ENTRY # SEVENTEEN HUNDRED & TWENTY NINE

Good Morning.
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Time is so precious-do not waste it..
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"I've learned that keeping a Tomato garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills."
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" The sun never sets on Dad's Tomato Garden Journal.
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We had some beautiful weather yesterday, in the afternoon we had some beautiful sunshine and a high of 75. We are starting this Friday morning with a tempeature of 60 and a promise of a little more sun, We are glad to see the sun. We are needing it so much right not. My tomatoes are growing but a few hot sunny days would do wonders. You will see right here below that we have stated our album, showig the progress of the tomato garden. We will be making entries almost every day showing you what is goin on. I hope that you will enjoy it. Dad.

. You also may view the garden on either Cam # 1 or # 2, that's two different views.

If you have any trouble call old Dad and he will try to help.

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You are invited to view Jim's photo album: Dad's Tomato Garden 2009
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May 6, 2009. by Jim
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Ray White, is growing tomatoes again this year. Mr. White, 95+ better known as "Dad" to all his friends, has a garden of 45 tomato plants. This album will show the progress of the garden, the plants, and the fruit during the 2009 growing season.

View Album

Play slideshow
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This link below will show you the album of the 2008 growing season, that will give you a chance too compare the two years.
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Dad's Tomato Garden Photo Album ------ 2008 Season.
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Tomato Casual

This above is interesting today.
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I am interested it the eagles again this morning, they were alone and very wet yesterday morning when we looked at them around 7 am. It must have rained on them all night, and the time has come when they are not able to get under their mothers wings, they are too large. Lets go up and see them when the sun comes up. If you have a fish or a few worms handy you might take them up with you.

Eagle Web Cam .

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Below is a very interesting link that has photos of the eagles that we have been watching on the Live Web Cam. Click on the pictures and you will see some beautiful pictures,

http://www.eagle-paparazzi.com/main.php?cmd=album&var1=Eagles%2F2009%2F5-2-2009/

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This below is very good, a little about Mothers day. Pleae do not miss this. Dad.

American Profile Magazine

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I have almost forgot to tell you that the tea and coffe are ready and waiting on us to stop a little while and have a cup, and visit before we go out to face that cold and cruel world, Dad loves this little time that we spend each morning.

I have told you before of our friends who live up in Canada. They came to visit Mary and I yesterday, and we sure did have a nice time, in the evening we wen't to the Chop House for a good meal. They enjoyed looking at the tomato garden, they are the ones whow make pure Maple syrup, and they never fail to bring us a big bottle of the syrup.

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Here is my thought for today,

" What we are in the sight of God, that we truly are."

and-

" Be the true man that you seek."

From Apples of Gold.

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It is time for me to go, I have already said too much. but I won't stay away very long. I hope to be right back here in the morning with Saturdays Entry, which is good for two days .

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We must do our best today to make this day a good happy one. and we do have a lot to do with it. One important thing is to forget yourself and Live for Others, and you will be surprised what joy and peace that will bring to you. Keep our smile going.

BYE BYE DAD

white6416r@aol.com

ENTRY # SEVENTEEN HUNDRED AND TWENTY-EIGHT

THE PICTURE ABOVE IS FROM 2008.

NOW I CAN HARDLY WAIT TO GET THE 2009 PICTURE!

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE,

I'm happy to be spared to see another sunrise, and I'm sure you are, too. We do not want to forget the clean sheet that has been given to us for this day.

.Dad's Tomato Garden 2009

Time is so precious-do not waste it..

"I've learned that keeping a Tomato garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills."

" The sun never sets on Dad's Tomato Garden Journal.

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Do you think that we should have our tea & coffee first, be fore we start to think of something to say? It might clear my mind up a little. I already have it ready, so come on in and sit and help me get started . I really do mean what I am saying, writing a journal six day's each week is no easy job, it is hard to have something interesting every morning. If you will look at the top of this blog you will see that is # 1728 that is how many times that I have posted a blog. So help me out all that you can. DAD.

It is not so hard to talk and complain about the weather, it is either too hot or too cold. Too wet or too dry. We are starting off with a tempeature of 64, and I do think that it says we might have a little sunshine this afternoon. And I sure will be glad for that, I need very badly to get back in that garden and finish a few things that are important.

