Tomatoes

[redhead]

We're at the dock still fixing the boat. Expect to leave anytime between June and the end of the summer depending when the jobs or the money runs out.

A friend who knows nothing about living aboard gave me the most beautiful tomato plant I've ever seen and I've been nurturing it up in the cockpit and it's growing like crazy.

Now I'm thinking about leaving and realize that I probably should give the plant to someone else. I don't know the type of tomato or if it's determinate or not, so it may very well grow to a completely unmanageable size.

BUT I have to ask: is anyone out there actually growing a tomato plant on a cruising vessel? I think the rewards would be great, but the commitment of space and care would also be great.

OK, now you can laugh. Thanks all.

[SVNeko]

Can't say; haven't done it. But I can add that after the orangey plastic hothouse things all through the Caribbean and Bahamas, we found delicious farm raised tomatoes at the open market on Nevis. I am from NJ, and know a good tomato.

[redhead]

I feel your pain. We're from Long Island NY where the tomatoes are famous. Out here on the west coast the local tomatoes are 7 on a scale of 10 but during the winter we only have Mexican tomatoes which are way too old by the time they get to market or hydroponic Canadian tomatoes which are as fresh as all get out, but kind of bland in flavor.

Which is why I'm hoping people will tell me they sail with tomato plants all the time!:big grin:

Anyway, if that's the biggest problem we have, we're pretty lucky...

[TurninTurtle]

need to also worry about the rules for importing plants from one country to anoher, which are largely based on preventing the transport of insects and/or diseases that could wipe out crops.

I'd get rid of the plant.

[Sea Dreaming]

I second getting rid of the plant if you are traveling out of the states. Just google some of the unintended consequences of hitchhiker species in the Galapagos. The littlest things have a big impact.

[redhead]

You're absolutely right. Sigh.

Forget this thread.

[seandepagnier]

I have sailed in the pacific indian and atlantic growing plants during the crossing. This ensures something fresh even at the end of a passage.

Anyone who says to get rid of the plant is a murderer.

[angelfish2]

This is a good question. I'd like to hear from others who have carried plants along with them. I have seen aloe plants secured in cockpits before and have also heard of growing herbs onboard, so why not a tomato plant? I'd give it a try, however I would be careful if you are planning to travel to other countries.

[barnakiel]

We did but they work best grown while at the dock or anchored on a flat water (unless you have a cat!).

Offshore plants get too much movement and salt spray and they do not seem happy.

You can plant yours somewhere in the bush, come later, collect the fruits.

Tomato plants like semi shade and water. They do not like strong winds and they do love support.

b.

[Rustic Charm]

Originally Posted by TurninTurtle

need to also worry about the rules for importing plants from one country to anoher, which are largely based on preventing the transport of insects and/or diseases that could wipe out crops.

I'd get rid of the plant.

Don't come anywhere near Australia with that plant or the potting mix. Not only would it be confiscated once you declare it, but then you 'might' be up for the cost of defuming your boat. Despite being accused of 'murder', I'd suggesting eating the fruit and dumping the plant. Just give it away before you head off. Simply not worth the hassle.

[Boatguy30]

Pretty sure that plant isn't going to make it across the pacific. Its like a 60 day maturity.


I may take a tomato plant in a bucket aboard next week, but the plant seems to have some rust or other disease so not sure it is going. Staying along the US east coast so may try something else

[Rustic Charm]

Originally Posted by Boatguy30

Pretty sure that plant isn't going to make it across the pacific. Its like a 60 day maturity.


I may take a tomato plant in a bucket aboard next week, but the plant seems to have some rust or other disease so not sure it is going. Staying along the US east coast so may try something else

Tried prayer singing to it crystals triangle hutch thingy

[sck5]

The only plant life on my boat is the slime growing on the bottom...

[sparrowhawk1]

If you do a search there's only a couple of us successfully growing a garden. If you're doing it for the pleasure I would say get a self watering container, also called reservoir containers. But understand these plants will take a gallon of water a day or more. Also you want something to cover them when there's salt spray . if you want to grow for food I would suggest an easy green sprouter.

[StuM]

Originally Posted by boat_alexandra

I have sailed in the pacific indian and atlantic growing plants during the crossing. This ensures something fresh even at the end of a passage.

Anyone who says to get rid of the plant is a murderer.

Anyone who says to keep a plant on board when moving between countries is a bio-terrorist