Hanging basket tomatoes

[The Goatreich]

Hi all,
very newbie question again here. I've just got some tumbler variety tomato seeds, with the hope that I can grow them in a few hanging baskets around the place. I'm going to start them off in the heated prop this weekend, but I have a couple of questions.

When should I take them from the prop and just leave them on a windowsill? Should they be in a warm place, or away from radiators etc? Should I be staking these when in pots seeing as they're a tumbler?

I don't have a greenhouse, so I'm hoping that when the weather is ready I can put these straight outside, when would you say is safe to do that?

Is the idea that you plant one plant per hanging basket, or can I put a few in? Obviously that's dependent on basket size, but what's the sort of spacing I should leave?

Thanks in advance.

[WendyC]

Firstly a propagator is just that, to propagate. So when the seeds have germinated take them out. Grow them on in as bright a condition as you can find e.g. A south facing windowsill.
If they are a bit leggy they need potting on, you can pot them on up to the seed leaves. Never grown tumblers myself but tomatoes don't need staking til quite big so I think you'll have put them in baskets before then. There was a thread on here recently which concluded one plant per basket was the way to go. Potty posted a picture of one of his baskets and the plants get surprisingly big!
You will have to harden off your tomato plants before you put them out, however warm it is. To do this start putting them out for the day on warm days and bringing them at night time. It could be the middle to the end of May before they are ready to stay out permanently.

[Bill HH]

I am putting one per 12 inch basket, as they tumble over the sides there is no need to stake them. You can put three in a basket but it will be hard to keep them watered and they will in my opinion not do so well.

[The Goatreich]

OK great thanks guys. I'll take out the chillies that have germinated from the prop tomorrow and find a warmish windowsill for them, I'll then get the toms in there

[rustylady]

OK great thanks guys. I'll take out the chillies that have germinated from the prop tomorrow and find a warmish windowsill for them, I'll then get the toms in there

Light is more important than warmth once things have germinated. In fact, if you are keeping them in the house cool but light is better.

[The Goatreich]

Even for chillies??

[Spunky]

I only have east facing windows so I let my seedlings go as far as poss before I repot them to give them another chance to get leggy

[WendyC]

I only have east facing windows so I let my seedlings go as far as poss before I repot them to give them another chance to get leggy

Sorry, why would you WANT leggy seedlings?

[darcyvuqua]

I only have east facing windows so I let my seedlings go as far as poss before I repot them to give them another chance to get leggy

???

Another chance to get leggy???


Why???

[Potstubsdustbins]

One per 12" basket as already said I have tried more per basket and got less yield.

With Tumblers I don't worry about the plants getting leggy, as I always cut off the top leader as soon as I have a couple of side shoots. This encourages even more side shoots which is what you want.

I have found the woven baskets to be best has they have some depth which really helps with the watering problems.

Same pic's for info.

Potty

[WendyC]

???

Another chance to get leggy???


Why???

Glad I'm not the only one puzzled. Intrigued as to what the answer will be...

[Bill HH]

This is where we need a tongue in cheek smiley, I think Spunky was pointing out the futility of his situation. They get leggy in the propagator and leggy again in an east facing window.
His is a case where perhaps some grow lights might be useful.

[Tripmeup]

This is where we need a tongue in cheek smiley, I think Spunky was pointing out the futility of his situation. They get leggy in the propagator and leggy again in an east facing window.
His is a case where perhaps some grow lights might be useful.

Yep, was thinking that too Bill.... Hope we are not wrong

[The Goatreich]

Thanks for the info everyone. My seeds will be going into the prop today Fingers crossed for a good yield.

[Bill HH]

One per 12" basket as already said I have tried more per basket and got less yield.

With Tumblers I don't worry about the plants getting leggy, as I always cut off the top leader as soon as I have a couple of side shoots. This encourages even more side shoots which is what you want.

I have found the woven baskets to be best has they have some depth which really helps with the watering problems.

Same pic's for info.

Potty

Hey Potty, I envy that pot you have in the background of the second pic. its gorgeous.