tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83689808835456968422023-06-20T06:16:16.195-07:00Duh_Vinci's GardenDR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983062663164500556noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8368980883545696842.post-12049270349751129672011-03-13T17:00:00.000-07:002011-03-13T17:10:53.072-07:002011 Earliest Tomato Contender<span class="postbody" style="font-family:arial;">All 2011 Container varieties are thick and healthy, growing even better than the last season. But one is rather "very early"...<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;">Danko</span>. Originally brought to US from somewhere in CIS. At only 4 weeks after germination, under 6500K grow lights, it already set the flower buds on all the seedlings.<br /><br />Determinate, but ever-bearing red oxheart with wispy foliage. Here it is, buried as deep as the 6" pot allowed. Exactly 5 weeks after germination:</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1214881104_VZ6eT-M.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 450px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1214881104_VZ6eT-M.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1214880570_vNhgt-M.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 450px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1214880570_vNhgt-M.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1214881104_VZ6eT-M.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1214880816_WZx4z-M.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 450px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1214880816_WZx4z-M.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1214880925_vmhMU-M.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 450px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1214880925_vmhMU-M.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">It is regarded for it's flavor, and healthy production at only 3' to 4' tall. Well, so far it is also appears to be a possible contender to be the earliest! If everything goes as planned, mid May tomatoes maybe on the table!<br /></span>DR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983062663164500556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8368980883545696842.post-62978211152024778762011-03-12T05:54:00.000-08:002011-03-12T06:04:35.923-08:002011 Tomatoes Updates<span style="font-family: arial;">Some updates on tomatoes...<br /><br />First batch of Main Garden varieties are germinated, and now transplanted into their 2.5" pots:<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1213620550_Fna2S-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1213620550_Fna2S-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Five week old seedlings of "earlies" for container are now in their dedicated 6" pots:<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1213620835_vFXhE-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1213620835_vFXhE-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><br />My $2.00 garden tomatoes Beefsteak and Delicious are doing very well in their 2.5" pots at the moment, in 2-3 weeks will go into 6" pots as well. <br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1213620912_StBEm-M.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 450px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1213620912_StBEm-M.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">No issues with germination on these $0.20 seeds at all, and all healthy!<br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /></span>DR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983062663164500556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8368980883545696842.post-71068529086032338032011-03-05T05:25:00.000-08:002011-03-05T05:40:06.637-08:002011 Tomatoes Germination<span style="font-family:arial;">Main varieties for the garden germinated! New life has begun!<br /><br />Few snaps of the life of a seedling:<br /><br />The "embryo". Some rare or old seeds I bleach prior to seeding. The dormant life inside the seed:<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1206288357_JKZEV-M.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 450px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1206288357_JKZEV-M.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Germination, it comes to life!<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1206288402_8wht2-M.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 450px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1206288402_8wht2-M.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">And reaches to the light:<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1206288427_MaUJE-M.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 450px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1206288427_MaUJE-M.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />It gains more colorful appearance and unmistakable "fur" on the main stem<br /></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1206288471_wbdDk-M.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 450px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1206288471_wbdDk-M.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />First true leafs are now formed<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1206288487_ZscKj-M.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 450px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1206288487_ZscKj-M.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">In a week, these seedlings will be ready for transplant into a larger pots, and there will grow very quickly from that point!<br /><br />New life has begun!