Tomatoes what would you do

middlewife

Morning all, I have several packs of cherry tomatoes seeds. I usually grow indoors until may on windowsills, using foil behind the seed trays. Then they go out in a mixture of pots in a mini greenhouse, pots on a sheltered west facing patio and a few in grow bags growing up a trellis next to a raised bed.

However…..

I'm due to have a hip replacement in 2 weeks, the greenhouse frame (wood) will need coating with waterproof stuff, my raised beds on legs also need waterproofing, relining and refilling with soil. Was hoping I might have got it done, but it's been too wet to try;

So, should I abandon sowing this year and buy some plants in May, or sow anyway ?- I have no idea how mobile I'll be. Last year was a non starter as I crashed a bike and had my shoulder repaired, so just about over that now, but was really hoping to get back to growing; your thoughts please?

twopenny

Me too Middlewife. 😄 But bad luck on the shoulder too.

If all goes well you could be on one crutch in 2 weeks post op, may depend on which shoulder and hip.

You aren't supposed to carry heavy things for a while thinking of the tubs of waterproofing etc. but if you can get someone to place them for you and put them in place or spoon the mix into something smaller that might work.

Put all tools and materials needed ready in a box in case so your limiting how much you need to do at once. Put pots in place filled, covered to prevent moisture loss so popping them in is easy. That will be some.

Could you not try both? Plant your seeds and see how you go? If not possible donate them and buy.

I'm getting seeds in on time and hope I can get small plants in the ground beforehand and use hose to water. Shop bought is hit and miss if they are any good and tomato plants I've seen diseased in nurseries.

middlewife

Thanks, there's a lot to do! I've stocked the freezer, need to move clothes and toiletries downstairs and install the glamorous raised toilet seat :) I could try both, you're right, and not the end of the world if it doesn't work out....

Brie

I'd be tempted to freegle them and make a pact with whomever takes them that they will give you a supply of little plants at a suitable time later in the spring.

I'm useless when it comes to growing tomatoes for some reason. I keep trying but have realised I'm wasting money buying seeds or plants. But there's always someone on freegle who has too many and happy to give them to a good home. They're likely to be even happier if they don't have to buy the seeds!

twopenny

Some tips friends gave me is to put as many small tables chairs etc between the kitchen and bed/sofa so you can rest on or move things.

I've got an apron with a front pocket but light rucksack would do so you can make a flask of tea, sandwiches in a bag and still use 2 crutches. That way you can sit on the sofa/bed and have a cup of tea 🙂 it's not the same stuck in the kitchen.

But yes, I'd get the pots ready to plant in. Pots with seedlings in apron whatever pocket to get to pot and plant.

Honestly 15yrs ago I had my feet corrected. I was desperate about mowing the lawn, weeding etc. always busy but once done I settled nicely into unheard of day time TV and when I could sat in the garden with a book. I didn't give a fig about the grass 😄 and I looked 10 yrs younger for relaxing.

Let us know how you go because it will be my turn next 🤞

middlewife

Thank you for the tips. I had my left hip repaired 10 years ago, but now too ancient (63!) to attempt a repair. The recovery is apparently very similar except there's a scar to look after, it's all coming back to me now:) I've bought a few charity shop dresses with pockets and have a small rucksack and flask . I kept my sock putter on thingy, shoe horn and grab stick so think I'm all set. I'm just not very good at sitting still.......