Right on! A little disappointing that it’s a tomato plant, but will still go to good use. Tomato plants are definitely in a surplus here this year. We’ve been looking at canning or giving out some free plants if they all stay strong! Fresh tomatoes are always better & last longer than any store bought in my opinion. Already have a couple in 5 gallon buckets that are flowering and already starting some tomato production. 2022 the year of tomatoes! Lol. Still going to see what comes of these little plants trying to grow up.
FrostD’s First Grow Blog 2022
- Thread starter FrostD
- Start date
I think I should rename my “tobacco plant” tray as the “jeopardy game” or something along those lines. I can see it now… name all the plants and your grand prize is…. I digress sometimes. Anyways, here’s some pics of my late started tray. Not very impressive compared to many, but definitely working out some kinks.
Left to right:
Bezuki- 6 cells. 3x appear to be some slow moving tobacco plants, 2x look to be parsley or cilantro, 1 little unknown still with seed shell still on top.
Havana Long Leaf- 4 cell w/ seedlings. 2x Parsley or Cilantro, 1x Tomato, 1 Dill.
Small Black Mammoth- 1x Tomato
Mexican Filler- 2x tobacco plants and 1x Green Pepper or tomato (in the middle)
Lots of things that shouldn’t be done, was done. Still have some little seedlings in solos I’m waiting to transplant until they get older…maybe. Soil, I found out was some recycled soil from other veggie & herb pots that failed, I guess they needed some time. Not good reusing this soil.
The soil I used, should’ve had more drainage & at least perilite. Not to mention sifting out some bigger pieces of wood stems/chips.
Lighting was a bit of a crapshoot as well. Had issues with outlets and by the time I fixed it, may have already set the damage for the season for the little tobacco plants. Tomatoes on the other hand, rocking it out!
Lots of rookie mistakes that I should’ve known better. I’m going to at least see how far along I can get the plants in the tray and separate out any veggies/ herbs. Transplant the remaining solo cup starters when the time comes. Been trying to stay as organic as possible with soil & only adding filtered or rain water. May also try starting some other varieties and just see what I can do with them before the cold fall temps hit. I don’t think any would much time outside (if any). Stay tuned…
P.S. It’s ok to have a good laugh at this attempt. I know I have been. Lol.
Left to right:
Bezuki- 6 cells. 3x appear to be some slow moving tobacco plants, 2x look to be parsley or cilantro, 1 little unknown still with seed shell still on top.
Havana Long Leaf- 4 cell w/ seedlings. 2x Parsley or Cilantro, 1x Tomato, 1 Dill.
Small Black Mammoth- 1x Tomato
Mexican Filler- 2x tobacco plants and 1x Green Pepper or tomato (in the middle)
Lots of things that shouldn’t be done, was done. Still have some little seedlings in solos I’m waiting to transplant until they get older…maybe. Soil, I found out was some recycled soil from other veggie & herb pots that failed, I guess they needed some time. Not good reusing this soil.
The soil I used, should’ve had more drainage & at least perilite. Not to mention sifting out some bigger pieces of wood stems/chips.
Lighting was a bit of a crapshoot as well. Had issues with outlets and by the time I fixed it, may have already set the damage for the season for the little tobacco plants. Tomatoes on the other hand, rocking it out!
Lots of rookie mistakes that I should’ve known better. I’m going to at least see how far along I can get the plants in the tray and separate out any veggies/ herbs. Transplant the remaining solo cup starters when the time comes. Been trying to stay as organic as possible with soil & only adding filtered or rain water. May also try starting some other varieties and just see what I can do with them before the cold fall temps hit. I don’t think any would much time outside (if any). Stay tuned…
P.S. It’s ok to have a good laugh at this attempt. I know I have been. Lol.
I don’t think it’s genetics per se. I think it’s more so human error. Regardless, I’ll be hitting you up soon @skychaser for the tried and true varieties.
You're doing fine. I didn't feel comfortable with what I was doing or how I was doing it until my third season. I had good intentions, but I thought I understood some things that I didn't truly understand and I thought I knew more than I actually did. Ah, the good old days. You'll get there. Tuck in your chin and keep swinging. You're bound to hit something.
