I was able to set 96 tomato plants in the high tunnel this week.  I purchased some Tuscarora Farms organic plants through Maple Avenue Market and got them planted in four rows.   The plants were large enough to get them clipped to their support string.

I have been having a hard time judging how much water I should be dripping through the irrigation lines.  I have dialed back how long the water stays on and hopefully I will keep from flooding the new plants.  In the tunnel, the temps rise to about 85 during the day, with the doors open and sides rolled up foot or so.  I hope to keep the temps below 90 this year in an effort to provide a better growing climate.  Last year I let the tunnel get too hot and the watering was uneven and done by overhead sprinkler.

The varieties are Brandywine, Big Boy, Moscow heirloom, Green Zebra, Purple, cherry and grape.  I may add a few more to fill in the rows.

The tomato season has started.  Over the weekend I started 225 tomato plants in my green room.  I have the seeds on seed mats in organic potting soil.  I  laid out Black Cow processed cow manure on the rows in the high tunnel.   I also added green sand to rows to help break up some heavy soil.  Next task is to patch up the high tunnel and lay out the irrigation system.  The high tunnel took some damage in the 60 mph winds we had over the past few days.  We lost 5 of the 12 straps that run over the top and the holes in the plastic at the top have opened up again.    I will try some new techniques to avoid this  in the future.  I’ll have some  repair pics next week.

I just completed my seed order last week from High Mowing Organic Seeds.  I am excited for some new tomatoes and peppers varieties I will try this year.  Waiting on the mail lady and once she brings them, let the seed starting begin.