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See I have neglected to ask about you, and to tell you how I feel. I hope that all is good at your house and that you are expecting to have a good day, a few big smiles early this morning will help, and just being content with the place that God has given us will do wonders for us.

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I am feeling fairly good this morning, I did rest good last night, and I think that if I just go slow that I will make it. A good friend of mine Taylor used to tell me at my age to not run just" keep on walking." I miss him so much, he passed away a few month ago. Dad.

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We do need to check on those 3 eagles that are seeing a lot of rain for the past few days, I hope that all is well up there and see about them. Let's go up to Eagle Web Cam and see what is going on.

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Here is my thought for today.

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" Happiness is possible only when one is busy. The body must toil, the mind must be occupied, and the heart must be satisfied. Those who do good as oppournity offers are sowing seed all the time, and they do not need to doubt the harvest."

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This is from Apples of Gold.

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I could use a few tomato questions, send them to me at any time, I love to help and my price is reasonable. Just a big smile from you.

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.Sue said...
Dear Dad, I have a tomato question for you. We live in New Jersey, the last frost date is May 15. We start our tomatoes from seed. We put just a few plants in the garden last weekend. Baring a frost do you think they will produce early for us? I so need a homegrown tomato as soon as possible. The temps lately have been in the low 50s at night around 60 during the day. Thanks.

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Thanks for the question Sue, I am just like you I am so hungry for a good home grown tomato. It does take time to get these tomatoes, in good conditions it will take from 60 to 75 days depending on the variety. Some good hot weather will do wonders for us all. I know that this not a very good answer, I hope that you will keep us posted on how they are doing, a picture would be nice. DAD .

This is going to be all for now, hope to see you in the morning, if all is well. Keep smiling, be happy and try to make others happy, that is the important thing.

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BYE BYE DAD.

white6416r@aol.com

ENTRY # SEVENTEEN HUNDRED & TWENTY SEVEN

Good Morning.
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Time is so precious-do not waste it.

"I've learned that keeping a Tomato garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills."

This rose is from Dad's rose garden, May 5th 2009. Lots more to come.

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The sun never sets on Dad's Tomato Garden Journal.

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I hope that you are out of that bed and ready to go after you have had a good cup of tea or coffe I have both ready and I feel good and I wan't to be the one that pours this morning. Sit down right there and relax.

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We are still having warn and wet weather, the tempeature at 3:00 a.m. was 57. Today will be near 75, and I think that we may have a few showers again today.

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The ground in the garden is very wet and I do need to do a little more work there, putting a few more cages in and more mulch. I will just have to wait a few days.

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Look at the garden today on either Cam # 1 or # 2. That gives you two different views, and see if you can see any growth. We hope to have the Dad's Tomato Garden Photo Album ready today or tomorrow. The link above takes you to the one for last year (2008 ) when the one for this year ( 2009 ) is ready you will be able to compare the two years.

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I am always anxious to go up to the Eagle Web Cam early every morning, but I have to wait untill daylight to be able to see how things are going. I hope that you are checking on them each day. It looks like that they are getting a lot of teaching from their Mon and Dad on how to be able to live in this cruel world when they leave their nest. We all wish the best for them, and we want to thank the ones that have made all of this possible for us to see. Dad.

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A few day's ago I receive a little criticism from someone in my guest book, I do not know who sent it to me, but I do wan't them to know that I do appreciate it, I wish that they would email me and let me know more. It might help me to do a better job. white6416r@aol.com DAD
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I started this Journal on August 28, 2003 for the main purpose of helping others produce a good home grown tomato. That is still my desire. I will be glad for any comments or criticism. I appreciate all of my readers who have stayed with me through these years. We have made many good friends from all over the world and we have enjoyed every minuete of it. Dad .

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Click here: TIME GETS BETTER WITH AGE

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.This above is interesting. Dad.

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Here below is my thought for today.

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" I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch-holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

And I've also learned that I still have a lot to learn. DAD.

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Thanks to Don B for this thought.

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During this wet weather I could use a few Tomato questions, I am just sitting here doing nothing, and it is hard on me, I like to keep busy. Why not send me one today and I will try to answer you right back. Dad.

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This is going to be enough for today, I am planning on being back in the morning if all is well. Keep smiling today, it will make you and everyone around you feel better.

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BYE BYE DAD.

white6416r@aol.com

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615-850-5763 This will take you to Dad's Tomato Garden.