Thank you @Knucklehead for the extra confidence! I know exactly what you mean! I’ve grown multiple things in the past and when it’s a new plant that you really want to succeed, sometimes things happen. I believe that a good majority of it is within your control. However, some is definitely out of your control. Plants are like human teenagers, they are finicky, temperamental, picky, and want to love you back when it’s in their best interest. Lol.
I had a feeling with a delayed start that I shouldn’t over worry and growth and such will come with time. I keep researching and learning through others grow blogs as well. Just going to keep on trucking. Worst case scenario, I’ll be able to turn a ton of tomatoes into tomato sauce! (Kinda like lemons into lemonade). Ha ha ha.
Much appreciation to everyone here on input, not only for me, but for others. Love seeing the grow blogs to learn even more!
Take my early grow blogs with a grain of salt!! lol
Now that you mention it, I’ll need to deep dive into them. I’ve been trying to keep up on your 2022 grow blog. You may end up getting a lot of “like” notifications from me for your old grow blogs, so bare with me.
Seeing where 1 grow season differs compared to the next is always great info. Details & good notes is where it’s at as well! I usually try to keep detailed notes as well, because well, I forget things. Ask my lady, she would probably say I forget a lot. I call it CRS… Can’t Remember S…or sometimes called “Selective Listening”. Lol.
Sometimes you need to fail forward or just let the dumpster stay on fire. Either way, you learn ways on what to do & what not to do.
I hear ya. Strive for perfection or you'll never achieve excellence.Now that you mention it, I’ll need to deep dive into them. I’ve been trying to keep up on your 2022 grow blog. You may end up getting a lot of “like” notifications from me for your old grow blogs, so bare with me.
Seeing where 1 grow season differs compared to the next is always great info. Details & good notes is where it’s at as well! I usually try to keep detailed notes as well, because well, I forget things. Ask my lady, she would probably say I forget a lot. I call it CRS… Can’t Remember S…or sometimes called “Selective Listening”. Lol.
Sometimes you need to fail forward or just let the dumpster stay on fire. Either way, you learn ways on what to do & what not to do.
Day 74….
I think I’m chalking this years tobacco grow up to a learning experience. Many, many, many things learned, not only with my setup, but from all of you here. I may be able to get some days outside with them again, but we will have to see. I keep hearing how the Great Lakes area is going to have a pretty frigid winter this year. I have a little walk in greenhouse that I may setup in the basement this winter to test out how these babies perform inside, alongside other herbs and veggies to grow over the winter.
2x Bezuki +2x Mexican Filler hanging on. Definitely struggled with enough light & being late to the prime outside temps. In addition to using a better & cleaner media to start with. Lessons learned.
Still have a few little ones that haven’t seemed to grow much under stronger light. I have a feeling it goes back to the initial media used. I don’t think it was the best option. Perhaps I’ll attempt to see how they grow inside this winter, as they don’t look anywhere near close to having any sort of major growth spurt, without transplanting.
Mexican Filler
Small Black Mammoth
Mexican Filler
I think I’m chalking this years tobacco grow up to a learning experience. Many, many, many things learned, not only with my setup, but from all of you here. I may be able to get some days outside with them again, but we will have to see. I keep hearing how the Great Lakes area is going to have a pretty frigid winter this year. I have a little walk in greenhouse that I may setup in the basement this winter to test out how these babies perform inside, alongside other herbs and veggies to grow over the winter.
2x Bezuki +2x Mexican Filler hanging on. Definitely struggled with enough light & being late to the prime outside temps. In addition to using a better & cleaner media to start with. Lessons learned.
Still have a few little ones that haven’t seemed to grow much under stronger light. I have a feeling it goes back to the initial media used. I don’t think it was the best option. Perhaps I’ll attempt to see how they grow inside this winter, as they don’t look anywhere near close to having any sort of major growth spurt, without transplanting.
Mexican Filler
Small Black Mammoth
Mexican Filler
Well, 8 days after my last post, I decided to transplant the larger plants and seedlings into their own pots. A good amount of growth on the 4 larger ones and seedlings may not make it, which is ok. I’m thinking I should’ve transplanted the bigger ones into larger pots. Lol.