<br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span>DR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983062663164500556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8368980883545696842.post-65275406447010380642011-02-28T18:57:00.000-08:002011-02-28T19:07:46.556-08:002011 Tomato Varieties - Main Garden<span style="font-family: arial;">I do have to take a little easy on tomatoes this year, and add more vegetables to the table to keep up with the better eating habits. So I'm limiting myself:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Ananas Noir</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Armenian</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Aunt Ruby's German Green</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Big Rainbow</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Black Krim</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Brandeva</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Brandywine Sudduth</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Bull's Heart Pink</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Cherokee Green</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Cleota Pink</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Cleota Yellow</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Dawson's Russian Oxeheart</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Dynnye</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Everett's Rusty Oxheart</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Hazel Gold</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Heart Of The Bull</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Jumbo Jim Orange</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Lithuanian Crested Pink</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Orange Minsk</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Pink Berkley Tie-Dye</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Prue</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Reif Red Heart</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Roger's Best Black</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Sakharnyi Zheltyi</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Spudakee</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Spudatula</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Striped Red Boar (Red Boar)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Wes</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Wisconsin 55</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Few others will include (as a part of my $2.00 garden)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Delicious</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Beefsteak</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">And looking forward to growing out 4 dwarfs: 3 from amazing work of some folks from Tomatoville:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Dwarf Beryl Beauty</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Dwarf Emerald Giant</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">Dwarf Mr. Snow</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">And last, but not least:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: arial;">New Big Dwarf</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm actually quite excited growing out dwarfs for the first time. Will there ever be a full dwarf garden for me? Surely not, love getting up on the ladder to reach 10' plus vines to gather late season tomatoes from them. But for the patio and limited spaces gardens, dwarfs indeed have their place. And all 4 are bred for their taste! </span>DR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983062663164500556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8368980883545696842.post-8335353348664357532011-02-28T18:34:00.000-08:002011-02-28T18:55:54.548-08:002011 Garden Beginnings!<span style="font-family:arial;">After somewhat rough ending to the last year, it is time to bring a spring a little closer to home!<br /><br />2011 Tomatoes for containers are:<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" class="postbody" >Danko<br />Janune Flamme<br />Lambada<br />Noire de Crimee<br />Taxi<br />Early Treat<br />Lubasha F4</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">These were started on Jan 29th<br /><br /></span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1176693932_3ViBR-S.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1176693932_3ViBR-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span class="postbody" style="font-family:arial;">First seedlings started to pop-up on 02/01/2011, and still coming: </span><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1176693858_U3kZ5-M.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 450px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1176693858_U3kZ5-M.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">As of 02/11/2013, all of the first batch are in their 2.5" pots:</span><br /><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1186098671_Reeeq-M.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 450px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1186098671_Reeeq-M.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">And as of 02/19/2011 are in the basement, getting a cold treatment.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1192267253_ziiwv-S.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1192267253_ziiwv-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1192267327_e3kUQ-S.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/1192267327_e3kUQ-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>DR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983062663164500556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8368980883545696842.post-76788339855815779702010-03-27T06:13:00.000-07:002010-03-27T06:22:29.972-07:002010 Fruit Trees - Freezing Night<span style="font-family:arial;">Sometimes I think mother nature confuses a little =) Fruit trees don't like the freezing nights, and yet, peaches and pears are already in bloom!<br /><br />So we wrapped all the blooming fruit trees in huge plastic drum liners - and I'm glad we did, t</span><span style="font-family:arial;">emperatures last night dropped below freezing, my thermometer this morning was showing 24F. But this morning, after the rays of sun hit the fruit trees, I was very pleased to see healthy blooms still<br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010pear0327/820537618_4zDY2-S.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010pear0327/820537618_4zDY2-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010peach0327/820537551_8yn2r-S.