ENTRY # SEVENTEEN HUNDRED & TWENTY SIX

Good Morning.
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Time is so precious-do not waste it..

"I've learned that keeping a Tomato garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills."
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The rose photo above was grown by my Great Grand daughter, Mandy and her husband Alex. Thanks, Mandy and Alex!
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The sun never sets on Dad's Tomato Garden Journal.
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See those beautiful clouds to the east? More rain coming.This is the spot where I love to sit a little while each day and think of the good things that have come my way, and above all the mercy that God has had for me. If you would look at Cam # 2 today you might see me down there taking one of those good naps, Be real quite if you do. Dad.

This Video below of the Garden Fountain was made Monday afternoon about 7:30 p.m. I am showing it to you now on Tuesday morning. 3 A.M. in the morning is just to early to be making Video's.
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We are still having warm wet weather here in the Tennessee valley, this morning at 3:a.m. the temperature is 62, the high will be near 70. That is good tomato growing weather. Look at them on either Cam # 1 or #2. I believe that you will be able to see a change in them. We will soon have the Tomato Garden Album showing you their growth.

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.......

I am in need of a cup of good strong coffee, it and the tea are ready and waiting on us, come on sit right here in this chair beside me an we can talk as we have our drink, these are pleasant times for me. Dad.

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This will take you to Dad's Tomato Garden Album showing you our tomato crop of last year,2008. It shows the tomatoes from setting them out until the big red ripe home grown tomatoes begin to show up. We are going to be showing our 2009 crop soon, be sure and watch for it. Be sure and use the slide show when you view this. I am sure that you will enjoy it, let me know if you do.

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We do need to go up to the Eagle Web Cam this morning and see how they are doing. They are growing so fast, I do hope that you will look at them before they leave us, and your children should see them.

Click here: TIME GETS BETTER WITH AGE

.This above is interesting. Dad

Here below is my thought for today

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"I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you. "

.Thanks to Don B for sending this to me Dad.

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About Me

Ray White. ( Dad )
I started this Journal on August 28, 2003 for the main purpose of helping others produce a good home grown tomato. That is still my desire. I will be glad for any comments or criticism. I appreciate all of my readers who have stayed with me through these years. Dad

I hope to see you in the early morning. Smile every chance that you have,

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BYE BYE DAD

ENTRY # SEVENTEEN HUNDRED & TWENTY FIVE.

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Good Morning.

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Time is so precious-do not waste it.
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"I've learned that keeping a Tomato garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills."

The sun never sets on Dad's Tomato Garden Journal.
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I am just a few minutes late this morning, but don't worry, I am going to make it, nothing at all wrong. I am feeling good this morning, I had the best night of sleep last night than I have had in a long time.
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I hope that all of you are feeling good and getting yourself ready for a good Monday. If we prepare ourselves for the day early in the morning the day will always go better.
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The coffee and tea is ready, what are we waiting on, come over here and I will pour you a cup, now enjoy that while we talk.
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The weather looks very good here, it has rained almost every day for a week, and we might see a few showers again today. I have not heard any complaints coming from the Tomato garden about the rain. I believe that they are happy with it, They are beginning to grow, check on them on Cam 1 or 2. they are both supposed to be working this morning. Cam # 1 shows a side view of the garden.
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The temperature is 62 here in Tennessee at 3: 50 a.m. The high today will only reach 68, and it does say a few showers in the a.m.
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This link below is very interesting, you will see some white deer. My friend Rilmich sent this. She sends me a lot of things that I enjoy and do appreciate. Dad.
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http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/video/flv/generic.html?s=inwi10s22a3q81f

