The Trials of the Tomatoes

Yesterday while at the farm, I took photos of the tomato plants in preparation for a blog about differences in how they're progressing. When I selected the tomato plants to put in the garden from all the seeds that I started, I specifically chose the ones that were biggest, strongest, and healthiest. Now though, a quick comparison of garden vs. patio plants tells a very different story.

Patio Tomatoes:





















Farm Tomatoes:
























While doing a little internet research on some of the possible causes I thought might be responsible for the differences (air temperature, soil temperature, water, etc.), I came upon a Hard Truth. I unknowingly violated an important rule of farming from seeds. Now I was for sure embarrassed when I first found out it was my fault, but I'm sharing this experience so that you, too, don't make the same mistake.

Apparently when you start seeds, you have to spend two weeks going through a "hardening off" process. Snicker away... Anyway, this basically involves gradually introducing the little seedlings to the big bad world in hour (or better yet half hour) increments. Eventually you build up to full days and nights outside. My seedlings went from sunny living room window to enclosed, greenhouse-like porch, directly to the garden under threat of frost. Clearly, I am a harsh and insensitive seedling mom. Now that I know about hardening off, though, I'm hoping to do better for the next generation...


Farm Vitals
Yesterday's high: 72F
Yesterday's low: 55F
Warnings: Severe thunderstorm warning
Mood of the farm: Bracing for hail
Reason to consider a new career: Complete ignorance regarding the Rules of Farming.