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010peach0327/820537551_8yn2r-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span>DR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983062663164500556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8368980883545696842.post-29706164852072222642010-03-27T05:42:00.000-07:002010-03-27T05:53:06.238-07:002010 First Tomatoes Update<span style="font-family:arial;">It's been a while, too busy at work, but time to update blog...<br /><br />Few weeks ago, first, earlies were transplanted into the larger pots. Healthy, thick stems developed in the cool basement under the florescent tubes:<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010firsttomatoesup02272010/798168697_bQ9DN-S-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010firsttomatoesup02272010/798168697_bQ9DN-S-1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />And now, sitting in the 6" azalea pots, reaching near 16" in height:<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010firsttomatoesrepot03202010/814535746_fDAxu-S.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010firsttomatoesrepot03202010/814535746_fDAxu-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Since most of these are determinate (as with most "extra early" varieties), next weekend these will be planted into 10-18gal containers (depending on the mature growth habit). There is a nice south side wall of the garage where the sun is on all day from 7:30am and till about 5pm or so. So during the day, until the weather stabilizes, out they go, and back inside the garage with the sundown. Really hoping for some May tomato, but June will do too!</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span>DR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983062663164500556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8368980883545696842.post-38353334383313076932010-02-22T16:26:00.000-08:002010-02-22T18:18:17.852-08:002010 Tomatoes Main Crop - Germination I<span style="font-family:arial;">So here it goes... Yes, too many seedlings! I look up to those who plant out 100+ varieties - as this was (while pleasant), still, a very time consuming task.<br /><br />Nevertheless, first , the "brave ones" are coming up, 2 days germination on about 10 out of 50+ varieties so far. Keeping the wrap over the tray still, heat mat still on, dome slightly propped open and few inches under the grow lights (now turned on):<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010firsttomatoesmassgerminati/794851891_LiXTh-M.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 450px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010firsttomatoesmassgerminati/794851891_LiXTh-M.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />At this time, can't even tell what varieties germinated, not willing to go under the dome, and start digging and moving the wrap to see which one of 162 cells have taken off... Just happy to see the first spouts!<br /><br /><br /></span>DR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983062663164500556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8368980883545696842.post-69433323037683843932010-02-21T10:41:00.000-08:002010-02-21T11:51:33.901-08:002010 Tomato Growout List<span style="font-family:arial;">It took me a while to come up with the final grow out list, there is only but so much space, and yet, so much I wanted grow... So after "editing" the list numerous times, here is what made the final cut:<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">1884 Purple</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Airyleaf</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Amazon Chocolate</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Anna Russian</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Arkashin</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Armenian</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Balcony Yellow (basket)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Beauty King</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Berkley Tie-Dye Heart</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Big Cheef</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Black And Brown Boar</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Black Plum</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Black Trifle</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Black Tula</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Brad's Black Heart</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Brandywine Black</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Brandywine Cowlick's</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Brandywine Sudduth</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Brandywine, Cherry</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Bull's Heart Pink</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Burtzyn</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Campari F2 seeds</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Carbon</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Chermonor</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Cherokee Purple</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Coeur de Boeuf Blanc</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Cream Sausage</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Dagestanskiy</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">De Barao Zolotoy</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Delicious</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Donskoi</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Dynnye</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Early Wonder Pink</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Fruhe Liebe</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Garden Pearl (basket)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Gary O'Sena</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Golden Gem</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Goose Creek</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Green Copia</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Green Zebra</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Gregori's Altai</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Grub's Mystery Green</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Indian Stripe</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Iraquische