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baldy has left a new comment on your post "ENTRY # SEVENTEEN HUNDRED AND
TWENTY-FOUR"
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."DAD, I'M SURE YOU REMEMBER TOMATO VINES BACK IN THE OLD DAYS.MAYBE NOT THOUGH. YOU MAY NOT HAVE LIVED ON A FARM IN YOUNGSTER DAYS. BIG GARDEN DAYS BEGAN WITH OUR FAMILY WHEN I WAS ELEVEN YEARS OLD, THE 'GREAT DEPRESSION' BEGINNING.DAD LOST EVERYTHING BEING IN HOUSING CONSTRUCTION. MOVED TO THE COUNTRY AND WITH LARGE RICH GARDEN AREA AND MY DAD'S KNOW HOW, WE HAD WONDERFUL GARDENS AND A CORN FIELD WORKED WITH A TEAM OF HORSES AND FARM TOOLS LOANED TO US BY A NEIGHBOR.
DAD, I'M SURE YOU REMEMBER TOMATO VINES BACK IN THE OLD DAYS.MAYBE NOT THOUGH. YOU MAY M OF HORSES AND FARM TOOLS OWNED BY A NEIGHBOR. TRADED WORK.WE HAD A SURPLUS WHICH THERE WAS NO DEMAND FOR. PROBLEM WAS HAVING MONEY TO BUY FLOUR, SUGAR BAKING POWDER AND LARD AND OF COURSE COFFEE.BIG PATCHES OF TOMATOS. NO FANCY NAME THEN. LITTLE YELLOW 'PEAR' TOMATOS, RED 'CHERRY' TOMATOS AND THE DELICIOUS COMMON RED ONES OF VARIOUS SIZES.CHICKENS AND PIGS LOVED ANY TOMATOS PLACED IN THE PIG TROUGH.I CAN STILL REMEMBER WALKING THROUGH THE TOMATO PATCH EARLY MORNING, HEAVY DEW AND THE SMELL OF THE DISTURBED BRITTLE TOMATO VINES.SOME VINES BROKE OFF AND SEEMED TO RENDER THE PLANTS MORE PROLIFIC. LATER IN THE DAY THE HOT SUN BROUGHT THE PLANTS TO LIFE AND MOTHER CAME WITH BASKETS TO FILL FOR 'CANNING'. SHE ALREADY HAD WATER BOILING ON THE OLD WOOD BURNING KITCHEN RANGE AND WOULD 'PUT UP' DOZENS OF JARS OF THE DELICIOUS TOMATOS.DEAR OLD MOTHER, SWEATING OVER THAT KITCHEN RANGE. SHE LOVED TO 'DO' FOR FAMILY.NOW IN THIS PRESENT DAY, 'DAD'S TOMATO GARDEN JOURNAL' IS A GREAT HELP TO THOSE HAVING A DESIRE TO GROW FINE TOMATOS.THANKS DAD. sam"

Posted by baldy .
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Thank you Sam, I am glad to have you as my friend. DAD.
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This link below is from TomatoCasual, Thanks Reggie it is very interesting. DAD.
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http://www.tomatocasual.com/
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This is going to be all for now. I hope that you have a real good day. It's raining here so I may not do very much today, it would be a good day to catch up on my naps. Keep smiling today and do treat everyone kind that you are with. I will see you in the morning if my life is spared.
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BYE BYE DAD.
white6416r@aol.com

ENTRY # SEVENTEEN HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOUR

I know that you have heard of the last Rose of summer, well this is the first Rose of summer in Dad's Rose Garden for the year of 2009. I love roses and it looks like that we are going to have lot's of them. DAD
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This bud will be a beautiful red Rose soon.
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Good Morning.
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Time is so precious-do not waste it.
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I've learned that keeping a Tomato garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills.
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The sun never sets on Dad's Tomato Garden Journal.
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I am very happy with the weather that we are having, this Saturday morning we have a tempeature of 62 here a 3 A.M this morning, and we had several good showers yesterday and more may be comming again today, Real good for the tomatoes.

I am needing my coffee early again this morning, I already have it and the tea ready, so let's have a cup right now, so we can begin to think right, I am not going to do very much outside this morning since it is Saturday morning. Let's just rest a little longer this morning.

This will take you to Dad's Tomato Garden Album showing you our tomato crop of last year,2008. It shows the tomatoes from setting them out until the big red ripe home grown tomatoes begin to show up. We are going to be showing our 2009 crop soon, be sure and watch for it. Be sure and use the slide show when you view this. I am sure that you will enjoy it, let me know if you do.
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We do need to go up to the Eagle Web Cam this morning and see how they are doing.

