Tomatoes are On Their Way

Well the garden season is well under way in the Celtic Ozark Garden. I have officially gotten sprouting tomatoes. The tiny seeds are starting to come to life, in their little mini pots. Nestled away in the spare bedroom, they will soon be ready for even more sun. I don't want them to get too "leggy" by only getting a half a day of sun.

This year, I have started three varieties: a return visit will be made from the Illini Red, from my home state of Illinois. I have also brought back the beefsteak tomato. I didn't grow any last year, and really missed the size of this monster. There is nothing like being able to cover the whole piece of bread in one slice.

Finally, a new comer will be in my summer garden this year. I have started some Arkansas Travelers. They are always a popular tomato in the Ozarks, so I thought I would get on the band wagon this year.

In the beginning, the seeds need a good soil and water more then anything else. So, you have to make sure you keep your seeds well watered. Since my tomatoes are in the spare bedroom, I use a spray bottle to bring them water. It keeps down on the mess. It is obviously a different matter if you have a greenhouse ready to go, or some other sunny room with water near.

Once they get their first two green leaves out, I am going to want them to get more sunlight. This will help them take off. Water will still be important, but not as much. I just keep the soil moist at that point.

Regular watering will help to keep the plant healthy throughout the growing season. Too little water, then too much water, can cause the tomatoes to develop a disease called "blossom rot." Practicing the art of consistent, regular watering will get you ready to keep your tomaotes healthy all year.

The tomatoes are on their way. In just a couple of weeks, it will be time to get more going.

We'll talk again soon,

Raymond C. Province
Celtic Ozark Garden

2010 Trip to Baker Creek Seeds

Had my chance to go back out to Baker Creek Seeds for the first time this season. It was a rainy day, but that did not damper my spirits. I got to take two friends to the shop for the first time. A couple of hundred dollars later, we were ready for the gardening season.

I went and found some old friends this year, to come back to the Celtic Ozark Garden. For one, I grabbed some beefsteak and Arkansas Traveler tomatoes. I really want to get some BIG tomatoes this year. Both of these varieties will not let you down.

The Blue Lake green bean and purple top turnip will also be coming back to the Celtic Ozark Garden. Last year, I did golden glob turnips, and a different green bean. Both of these are easy to grow, and great crowd pleasers in the Ozarks.

Baker Creek was also carrying onion sets this year, so I had to grab some white onion seeds, to see what they would do. I'll let you know how my 1/2 lb. bag fends. I've never been dissapointed with Jere Gettle's seeds, so I doubt I will have a problem with the onion sets.

I also decided to add some capnip to the garden this year. It will make quite a treat for the cats. Especially for my little black cat, who loves to drink a little whiskey with me! Here's to happier days, Corporal!

This week I will be getting my tomatoes in planting compartments, so they can begin to grow. I try to get them in around 8 weeks before the last frost date, which for me is April 15th of each year.

In the next article, I am going to share a full run down on the Spring Garden, including some other dates that I will start seed.

Live from Baker Creek Seeds,

Raymond C. Province
The Celtic Ozark Garden