Hertzformige</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Jasnaja</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Jaune Flamme</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Kalinka</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Kardinal</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">KBX</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Kimberly</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Krasavica Lotaringii</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Kumato F2 seeds</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Lambada</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Lubasha</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Ludmila's Yellow Giant</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Lycopersicum-Macrocarpum-Lutea</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Manyel</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Moldovian Green</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Noire De Crimee</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Nyagos Black</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Onyx</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Orange Strawberry</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Orlov Yellow</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Paul Robeson</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Pendulina Orange (basket)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Pervaya Lubov</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Pink Berkley Tie-Dye</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Pipo</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Purple Russian</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Reif Red Heart</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Rose Himbeer (basket)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Sakharnyi Zheltyi</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Samurabe</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Sandul Moldovan</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Shapka Monomakha</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Sorrento</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Spudakee</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Spudatula</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Stupice</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Sweet Cluster VFNT</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Tatar of Mongolistan</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Taxi</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Temnokrasnyj 2027</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Tomande VFFNT</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Tomatillo Purple</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Tzar Kolokol</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Ukranian Poet</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Violet Jasper (Tzi Bi U)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Whipper-Snapper (basket)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">White Queen</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Wisniowe</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Yellow Trifele</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Zolotye Kupola<br /><br /><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:arial;">Basket and the early varieties were planted just a little while back, while the rest, 60+ were seeded last night. Never done such "mass" seed planting before, so will see the results in a few days...</span>DR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983062663164500556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8368980883545696842.post-20394670043427749742010-02-20T11:43:00.000-08:002010-02-20T11:48:33.900-08:002010 American Seed $0.20 packs - germination!<span style="font-family: arial;">Well, four days after the first germination - all of the seeds are up, green and reaching out for the sun! Worth it - sure, these tray was only $0.10 worth of seeds, merely half the packet...</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010saladmixItalianMixture2020/792632142_toRme-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010saladmixItalianMixture2020/792632142_toRme-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010saladmixItalianMixture2202/792632071_KqoMP-M.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 450px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010saladmixItalianMixture2202/792632071_KqoMP-M.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>DR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983062663164500556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8368980883545696842.post-54113244031419120762010-02-16T16:59:00.000-08:002010-02-16T17:10:01.697-08:002010 American Seed $0.20 packs trial<span style="font-family: arial;">When the seeds offered at a store, at a price of $0.20, and the package says "Finest quality since 1897", makes you wonder... So why so cheap if it is a "quality" seeds? <br /><br />Well, I've had few packs last year, annuals, did well, no issues. But veggies at this price? Well, needless to say, spent about $5.00 total on some flower seeds, veggies and such.<br /><br />First test run for germination -<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;"> Italian Mixture</span>. Seeded on 02-14-2010. To my surprise, less than 48 hours later, massive germination in the 24" self watering window box:</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010saladmixItalianMixture2016/790113550_9JXgT-M.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 450px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010saladmixItalianMixture2016/790113550_9JXgT-M.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Now, the most important test - taste! Will see in few weeks!<br /></span>DR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983062663164500556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8368980883545696842.post-43173487318661677582010-02-16T16:51:00.000-08:002010-02-16T16:59:03.971-08:002010 First Tomato Sprouts IV<span style="font-family:arial;">Early varieties are now transplanted into their individual pots, happy to see that no transplant shock to any... Under the grow lights now...