Hardened in peat pots with gradual outdoor exposure.
Part IV · Crop record 01
Tomatoes
Main tomatoes stayed vigorous through August 22 with increasing visible fruit set; volunteer cherry tomatoes supplied another harvest while many green clusters and flowers remained.
Growth timeline
The season in three field marks
Repeated ripe harvests; browned lower foliage removed for airflow.
Main vines stayed vigorous; flowers were shaken and visible fruit set continued increasing.
Planting
Seedlings were hardened outdoors in April and transplanted April 26 after Boonville’s night temperatures became suitable. Volunteer cherry tomatoes were allowed to remain once their identity and vigor were clear.
Fertilization
The bed received balanced fertility during preparation. Once fruiting began, the priority shifted away from extra nitrogen and toward steady moisture and observing fruit set.
Irrigation
Drip tape delivered short, soil-level watering. Rainfall counted as irrigation, so scheduled watering was skipped when the root zone was already moist.
Pest history
No major tomato pest was documented through July. Lower browning leaves were removed to improve airflow and reduce disease risk.
Harvest progression
Ripe full-size tomatoes and many cherry tomatoes from volunteer plants were picked repeatedly, including a large volunteer harvest on August 19. Whole tomatoes were also identified as freezer and sauce candidates.
Companion record
Tomatoes shared the fruiting side of the compact plot with cucumbers and peppers, making one irrigation and scouting pass useful for several crops.
Organic practices
Airflow pruning, soil-level watering, hand scouting, and prompt harvest were used before any treatment was considered.
Yield
Repeated harvests recorded; fruit was counted in daily notes but the season was not weighed.