We recently added a new "kit" at Mary's Heirloom Seeds to grow your own Heirloom Tomatoes.
Our goal is to help you grow a healthy garden so we have instructions below to help you use the Heirloom Tomato Grow Kits.
Directions: Use an ample sized soaking container to re-hydrate your compressed brick. Soak your compressed coir brick for a minimum of fifteen minutes before attempting to use the product.
Start with 2 liters of water per brick (specific to this kit). If your brick is not fully hydrated then add more water.
Once your coconut coir is fully hydrated, add the coir to the non-woven starter bags provided. Make sure to pack each pod gently but firmly. Plant seeds accordingly in each pod.
Keep moist but not in standing water.
We recommend using the pods for your heirloom tomato seeds and direct sow the companion planting seeds. When you're ready to plant your seeds, it is best to only plant 1 or 2 seeds per pod. Too many seeds per pod (image below) will cause seedlings to be overcrowded and possibly not grow as healthy as possible.
The Mountain Flower Compost Tea can be used once your tomato seedlings have their second set of leaves. I recommend using half the packet (1/2 tablespoon) in 1/2 gallon of water for the first feeding. You can dilute even more if you prefer.
The Mountain Flower Root Boost should be used at or before transplanting. From the package:
New Planting for individual plants, mix 1-2 tablespoons
into soil when planting.
Transplanting: mix 1-2 tablespoons into soil when planting.
Established Plants: Add 2 tablespoons per gallon of water. "Brew" for 12-24 hours and feed 1/4-1/2 gallon per plant
The Nitrogen Boost Fish Food can be used at any time after transplanting. A diluted solution can be used right after transplanting to reduce shock. The smell is very strong so we do not recommend using it indoors.
The second half of the Mountain Flower Compost tea can be used in between or monthly after transplanting.
SEED PLANTING
For tomatoes, you can soak seeds for 24 hours prior to planting but this is optional. Sow approx 1/8-1/4 inch deep into moist soil/growing medium.
For complete growing instructions: Growing Heirloom Tomatoes from Seed
For your companion seeds, direct sow in your prepared garden bed, container or plot. These can be inter-planted with your tomatoes.
Borage: Plant seeds 1/8 - 1/4 inch deep into moist soil/growing medium.
Basil: don't plant these tiny seeds too deep. I prefer to place them on the top of the soil and gently tamp down into the soil.
Nasturtium: the seed coats are fairly hard so it would be a great idea to soak these for 24 hours prior to planting. Plant seeds 1/4 - 1/2 inch deep into moist soil/growing medium
Marigolds: Plant seeds 1/4 - 1/2 inch deep into moist soil/growing medium
For more info on companion planting:
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