<br /><br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010firsttomatoesup021320102/788232478_bJZNW-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010firsttomatoesup021320102/788232478_bJZNW-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010firsttomatoesup021320103/789405972_vata8-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010firsttomatoesup021320103/789405972_vata8-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010firsttomatoesup021320101/788232539_dEfu8-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010firsttomatoesup021320101/788232539_dEfu8-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span>DR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983062663164500556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8368980883545696842.post-68595706395077910082010-02-09T17:07:00.001-08:002010-02-09T17:25:29.028-08:002010 First Tomato Sprouts III<span style="font-family:arial;">Happy to see, that all of the varieties of the early tomatoes have sprouted! Some little earlier, some a little later. But all under the grow lights, waiting for the first set of true leafs:<br /><br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010firsttomatoesup020820102/784849013_sDML4-M.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 450px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010firsttomatoesup020820102/784849013_sDML4-M.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010firsttomatoesup02082010/784848951_UtjR9-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010firsttomatoesup02082010/784848951_UtjR9-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">And the next step - transplant to individual cells, 2" cell once the true leafs are set, then into the cooler basement for the cold treatment...<br /><br />This coming weekend - basket varieties to start:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Balcony Yellow </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Garden Pearl </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Rose Himbeer </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Pendulina Orange </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Whipper-Snapper</span><br /><br />And the rest of the varieties on Feb 20th!<br /></span>DR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983062663164500556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8368980883545696842.post-13550755691022002712010-02-03T06:07:00.000-08:002010-02-03T06:10:26.976-08:002010 First Tomato Sprouts II<span class="postbody" style="font-family:arial;">I'm was happy to see that the all but 2 varieties have sprouted yesterday - 3 days from seeding! But the other two were little older seeds, so it may take few more days...<br /><br /><img title="Click to view full-size" style="border: 2px dotted rgb(0, 102, 153); width: 400px; cursor: pointer;" resizemod="1" onload="rmw_img_loaded(this)" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010firsttomatoesup020320102/780035663_6r3RK-XL.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;">Noir De Crimee</span> "droplet" - trying shake off the shell:<br /><br /><img title="Click to view full-size" style="border: 2px dotted rgb(0, 102, 153); width: 400px; cursor: pointer;" resizemod="off" onload="rmw_img_loaded(this)" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010firsttomatoesup02032010/780035647_wLRLH-L.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />All removed from the domes (but the last two), and under the grow lights now... Love to watch them grow! </span>DR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983062663164500556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8368980883545696842.post-9994006153898799962010-02-01T19:16:00.000-08:002010-02-09T17:21:45.608-08:002010 First Tomato Sprouts I<span class="postbody" style="font-family:arial;">This is first for me...<br /><br />I've had some fresh seeds in the tests germinate in 3.5-4 days, but this is a pleasant surprise... Seeded on 01/30/2010, and to my amazement - first seedlings are poking through today, 02/01/2010<br /><br /><img title="Click to view full-size" style="border: 2px dotted rgb(0, 102, 153); width: 400px; cursor: pointer;" resizemod="off" onload="rmw_img_loaded(this)" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010firsttomatoesupearlywonder/778966828_mVGtk-M.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />A seeds for variety <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Early Wonder Pink</span> sent to me by a very sweet and generous lady from Germany. Should be dark pink, 3' tall plants with 3-6oz dark pink fruit and said to be on the sweet side (which I like). Very exciting start for me! </span>DR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983062663164500556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8368980883545696842.post-90118631504110184662010-01-30T13:16:00.001-08:002010-01-30T13:23:43.291-08:002010 First Tomatoes<span class="postbody" style="font-family:arial;">I promised myself, first weekend of February for the earliest varieties. <br /><br />Well, when one is looking at the window, and snow is plastering the ground for the past 8 hours, what does one do? I know, pretend it is the first weekend of Feb, and plant the first tomato seeds!<br /><br />For now, just the early and very early varieties:<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010tomatoesearlies0130/776790308_VJ4NS-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010tomatoesearlies0130/776790308_VJ4NS-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: arial;" class="postbody">Fruhe Liebe<br />Jaune Flamme<br />Early Wonder Pink<br />Noir De Crimee<br />Lambada<br />Kalinka<br />Taxi<br />Burtzyn<br />Stupice<br />Pipo<br />Kimberly</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><br />Same mix, same temperature as before, under the dome in the dark room with some help from the heat mat - let the new life begin!!!