Quote:
Originally Posted by jenn_sc
Despite my long growing season here in S.C., I have never attempted a separate fall crop of tomatoes. Usually by June or July I'm worn out with the upkeep of my garden and don't get around to it. This year I plan to try to start a fall crop. Since it's my first time, I have a few questions...
First of all, when should a zone 8 grower start fall seeds? Our first frost typically doesn't happen until early/mid November. I'm thinking late June but I'm not sure. Any opinions?
Also, should I try to limit myself to early varieties? Could I squeeze in a few later ones? I think the only early seeds I have are Stupice. Most of the varieties in my collection are late season ones, although I could always order something new Any excuse to add to the collection is a good thing
And here's my last question: how do you make room for fall crops? Do you set aside planting space alongside the spring tomatoes? I ask because I've used most of my available growing space outside already. I may have to rely on the fact that some of my plants will probably be worn out and/or diseased by late summer (so I can pull them without guilt) But if I get lucky and some of my spring toms are still truckin' along, what should I do? Maybe grow them in containers?
I'd like to know more about how other gardeners are managing fall seed starting. Any advice, tips, ideas, or suggestions will be most appreciated!!!
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Where you're at -- probably around the second week of June.
Consider starting them inside under lights (it seems I get much better results this way -- outside, the seedlings tend to get lanky w/poor root development because of the heat), then bringing them outside to harden off after about 5-6 weeks. Take a couple of weeks to very carefully do this.
One week to germ
5-6 weeks inside
Two weeks hardening off
Plant around second-third week of Aug
Hope fruit set starts occurring around mid Sept (early Sept looks potentially iffy for that in your area)
Insect and disease pressure will be much worse than in the spring, so keep that in mind when hardening off your seedlings, and also in terms of pest/disease mgt in general. Know what the problems are in your area and be proactive.
I looked at some
historical (CF6) weather data for your area, and while I think it is possible to grow a fall crop, you have a short window for fruit set. So I would suggest going with early/"heatsetter"/cherry types for the most part.
Container growing is a great idea for fall crops, and even though I now have all these raised beds since I moved (I used to grow almost everything in containers), I plan on growing many of my fall plants in containers.
It allows me to protect them in the event of an early frost. Also, the angle and the intensity of the sun changes drastically in Oct. You'll want your plants in the absolute best sun area you can find in your yard. In short, container planting allows you to move them around if needed.
Some varieties you might want to include:
Lime Green Salad
Orange-1 (heat setter, good size for containers)
Kimberly/Stupice/Matina
Jaune Flammee
SFT (not particularly early, but sets well in heat)
any cherry type
Just a few off of the top of my head.