Springtime in Montana

   This hydroponic tub was started about six weeks ago from tomato clones taken from a golden harvest (yellow cherry tomato) and a red cherry heirloom variety. The clones started slow because the roots need time to develope enough to be fully submerged in the nutrient solution. As the roots grow larger they can access the nutrients. Once the roots reach the nutrients the pants begin to grow very quickly.

 The plants also require more water as the roots develop. When the tub started, the plants did not need much attention. They now drink a gallon of fresh water daily and require constant pruning to make sure the leaves do not crowd each other. Over crowded plants can bring disease and spread insects from plant to plant, while reducing the amount of CO2 available to the leaves.

   This tomato started when the plant was about 12 inches. It ripened very slowly, maybe from the nutrient solution of because it was shaded at the bottom of the plant.

Meanwhile outside...

  After a week of unseasonal warmth, we began to prepare the outdoor raised bed.  The dirt in the bed is rock hard clay. It does not hold water well and seems to compact more and more after each rain. To help with drainage, coco fiber and small clay stones where added and worked in to around 24 inches. There were many roots growing very deep (16-24 inches) with small stems shooting toward the surface of the soil.  They were tilled up all the way to the bulb and thrown into the slash pile. 

   Then we were reminded why we are focusing on indoor farming...