</span><br /><span class="postbody" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span>DR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983062663164500556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8368980883545696842.post-74935459192481893542010-01-30T12:57:00.000-08:002010-01-30T13:11:50.386-08:002010 Pepper Seedlings<span style="font-family:arial;">First and second batch of peppers for 2010 are transplanted!<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010peppers0123/771252719_f3wGB-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010peppers0123/771252719_f3wGB-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><span class="postbody" style="font-family:arial;">1-2 of each variety for my garden, the rest are giveaways. All seem to be healthy, green and strong stems.<br /><br />The potting mix, while a bit on the pricey side, I think well worth it...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Espoma Organic Potting Mix</span><br /><br />Has the same properties as their Seed Starting Mix, but added more Perlite for water retention. It's been about a week, and seedlings doing great. I still add the worm castings to the mix. And in this photos, non of the seedlings received any additional fertilizer at this point, yet thick stems, beautiful foliage, what's there not to like?<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010peppers0124/771776066_UVkk7-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010peppers0124/771776066_UVkk7-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="postbody" style="font-family:arial;"><br />Last peppers are planted today, <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Corno di Toro</span> and <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Corno di Capra</span>, generously shared by a fellow gardener, and I'm looking forward to growing out these Italian varieties this season! As for now - under the grow lights, in the basement these stay...<br /><br /><br /></span>DR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983062663164500556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8368980883545696842.post-72105770037734099682010-01-30T12:33:00.000-08:002010-01-30T12:55:50.843-08:002010 Seed Germination<span style="font-family:arial;">Time to catch up on the blog.<br />Seed Germination! Did a test on some of the seeds saved for 2010. And happy to observe, that germination rate of my fermented, untreated seeds is 100%.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010germinationtest/774938596_Eg4yY-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010germinationtest/774938596_Eg4yY-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">In this batch, I've tested:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Brandywine Sudduth's strain</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Bull's Heart</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Campari F2</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Kumato F2</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Lubasha</span><br /><br />As for germination seeds for the actual crop - after numerous trials, using many different soil media, various temperatures and methods - I now have absolutely favorite seed starting mix:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Espoma Organic Seed Starting Mix</span><br /><br />Very fine, soft and fluffy, holds the moisture very very well, and yet with no "white residue" to yet developed on any of the seedlings tested. It is not hydrophobic at all! And loaded </span><span style="font-family:arial;">with beneficial endo and ecto Mycorrhizae</span>!<br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The only thing I add to the mix, is organic worm castings, at the ratio suggested on the package (3 parts mix to one part castings), which also happen to have 1-0-0 NPK.<br /><br />This combination works very very well and every time in my tests.<br /><br />Temperatures: 81F-83F range inside the heated dome seems to do the best in my germination tests, works equally well for tomatoes, peppers and eggplants.<br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>DR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983062663164500556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8368980883545696842.post-68669114639890774032010-01-01T11:11:00.000-08:002010-01-01T11:20:04.954-08:002010 Garden Plans<span style="font-family:arial;">It's that time of the year to plan a garden for the upcoming season! And a dilemma, what varieties to plan this year? There is the seed list, and there is the space available...<br /><br />Expansion is evident, 6 additional beds will be added to the garden as soon at it gets a little warmer. And for now - this is what it looks like for 2010 in terms of "Reserved for Tomatoes"<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/754622412_kex99-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 229px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/photos/754622412_kex99-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">And that makes for 51 spaces where tomatoes will be planted, plus 6 containers. Is it final - really don't think so! </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span>DR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983062663164500556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8368980883545696842.post-52098852415180171522009-12-31T03:38:00.001-08:002009-12-31T11:13:52.055-08:002010 Tomato Experiment - Kumato<span style="font-family:arial;">Our home grown tomatoes are gone as off few weeks ago (fresh anyway), miss them! This morning, I was at Giant Foods, last minute shopping for the New Year dinner. Noticed an unusual colored tomato (for the chain food store). In the package of 4, very "homegrown" looking tomatoes are chocolate colored with some faint green shoulders and stripes:<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010kumato2seedcollection/753931388_oodCE-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010kumato2seedcollection/753931388_oodCE-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">So yes, indeed I bought them! Name - <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">KUMATO </span><br /><br />Naturally, excited to try them as soon as I got home. Impression - 2 fruits, both tasted a little different. One had more pronounced acidity, the other one - a bit sweeter. After doing a little online reading, appears to be commercial variety, no info of hybrid or not (I tend to believe that it is), but described as good keeper, and sweet...