The obligatory pic w/ a lighter to help depict the size of the leaves:
In the white tray, the two on the left are “Mexican Filler” & the two on the right are “Bezuki”
The obligatory pic w/ a lighter to help depict the size of the leaves:
In the white tray, the two on the left are “Mexican Filler” & the two on the right are “Bezuki”
Doing some transplanting tomorrow. Have been watering them in the morning and putting out on a table outside. They didn’t last long in the little black pots, from when I transplanted them in. I don’t prefer to transplant an extra time, due to transplant shock. However, the extra transplant has helped, since I was having light issues early on. Tomorrow I plan on transplanting them for the last time into preferably into 3-5 gallon containers, but will use whatever I can find around here.
Bezuki & Mexican filler
Some little guys I almost chucked, but figured, what the heck. With the light situation fixed and a new home for a short time, will see what they do. Will probably just transplant into their last home once they out grow these little pots. Have some succulents around them and the lady planted some Forget Me Nots. Bottom shelf is some radish’s that we started in some solo cups. They need a new home as well.
Bezuki, Mexican Filler, Small Black Mammoth are hanging in there. Havana Long Leaf was a crapshoot.
Bezuki & Mexican filler
Some little guys I almost chucked, but figured, what the heck. With the light situation fixed and a new home for a short time, will see what they do. Will probably just transplant into their last home once they out grow these little pots. Have some succulents around them and the lady planted some Forget Me Nots. Bottom shelf is some radish’s that we started in some solo cups. They need a new home as well.
Bezuki, Mexican Filler, Small Black Mammoth are hanging in there. Havana Long Leaf was a crapshoot.
Update… 6 days from last post (last Saturday). Transplanted the 4 bigger plants (2x Bezuki + 2x“Mexican Filler”) on Sunday or Monday. Used a potting soil mix, extra perilite, a little bit of blood & bone meal, and some chicken poop all mixed together. First time trying this mixture this year, but have been using the mix as a top dressing for the garden and have seen good results, growth, & veggie production.
Since transplanting into their final pots (I’d estimate the pot size is roughly 2 1/2-3 gallons), the Bezuki & “Mexican Filler” plants have been getting more and more sunlight each day. Usually up until when they look floppy and sad. A couple hours in the shade and they bounce back pretty well. Today was a cloudy morning & the sun showed up around 10:30 am. Left them in direct sun all day, but checked on them periodically to make sure to move them IF they needed a rest from the sun. Just snapped these pics about 10 min ago, since rain is in the forecast all day tomorrow. Debating on moving them inside…
Also, the little ones that never gave up! May transplant into a little larger pots this weekend. Maybe not. Will have to see. I know time is no longer my friend with having a “regular” type of growth/crop this year, so experimenting a little with my setup and what I have access to.
Names are on the sides, but I’ll save you from trying to read and zoom in on the pic to read.
Left to Right:
1x Bezuki
3x “Mexican Filler” (Edit): +1x in the middle
2x Small Black Mammoth
These 6 stragglers may try to get them outside or keep them inside & see what they can do under a light. Have a little indoor greenhouse/tent we are setting up this winter for plants we want to keep. In addition to being able to start more plants from seed for next spring/summer to save some $ on buying already started plants.
Since transplanting into their final pots (I’d estimate the pot size is roughly 2 1/2-3 gallons), the Bezuki & “Mexican Filler” plants have been getting more and more sunlight each day. Usually up until when they look floppy and sad. A couple hours in the shade and they bounce back pretty well. Today was a cloudy morning & the sun showed up around 10:30 am. Left them in direct sun all day, but checked on them periodically to make sure to move them IF they needed a rest from the sun. Just snapped these pics about 10 min ago, since rain is in the forecast all day tomorrow. Debating on moving them inside…
Also, the little ones that never gave up! May transplant into a little larger pots this weekend. Maybe not. Will have to see. I know time is no longer my friend with having a “regular” type of growth/crop this year, so experimenting a little with my setup and what I have access to.
Names are on the sides, but I’ll save you from trying to read and zoom in on the pic to read.
Left to Right:
1x Bezuki
3x “Mexican Filler” (Edit): +1x in the middle
2x Small Black Mammoth
These 6 stragglers may try to get them outside or keep them inside & see what they can do under a light. Have a little indoor greenhouse/tent we are setting up this winter for plants we want to keep. In addition to being able to start more plants from seed for next spring/summer to save some $ on buying already started plants.
Quick update… storms rolling in the next few days so, pulled em in.