Posted on 01 May 2009 by tomatocasual.com
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Reader Question:
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Tomato Seedlings and Light
Tags: lilght, question
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Tomato Casual reader Justin writes:
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“I have about 15 big beef tomato plants in that have been growing since February under 2 48′ 40watts and 2 48′ 25watts florescent. I live in Ohio.
The ones under the 25watt have stems twice to three times as thick, extremely uniformly dark green leaves, tons more canopy, tons more hairs and stickyness on the stems, and a little more purple under the leaves.
The ones under the other light are lighter green, small stems, but no purple under the leaves and seem healthier?? They almost seem like different strains but are the same seeds from burpee.com. Do the dark ones have a disease??”
Hello Justin. What an intriguing problem! Thick stems and dark green leaves are actually signs of very healthy tomato plants. It is possible that they are somehow a different variety, though this is not likely.
Are the lights on each set of plants at the same height? Seedlings do well with the lights 2-3″ above your trays. As they grow, move the lights up to be 6″ above your growing plants.
Seedling plants need fluorescent lights that provide from 15-20 watts per square foot. Your 25watt bulbs are providing 12 watts per foot (since you have 2 lights). The 40 watt setup is providing 20 watts per foot. Your 25 watt setup is slightly low, but this would have produced weaker, lighter green plants, not darker ones, if they were truly having problems.
The purple leaves are something to watch, as this is one sign of phosphorous deficiency. Has it been coiler in your house lately? Your soil may be fine, but colder temperatures can inhibit the ability of your plants to use the phosphorous that is there. Too much water or too little can also affect the phosphorous intake. You may want to test the soil to see if the levels of phosphorous are adequate.
I think you should be fine with both plants. Remember to harden them off before placing them outside, so they can get used to natural sunlight. Good luck!
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Here is my thought for the weekend.

" Increase our faith when fruitless seems. The toiling hours o'er vale and hill; Teach our discouraged hearts to feel. Thy kindly hand is leading still."

The hymns that we sing each Sunday in our meetings mean so much to me. R.L . Allan and Son are so kind to grant me permission to use this, What a comforting thought this is. DAD
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This is going to be all untill I see you Monday morning, I do not write a blog on Sunday. Mary and I have about the same plans each week, our Sunday morning meeting and this week we will be in another meeting at 4 P.M.
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I hope that all of you have a nice quite weekend. Help keep that smile going if you can. Reading that thought above might help you do it.
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BYE BYE DAD.
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white6416r@aol.com.
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.615-850-5763

© 2009 Dad's Tomato Garden Journal all rights reserved.

ENTRY # SEVENTEEN HUNDRED & TWENTY THREE

Good Morning.
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Time is so precious-do not waste it.
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The sun never sets on Dad's Tomato Garden Journal
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I am in my little office here in Tennessee at 3 A.M. on Friday morning, feeling very good, at least able to smile. And I am hoping the best for all my friends in every part of this world, Check my visitors list and you will see where some of my friends are located.
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I've learned that keeping a Tomato garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills.
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We have not received any of those pr0mised showers yet, but we keep hoping, today may be the day. It is starting the day warm again 68 at 3 a.m. and it will reach the high 80's today. You can almost see the tomatoes growing, I hope that you can see them on the Cams.

I am spending a lot of time down there every day now and I feel like it is doing me a lot of good.

Let's have our Tea or Coffee before we go up to the Eagle Web Cam It is ready, good and hot, and there is plenty of it. So come on in and sit a while, I am looking at a sign here on my desk that says RELAX. That is good advice.

Now if you have finished your drink we can go up and watch the eagles. I watched them a lot yesterday, and they are growing so fast; they will soon be taking flying lessons.

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This link below will be of interest to you, it tells us about the sick baby eagle that we had last year. where he is and how he is doing. There are a few pictures of him. Dad.

http://www.wildlifecenter.org/wp/norfolk-botanical-garden-eagle/

This will take you to Dad's Tomato Garden Album showing you our tomato crop of last year,2008. It shows the tomatoes from setting them out until the big red ripe home grown tomatoes begin to show up.

We are going to be showing our 2009 crop soon, be sure and watch for it.

I want to tell you all that have sent me so many comments that I do appreciate it and I do read every one of them. But I am so far behind with my email that I have not been able to answer all of you yet. Please forgive me, I am going try to do better.

Here is my thought for today.

" And even though disappointments come, they too are best for me. To lead me from this changing world and lead me nearer Thee."

This thought is a line in one of our hymns. R.L. Allan & Son of Scotland gives me permission to use this.

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This is enough for one day, I hope that I can see you in the morning, let's all do our best to be happy today, smile a lot and be kind and gentle to all that we meet, friend or foe.

BYE BYE DAD.
white6416r@aol.com.
.65-850-5763
© 2009 Dad's Tomato Garden Journal all rights reserved