The tomato seeds have grown into very healthy plants.  I decided to move them out to the greenhouse about one month ago.  I have a small heater for the green house which I’ve never used before.  I knew there were some freezing nights ahead but thought that this heater would keep the greenhouse temperature at the 65 degrees, but the heater was not powerful enough.  I thought I had killed them when the taller ones had some of their leaves turn white.  I was worried about them but didn’t want to go to the trouble of bringing them back into the house.  I adjusted the heater to blow down directly on the plants and hope for the best.  I was prepared to buy some plants at the Pierce County Master Gardeners Plant Sale where I purchased plants 2 and 3 years ago.  By the time of the plant sale though, my plants were looking pretty healthy.  All the uppermost leaves are still healthy and just a few of the lower leaves are white on just a few of the tallest plants.  I decided to go to the sale and buy a few plants knowing that their plants are very healthy and there are many varieties to choose from.  I also thought it would be fun to compare theirs to mine.

The Master Gardeners must have planted their seeds later than usual.  Their plants are usually a few inches taller and much fuller than this year.  I ended up buying three plants from them.  In comparison to mine, I am pleased to say, that mine plants are about twice as tall and look very healthy even though mine had the frost set back.

As you will see in the photos below, my plant is on the right and the master gardener plant is on the left.

Also, I was going to buy plant stakes, but we had cut a few trees and bushes in our front yard and I found some twigs that work well instead.  We have been trying to keep our garden as natural and earth friendly as possible so I loved this option.  Also, love our terra cotta pot versus their plastic cup.

As you will see in the photos – I have been using wooden clothes pins to pin the plants to the stakes.  It works so perfect because the plant stem perfectly fits in the dips when it’s clipped to the stake so the stem doesn’t get squished.

Rain causes tomatoes to split and as you know, we get a lot of rain here in the northwest all summer.  Instead of trying to cover the plants when the rain comes, my success comes from planting small tomatoes and picking often.  This has worked so well.  I typically try to wait until the tomatoes are very ripe and sweet before picking but if I know it’s going to rain, then I pick all that are ripe and are at risk.  This year I’m trying small paste tomatoes also.