Starting out growing tobacco for cigars and possibly chew: @Bigborebob

[Bigborebob]

Hello all!
I'm starting my seedlings indoors under 300+ wats of led and t5 flourescent lights. The plants are doing well and I'm currently hardening them off for transplant in my vegetable garden. I'm looking for advice to maximize my success in my first try at growing tobacco. I have about 500sqft of tobacco growing space and 44 tobacco seedlings. My current soil consistency is a clay like clumpy soil but I plan to ammend the soil with 300lbs of garden gypsum ( for the entire 5000sqft area. Vegetables included). I'm not sure what I'm doing and research is extensive. Please imbue me with any wisdom you all have to make this priject

 

[Bigborebob]

[dupe text deleted]

 

[The Haroo ln]

Just make sure your ph is between approx 5.8 -6.4. And also make sure you leave plenty of space between plants. They'll need the room so the leaves can grow bigger without shading the light out of each other and you'll also need space do walk through them to harvest.

 

[GreenDragon]

That's a lot of gypsum - are you sure it's necessary? Is your soil pH that far from neutral? I would test the soil first. Usually I recommend amending the soil with compost before anything else. Also check out your local Agricultural extension organization and local garden clubs / forums. Ask how they prepare their beds for growing tomatoes - the requirements are very similar.

 

[PvtPublic]

I use a pickaxe to break up the clay and mix in compost, topsoil, and arbor chips. Adding in as much organic matter into your bed is just as critical for tobacco as it is the rest of the garden plants. Then add some fish fertilizer and crushed up eggshells. Hardwood mulch over the top, you know how it gets in July and August.

I have a ton of cottonwood mulch, if you would like some free, with or without wine cap mushroom mycelium. I just call up the arborists, they're always cutting down the cottonwoods.

 

[deluxestogie]

crushed up eggshells

Eggshells that are crushed to powder will break down in the soil after about 3 months. Uncrushed, it may take up to a year to decompose. So eggshells now is good for next growing season.

Bob

 

[Bigborebob]

That's a lot of gypsum - are you sure it's necessary

Not sure if it's completely necessary but I was reading it will break the clay down into a consistency that's more workable. If I can achieve the same result with compost and mulch I'll just do that.

 

[Alpine]

The more organic matter you work into the soil, the better it becomes (with time and effort) Of course, this is not an option for large scale growers or professional farmers but for us amateurs farmers it’s the best choice. Be patient and add manure, compost, tree trimmings, seaweed, sawdust or whatever similar to your garden and it will improve year by year. Sure it’s not fast and easy, but the results are far more long lasting than a quick fix with chemicals.
Just my 0.02 $.

pier

 

[Wombat_smokes]

I say organic matter is best to break up clay soil. Adding organic matter will help bring you closer to the clay loam where Montana farmers grow wheat and barley.

 

[Bigborebob]

The more organic matter you work into the soil, the better it becomes

Organic matter it is then. Thanks for the advice!