I am slowly working on adding. This does not show what my current inventory is – click the ordering button for that.

How do I choose tomato plants for my space?

Most of the tomatoes are indeterminate, and will grow large and need support. If you’re looking for container friendly varieties, those include all of the dwarf varieties in addition to those marked with “CF” next to their name. Check out this post for a glossary of tomato terminology. Tomatoes on the order form are also broken down by cherries, slicers and beefsteaks, dwarfs, and paste types, so choose which ones will fit your desires the best. 

What can I expect for the size and maturity of the plants?

Plants are sizes that are ready to be planted the second half of May. They are grown to be an appropriate size for transplanting during this time. That may mean that if you’re used to buying starts from a big box store, my plants may look smaller or less mature than you’re used to, but it is better to transplant before your plants begin flowering. They have an easier time transplanting and go through less shock and adjustment period. I have done experiments where I plant small plants and large plants at the same time, and the small plants catch up. 

Sizes

• Tomatoes and peppers are in 2.5″ containers. A few peppers may be in 2″ containers, but plants will be comparable sizes.

• Eggplant and tomatillos are in 2″ containers. Two tomatillos are required for cross pollination. 

• Herbs are 1″ plugs or in 2″ containers. I offer this size as an economical option and this is the size that I plant successfully every year in my garden.

• Cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, melons) are in 2″ containers. They may be smaller than you are expecting, but in my experience you’ll have better transplant success when you plant small before they become root bound or want to start flowering. It’s best not to disturb their roots when planting, so take the plant out of the pot and put it straight into the soil. Most have several sprouts in each pot – if there are more than you would like, snip off the weakest ones. For a lot of cucurbits, 2-3 plants are fine to have in the same spot.

When should I plant?

This is partly personal preference and depends a lot on whether you have season extension (e.g. wall-o-waters, tunnels). I typically plant the second half of May, and use Memorial Day as a guide, depending on how the forecast is looking. It’s best for night temperatures to consistently be in the 50s, especially for the peppers and squash. Be prepared to protect them if you plant early. Here is a detailed guide on when I recommend planting.