<br /><br />To be honest with you, both tomatoes I tried - I would never refer to them as sweet by any means. But, then again, depending on the season, soil, ripening condition and such - this can be the matter of those variables.<br /><br />What attracted me to this tomato - size, chocolate color, but more importantly - aroma! Very fragrant tomatoes! Even 20 min or so after I tried it, and washed my hands, I can still smell the rich tomato on my hands.<br /><br />And after a little deliberation:<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010kumato1seedcollection/753931418_su6zQ-M.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 450px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010kumato1seedcollection/753931418_su6zQ-M.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Yep, saved the seeds from the half of the sweeter one.<br /><br />I've yet to find a good "long keeper" tomato that I liked the taste. And while not overwhelmed with the flavor of Kumato, I'm still amazed by it's aroma, and for sheer curiosity want to see what it does in the good, rich soil.<br /><br />So for now - fermenting, and will give it a try in 2010, I'm sure I can find a room for 2 more plants in the garden!<br /><br /><br /></span>DR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983062663164500556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8368980883545696842.post-40499180617231388422009-12-31T03:38:00.000-08:002009-12-31T10:18:32.490-08:002010 Cucumbers Growout<span style="font-family:arial;">What can I say, we love cucumbers! We them raw, we fry the, we pickle them, we make relish...</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Other/2009-Garden/2009lemoncuke1/626177213_3Rm48-M.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 450px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Other/2009-Garden/2009lemoncuke1/626177213_3Rm48-M.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Other/2009-Garden/072009cukesharvest/626173241_Amk6A-M.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 450px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Other/2009-Garden/072009cukesharvest/626173241_Amk6A-M.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />But, here, in Virginia, mid-late summer, local weather and micro climate prevents us from enjoying cukes pretty much pass August. They wilt and die in the matter of days.<br /><br />So, to extend my growing season, in additional of my regular favorites, I'm adding few that are said to be resistant to most diseases. So, after a little research, and suggestions from other gardeners, here is the list of cukes to be grown in 2010:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The Regulars:</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Boston Pickling</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Homemade Pickling</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Poona Kheera</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Straight Eight</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Resistant Hybrids:</span><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);font-family:arial;" >Country Fair<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);font-family:arial;" >Calypso </span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);font-family:arial;" ><br />Classy </span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);font-family:arial;" ><br />Eureka</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Burpless II<br />Edmonson<br />Little Leaf H-19<br /></span><br />Looking forward to trial those newbies to see if their "resistance" lives up to the expectations and just as important - do they taste good???<br /><br /></span><span class="postbody"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color:olive;"></span></span><br /></span>DR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983062663164500556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8368980883545696842.post-50472819356427345752009-12-29T17:21:00.000-08:002009-12-29T17:56:16.944-08:002010 Tomato Growout - Part I<span style="font-family:arial;">2009 was a great year, with plentiful harvest, specially of peppers and tomatoes. Gave them away, cooked, froze, diced and sliced, and indeed, eat fresh off the vine:<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Other/2009-Garden/07182009firsttrueharvest/626172276_ZDheg-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Other/2009-Garden/07182009firsttrueharvest/626172276_ZDheg-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Other/2009-Garden/20090818harvest1/626174123_7ePpH-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Other/2009-Garden/20090818harvest1/626174123_7ePpH-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Other/2009-Garden/20090818harvest7/626174880_tkhQR-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Other/2009-Garden/20090818harvest7/626174880_tkhQR-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">There are few, however I would like to mention that are indeed a "keepers" in the garden:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Bychiye Serdtze (Bull's Heart)</span><br /><br />Russian origin - abundance of healthy, meaty, juicy and sweet fruit that lasted until the first frost! Just as great tasting as I remember back in Russia<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Other/2009-Garden/20090818harvest9/626175079_MHzPx-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Other/2009-Garden/20090818harvest9/626175079_MHzPx-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Black from Tula</span><br /><br />Great taste to my pallet that has just the right amount of acid and sweetness, some smoky/salty somewhere in there too, and good, steady producer in my garden all season:<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Other/2009-Garden/07172009blacktula1/626171854_itnhc-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Other/2009-Garden/07172009blacktula1/626171854_itnhc-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Cherokee Purple</span><br /><br />While the production was moderate, and wend down south as the weather heated up, it's sweet taste, with creamy flesh was one of the family favorites:<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Other/2009-Garden/07142009cherokeepurple/626171332_FooKm-M.