Direct-seeding with protection; planted first tomato of 2021

[Shule]

Today, I decided to direct-seed a tomato and put a gallon orange juice jug over it (like winter sowing without the pots). We'll see how it goes!

Amana Orange is the tomato I planted (from seeds I saved from fruit in 2020 from a plant grown from one of Marsha's offers).

It's warm enough to put out the greenhouse; so, I'll probably do that this week, to start most of the peppers and most of the rest of the tomatoes. I probably won't start the watermelons until April. I'll probably just direct-seed the wonderberries.

[KathyDC]

Very curious to see how you do with this!

[MissS]

They should work well for you. I used to do this along the outside wall of my house. They plants were sturdier than those that I started indoors.

[Shule]

I think my initial watering scattered at least some of the seeds, as it produced a tunnel of water that came out under the jug. Hopefully there are still seeds left inside, though. I just need to keep it watered. So far, a weed has sprouted.

[AKgardener]

I went out and planted 3 early girl seeds today as well in pots in the greenhouse it was sunny couldn’t help it. Still 22 outside but 65 in greenhouse was just curious as well good luck hope they turn out great for you

[Shule]

Okay, I looked today, and tomatoes have sprouted abundantly under the jug! I'm excited. I don't know if they're all Amana Orange, though (some could be volunteers).

[Shule]

I removed the jug, today. The plants are bigger than my transplants.

[Rockoe10]

How is the weather affecting them? I'm sure they are better off than Transplants regarding UV light, etc. I like this idea, but where I'm located, my biggest fear is the frost. Does the jugs improve the temperature, significantly?

[Shule]

How is the weather affecting them? I'm sure they are better off than Transplants regarding UV light, etc. I like this idea, but where I'm located, my biggest fear is the frost. Does the jugs improve the temperature, significantly?

Well, after having the milk jug off for a day, they wilted a bit, but I think they'll perk up in a day or two.

My transplants were basically hardened off (in unfiltered full sun, but I took them in at night unless it was 42+) since the day they started sprouting; so, the sun isn't bothering most of those first 16 transplants at all. Some of them near where I have the direct-seeded plant wilted a bit, but they should be fine, too, especially as I haven't thinned them, yet.