I’ve been considering whole plant harvesting & hanging. This would be right after first frost. Color curing… we will see when the time comes. Lol
The little ones that got transplanted last Friday into 4” pots.
Not quite sure what to do over the winter, but will figure it out as it comes along. I’ve mentioned it in earlier posts that this year is a learning year. So, try to push as many boundaries that I can in Wisconsin. Especially since I started seeds so late.
My thoughts are to stalk harvest the bigger plants at the last possible day that I can. See if color cure can work out (not putting much faith into it due to outside temps). The smaller plants… well… we will see what I do with them.
I’ve learned enough this year on what to plan for next year. Will definitely be starting seeds indoors earlier. Perhaps more varieties, but am more interested in locking in a method that works at home.
I’ve been considering whole plant harvesting & hanging. This would be right after first frost. Color curing… we will see when the time comes. Lol
The little ones that got transplanted last Friday into 4” pots.
Not quite sure what to do over the winter, but will figure it out as it comes along. I’ve mentioned it in earlier posts that this year is a learning year. So, try to push as many boundaries that I can in Wisconsin. Especially since I started seeds so late.
My thoughts are to stalk harvest the bigger plants at the last possible day that I can. See if color cure can work out (not putting much faith into it due to outside temps). The smaller plants… well… we will see what I do with them.
I’ve learned enough this year on what to plan for next year. Will definitely be starting seeds indoors earlier. Perhaps more varieties, but am more interested in locking in a method that works at home.
The most serious flaw that I see is that you have planted a "Z" in Besuki.
Seriously, in the past (2014), I have maintained a small number of tobacco plants within their 3" pots indoors over the winter, topping them above the lowest leaf whenever they got too tall. Some were kept that way for 2 years. At transplant time in the spring, I transplanted the repeatedly topped, overwintered plants just as I would for freshly grown seedlings. I did this with several varieties. In their new digs, the elderly transplants grew surprisingly well (though not as large), with leaf comparable in quality to 1st season transplants. (One or two elders died of a heart attack, shortly after transplant.)
Bob
Seriously, in the past (2014), I have maintained a small number of tobacco plants within their 3" pots indoors over the winter, topping them above the lowest leaf whenever they got too tall. Some were kept that way for 2 years. At transplant time in the spring, I transplanted the repeatedly topped, overwintered plants just as I would for freshly grown seedlings. I did this with several varieties. In their new digs, the elderly transplants grew surprisingly well (though not as large), with leaf comparable in quality to 1st season transplants. (One or two elders died of a heart attack, shortly after transplant.)
Bob
1 week since last post…
Outside plants:
2x Mexican Filler Plants
2x Besuki
I have noticed some small white spots. Looks like perhaps eggs as they are not white spots ingrained into the leaf. I do see some stuck flies on the leaves (perhaps fungus gnats). I also have seen more ants climbing around. I thought I read somewhere that if you see ants, that it could be due to fungus gnat eggs that they are attracted to them. Will have to take a more close up pic in a little bit.
Inside plants:
(Top shelf in order from left to right)
-Besuki
-Small Black Mammoth
-Mexican Filler
-Mexican Filler
2nd shelf:
(Left to right)
-Mexican Filler
-Mexican Filler (small pot)
-Small Black Mammoth (largest leaves on indoor plants)
Outside plants:
2x Mexican Filler Plants
2x Besuki
I have noticed some small white spots. Looks like perhaps eggs as they are not white spots ingrained into the leaf. I do see some stuck flies on the leaves (perhaps fungus gnats). I also have seen more ants climbing around. I thought I read somewhere that if you see ants, that it could be due to fungus gnat eggs that they are attracted to them. Will have to take a more close up pic in a little bit.
Inside plants:
(Top shelf in order from left to right)
-Besuki
-Small Black Mammoth
-Mexican Filler
-Mexican Filler
2nd shelf:
(Left to right)
-Mexican Filler
-Mexican Filler (small pot)
-Small Black Mammoth (largest leaves on indoor plants)
Ants are attracted to the honeydew (poop) of aphids and likely a few other sucking insects.
Bob
Bob
That’s right! I knew I’ve read that in other posts. Appreciate the confirmation on the info Bob! Always helpful!
