Grafted Tomato Trials Set to Begin

This year’s gardening trials for Harris Seeds includes a side-by-side comparison of three varieties of grafted heirloom tomatoes versus non-grafted varieties.

TheHarris Seeds Home Garden Trialsfor 2013 are set to get down . I ’m just look for the night - time temperature to get to a predictable 55 degrees and then I can jump planting .

This is my second year to be invite to be part of the society ’s trialing program . In gain to test several sort of flowers , pepper and tomato plant , Harris Seeds is interested in evaluating three varieties of grafted heirloom tomatoes .

Grafted vegetablesare act upon their agency onto the pages of seed catalogue and into neighbourhood nurseries and garden centers . By grafting a tasty , heirloom tomato plant onto a tougher rootstock , the plant life grow to be stronger and more repellent to soil - borne diseases and stressful growing conditions .

The solvent of this trial will serve Harris Seeds decide which change the companionship will consider adding to its catalog in the future .

The trial tomato plant sampler includes grafted and non - grafted Pink Brandywine , Cherokee Purple and San Marzano tomatoes for a side - by - side compare .

I ’ve already report on how the plant looked when they arrived . Because this is a tryout programme , Harris Seeds want feedback on works character ( leaf people of colour , shank timber and general vigor ) ; shipping lineament ( plant harm or dislodge from cells ) ; and whether a publish planting guide and industrial plant recognition legend were include .

Planting data is always authoritative , but it ’s particularly all important for grafted industrial plant . The bribery needs to be institute at least one column inch above the ground line . If the graft is planted below the grease line , the grafted ( scion ) works will begin to take root in the land . This mean the plant will short-circuit its grafted rootstock , which defeats the purpose of having a grafted industrial plant .

The planting guide gives step - by - stone’s throw direction for opt the right planting emplacement , preparing the filth , mulching and watering . Care after planting includes prevent the plants consistently moist , fertilizing every 2 - 4 weeks , protecting them from frost and tally tomato supports or cages .

All of the forethought instruction manual are imply to help get the best results during the testing process .

later on this season I ’ll report my results . The grafted tomato evaluation involve gardeners to rate transplanting quality , plant vigor , disease resistivity , conditions leeway , and yield . The Lycopersicon esculentum will be rate on taste ( flavor , texture , scent and culinary appeal ) and caliber ( appearance , consistency and uniformity ) .

If non - grafted plants are grown alongside the grafted heirloom tomato , nurseryman are asked to evaluate any visible difference in plant vigor , yield and disease ohmic resistance .

Because grafted Lycopersicon esculentum are more costly to produce , there are also questions about pricing and whether graft tomatoes are worth the add disbursal .

I ’m look forwards to being part of the home garden trial and to share some of my experience with you during the season and after the harvest .

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Three varieties of grafted and non-grafted tomatoes will be planted side-by-side and then evaluated as part of the Harris Seeds Home Garden Trials for 2013.

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