Yes they are... 12 are grafted at one end of greenhouse.

Is this this bubble wrap Bill?

Tim

You remember me. We are approaching things differently. I gave up on grafting but I must have close to 200 varieties planted in my one high tunnel this year. My customers like the heirloom varieties and although production isn’t as good they sell out.

I grew Rebelski last year again. Are you reconsidering that one? This year my high tunnel types are Frederick, Torero, Caimen, Trust and a few from very old seed of Dafel and Estiva. But I still really like Big Beef and seed price for the qualify tomato is great.

i still have Maxifort seed. What are you grafting to?

I just came across notes on that “bubble wrap” greenhouse. I put that solar pool cover bubble wrap on ,sandwiched between 2 poly layers, in July of 2007. It’s been on over 10 years and looks like it will last another 10. My greatest fear most nights is that it doesn’t get too hot in there with my wood stove heating it.

Bill,

Good to hear from ya that all is well...

This greenhouse is totally automated thanks to Nolts Greenhouse Supplies and Advancing alternatives... automatic roll up sides, automatic heat and humidity control.

The irrigation is all automated also, I control it from my phone...Thanks to TanTan wifi outlets, 24v doorbell transformers and orbit zone valves. I set a schedule as many times a day or night i would like the drippers to come on via the TanTan app. I can also manually turn them on/off from my phone at anytime from anywhere in the world. I also have an Arlo security system camera in the greenhouse so i can view live footage of greenhouse from my phone at anytime. I can actually hear inside the greenhouse very well from the Arlo...Can even hear the injectors clicking.

Its a true George Jetson greenhouse.

Tim

That’s amazing. I sometimes wish I had such a system. Well actually I wish that quite often. My automation is setting my cell phone alarm to get me up every 2 1/2 to 3 hours every night to put more wood on my three wood stoves. But the good news is that I haven’t come across a skunk yet this spring.

You must get your string from same supply center as me. I have quite a few more to put up though.

Looks fantastic Bill! How many in there? 480?

542 plants, 135 varieties. I really like Big Beef but only 22 this year. I had to compromise in order to trial Frederick and repeat Caiman and Torero. My problem is that I like them all and yet the demand for Heirloom and Heritage varieties is greater. I’ll soon start a few more rows in my newest 30x78’ tunnel. I was sent seed for a few other varieties late and I want to try those as well. I also will repeat a few varieties like Big Beef.

Don’t you get the urge to try a few new varieties? A costumer gave me a few newer heirloom tomatoes so I could save seeds. One called “Girl Girl’s Wierd Thing” was impressive and I just had to include it in my lineup. Last year I commented on this forum on how productive and attractive the Orange Jazz were. You should give a few new ones some space.

Impressive Tunnels O Tomatoes both of you! Thanks for posting the pictures!

Barrie - I'm growing a GGWT for the first time this year as well and growing Orange Jazz for the second time. I got the GGWT seeds in a trade with Kansas Farm Girl (Shell) here on this forum and am really looking forward to trying it.

I loved Orange Jazz last year. Got a couple 2 pounders and over 70 lbs. total from 2 plants. The only negatives are the large cores and it seemed to really attract the stink bugs late in the season.

Interesting Jack that stink bugs were drawn to GGWT tomatoes. I’ve heard that stink bugs can be a problem but I’ve only had issues with them on raspberries. I might be overlooking them.

With Orange Jazz I had good yield too but did not measure.

Sorry, Tim for sidestep. I did want to relate to an article I just read about the Ohio State automated greenhouse at Wooster. It reminded me of your setup. From the article the ventilation system even adjusts irrigation based on overcast weather patterns. This is a picture of their tomatoes:

Those look great!

timgallagher - nice looking plants and BB cluster!

Barrie - It was the OJ that was a stink bug magnet last year, not the GGWT.

My plants are all blooming but I haven't seen any fruit set yet. They have only been out in the garden for 17 days. I plan to hit them with some Texas Tomato Food later this week.

Tim - Your plants are looking great! Big Beef is such a great performer. I love the planting set up in the bags and would like to hear more about the irrigation system, specifically how you wired up the orbit valves and doorbell transformers. I had been thinking of doing something similar for a while - I have a similar Jetson style home - Smartthings, Arlo, Alexa controlled lights and ventilation system, etc. I got a few of those orbit valves on the cheap but haven't figured a way to control them economically yet.

Kevin,

A tan tan wifi outlet is pretty cheap...14$ ea. Likewise with the doorbell transformer.

Just wire the doorbell transformer 120v side to the tantan, then the 24v side to the orbit valve. Now you have an on/off water valve that can be controlled from your phone including timers you can set.

As long as you have WiFi service, it will work out for you.

Man that is so simple I cant believe I hadn't thought of it.... I already have a few smart outlets I am not using so all I really need is the doorbell transformer.... I'd love to have this setup in the greenhouse for smart/timer irrigation.

Thanks for the explanation! Your plants look wonderful. Are there four plants per bag? Are those 2cf bags?

2.8 cf bags

4 per bag

I've been growing them like this 20+ years.

Fairly common british back garden technique to just plant directly in the bags instead of buying containers. Also significantly reduces evaporation because they're effectively plasticultured.

You got it!

Another plus is the black bags heat nicely in the April sun!

BTW: I see you're using Promix BX, are those the compressed or loose bales? I'm north of the border so the product selection is *slightly* different?

They are 2.8 loose fill bags. Key to growing them is fertigation!

I thought it looked like a lot like a DTW hydroponics setup. What do you use for nutrients?

Are you getting enough sunshine Tim?

Your tomatoes should start to ripen soon.

That must be last year or yours really passed mine!

With Big Beef, I’ve noticed the first cluster ripens when the 7th cluster is flowering. They are basicly 7 weeks from flower to ripe (49) days.

here are current pictures