1 week since last pictures taken. Had a 3 day work trip out of town earlier this week. There was a rain and hail storm. It did a little bit of damage, but was pleasantly surprised that more didn’t occur. The aphids increased, I’m assuming it was due to aphids being on the underside of the leaves & the rain. I considered making a “tobacco juice” spray with some left over scrap from rolling sessions, warm water, and a few drops of either dish soap or Castile soap. I decided against a neem oil spray, because of feedback on others grow logs. It’s in the mid 50’s to low 60’s as this weekend and cloudy/rainy (Have to love Fall time!). First “frost” or cold evening here looks to be on Wednesday.
My current thoughts are to let the bigger (outside) plants to go until Wednesday and then stalk harvest, without using any sprays/ “tobacco juice” for the aphids. Plus, I’m thinking a spray wouldn’t do much good at this time, since more rain has been in the forecast… I know, I know, they aren’t fully matured. I started late and just wanted to let this year ride, in order to learn a bit more. Once I stalk harvest, I’m planning while holding the harvested plant upside down, break out the hose and trying to wash off the aphids on the undersides. Will it work? We will see! Then, with stalk harvesting, I’m thinking it should help better in my scenario opposed to priming, since stalk harvesting should give a little bit of buffer for color curing (if they even color cure). I want to make sure to get all if not most of the aphids off before trying to hang in the sun room. If none of it works, then lessons have been learned!
Some aphids on the underside of 1 plant
Outdoor plants:
2x Besuki
2x Mexican Filler
The inside plants are doing ok. Definitely outgrowing their small pots with a vengeance!
2x Mexican Filler on left & small one in center
1x Small Black Mammoth on the right
Second shelf (Left to Right):
1x Small Black Mammoth
1x Besuki
2x Mexican Filler
Within the next week or so, going to lay a tarp downstairs and setup a little 6 shelf green house for this fall/winter. Will be nice to have the green house setup to get seeds started for next year. In addition to taking some cuttings of some plants and perhaps seeing where the little tobacco plants go. Not to mention the plants that the lady wants to keep.
My current thoughts are to let the bigger (outside) plants to go until Wednesday and then stalk harvest, without using any sprays/ “tobacco juice” for the aphids. Plus, I’m thinking a spray wouldn’t do much good at this time, since more rain has been in the forecast… I know, I know, they aren’t fully matured. I started late and just wanted to let this year ride, in order to learn a bit more. Once I stalk harvest, I’m planning while holding the harvested plant upside down, break out the hose and trying to wash off the aphids on the undersides. Will it work? We will see! Then, with stalk harvesting, I’m thinking it should help better in my scenario opposed to priming, since stalk harvesting should give a little bit of buffer for color curing (if they even color cure). I want to make sure to get all if not most of the aphids off before trying to hang in the sun room. If none of it works, then lessons have been learned!
Some aphids on the underside of 1 plant
Outdoor plants:
2x Besuki
2x Mexican Filler
The inside plants are doing ok. Definitely outgrowing their small pots with a vengeance!
2x Mexican Filler on left & small one in center
1x Small Black Mammoth on the right
Second shelf (Left to Right):
1x Small Black Mammoth
1x Besuki
2x Mexican Filler
Within the next week or so, going to lay a tarp downstairs and setup a little 6 shelf green house for this fall/winter. Will be nice to have the green house setup to get seeds started for next year. In addition to taking some cuttings of some plants and perhaps seeing where the little tobacco plants go. Not to mention the plants that the lady wants to keep.
My suggestion for the aphid infestation is to haul out your garden hose now, while the plants are still standing, and hose off the underside of each leaf. Use enough spray force to dislodge the aphids, but not bruise the leaf. Then the plants may have a fair chance at drying out prior to being stalk-cut. Dislodged aphids won't crawl back up.
Bob
EDIT: Aphids drink tobacco juice for lunch.
Bob
EDIT: Aphids drink tobacco juice for lunch.
Much appreciation on the suggestions Bob! I’ll get out there either today still or tomorrow and knock those babies off. Good note on the tobacco juice as well. Makes sense that they would like it. I’ve been eying up the Bonide Pyrethrin for next year (for aphids). Also, perhaps some of their Dead Bug Brew, that I hear good things about. Already have some of the Safer BT on stand by, just ended up not needing to use it this year.