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 450px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Other/2009-Garden/07142009cherokeepurple/626171332_FooKm-M.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-family:arial;" >Brandywine Sudduth. </span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />And last but not least by any means! </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Many report that these guys are not productive at all, and lucky to have 5 good fruits entire season. We had over 30 fruit gathered from 10+ foot high plant. Great flavor with no sweetness, but rich and complex - going back again next year:<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Other/2009-Garden/07232009firstbrandywine1/626172923_Wkyp6-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Other/2009-Garden/07232009firstbrandywine1/626172923_Wkyp6-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">As I go through my notes, I will post more of what I felt was worth growing again. As for now - planing expansion of the garden, and a difficult decision to make of what varieties in addition to the 4 mentioned above are going take their place in 2010 garden.<br /><br /><br /></span>DR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983062663164500556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8368980883545696842.post-88316624520430278042009-12-27T17:50:00.000-08:002009-12-27T18:05:23.869-08:00Grow Lights<span style="font-family:arial;">Well, couple of hours of work and $50 - grow lights are complete.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010growlights1227/751083499_eH5Qm-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010growlights1227/751083499_eH5Qm-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Using 2'x4' residential fixture, 24hr timer, and utility shelving unit (actually half of one) for the base of the table, table top is 3/4" MDF board. Lights are T8 tubes GE Ecolux 32w with the color temperature of 6500K (4 tubes).<br /><br />All this is in the basement, where I have rather large, insulated but unfinished mechanical room. White wall insulation sheeting serves well as reflecting material, white Styrofoam at the base does the same thing. All in all, very happy withe results!<br /></span>DR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983062663164500556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8368980883545696842.post-55889797586107718492009-12-26T17:40:00.000-08:002009-12-26T18:03:15.806-08:002010 Peppers - True Leafs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010pasillbajio1226/750310967_niA9Y-M.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 450px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010pasillbajio1226/750310967_niA9Y-M.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">First true leafs are here!<br /><br />Pasillo Bajia and Mariachi were the first to germinate, 5 days, and the first with true first leafs.<br /><br />Slowest out of the group were Purple Beauty and Ancho San Martin, though finally germinated - 13 days from the seeding.<br /><br />All but the the Purple and Ancho are now under the grow lights, looking healthy, Purple and Ancho are still on the germination heat mat with the dome lid on, temperature steady at 82-83F. Should be ready to come out and join the rest in a day or two...<br /><br />Going to finally build the large table/grow light "stable" for seedlings and germination in the hobby room downstairs. Should be ready by tomorrow. All the parts are here, timers, bulbs, fixture, wires etc. Not a necessity, but rather an attempt to better organize the process.<br /><br /><br /></span>DR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983062663164500556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8368980883545696842.post-91468407647015060052009-12-25T15:23:00.001-08:002009-12-25T18:37:23.195-08:002010 Peppers growout<span style="font-family:arial;">Not even 2010 yet, but itching to start the new year and work on the garden... I started Pepper seeds last year in early March, way too late, plants were really small by the time I set them into the garden. This time, started seeds much earlier, maybe too early, but will see. Actually wasn't planning on it, was doing just germination trials, since these seeds are from many different sources.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010peppers1225/749442739_qjTAT-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/2010-Garden/2010peppers1225/749442739_qjTAT-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Full list of what's going into the garden:<br /><br /></span><span class="postbody"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Sweet: </span><span style=";font-family:arial;color:olive;" ><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Giant Orange</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Purple Beauty</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Blushing Beauty</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Quadrato d’Asti Giallo</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Ariane Orange</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Golden Summer</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Red Marconi Giant</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Golden Calwonder</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Socrates X3R</span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Mild: </span><span style=";font-family:arial;color:olive;" ><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Mariachi</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Pasilla Bajio</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Ancho San Martin</span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Hot: </span><span style=";font-family:arial;color:olive;" ><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Casabella</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Cowhorn</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>DR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983062663164500556noreply@blogger.com0