My Tomato Plant Journey – Part 4

I already knew I was clueless when it came to my little tomato plant project, but I have now realized just how clueless I am…

My tomato plant has outgrown its little stake,  it just isn’t cutting it any more. Poor plant was falling over, again. So, my wonderful husband offered to pick up a tomato cage at Target on his trip out to pick up lunch. Judging from the size, we both agreed on a small tomato cage.

My little plant is so spindly, I broke a leaf steam getting it into the cage. But it looks secure, and I was pretty happy with how my plant is doing until…

Visiting my friend Amy, who is the inspiration of this whole project, I see that her plant is GIANT! OMG – I almost spit out my water when I saw her plant. It is about twice the height of my weakling and the stalk is like 10xs as big around! She even has a little tomato growing! It is THRIVING. So now I not only feel lacking in my plant skills (again), but I realize that the pot and cage I have are going to be too small if this plant ever really gets growing. Man, I have no idea what I am doing here. I wonder if my little plant will ever produce fruit?

But it is still alive and growing…

My Tomato Plant Journey – Part 3

Oh no. My tomato plant has fallen, and it can’t get up… I guess I waited too long to find a support for my little plant.

Luckily, I had the perfect stake on hand. (I can’t throw anything away, so when a slender wooden stick was part of an art project from a fair, I kept the wooden stick because I knew it would be good for something!) So, I dug through my “stash” and staked my plant back up right. It was still standing on its own yesterday, so I don’t think any damage has been done. But since my plant is already taller then my stake, I think I will have to purchase a tomato cage sooner rather than later.

My Tomato Plant Journey – Part 2

I have achieved step 1 in raising my little tomato plant – I re-potted it in a bigger pot. (And I didn’t kill it!) We went to Target last Saturday, and while we were there, I decided to get a pot and tomato cage, which I am told I will need. When I went to put the cage in the cart, my dear husband said, “Why don’t you wait to buy that until you know you need it.” Gee thanks, love the subtle uncertainty of my ability to keep this thing alive.

In the end, I went with his idea and left the cage. So far, total investment $1.99 for a pot. (We already had potting soil leftover from a tree project the husband is working on…)

I wonder if I should sign up to attend Home Depot’s Do-It-Herself Eco-Friendly Gardening workshop in June? It features Martha Stewart Living (♥) – June 3, 7-8:30.

My Tomato Plant Journey – Part 1

While I have a green heart – I try to live a green lifestyle – I don’t think of myself has having a green thumb. But I love the idea of growing my own veggies. So, when Amy offered me one of her tomato plant seedlings, I was happy to give it a shot. I guess I am going to be looking for some garden tools coupons – I totally used to stick these right in the recycle bin!

While we watched the girls play, we discussed what will go into growing the tomato plant. First, I need to replant my seedling into a larger pot. Next, I need to get a tomato cage and twine so I am ready to stake the plant as it grows. (To take the pressure off the tomatoes, of course.) In approx thee months I will need to fertilize my little plant, but not too much because we will be eating the fruit. Oh and if the little blossoms fall off, it needs calcium - so toss in some crushed egg shells. Wheeew… this little plant is going to be a lot of work.

So, this summer I will be attempting to grow my own tomato plant. Since my friends and neighbors have seedlings too, so I have other plants to mark my journey. I really hope this tomato plant journey ends with us eating delicious tomatoes…

Sunday I will have to comb through the circulars for some gardening deals…maybe Target coupons or Home Depot’s ad. If you garden, where you do find your gardening supply deals?

Disclosure – This is a sponsored post, but the tomato journey will continue.