Sweetie Pole Tomato

 Days to Maturity: 65 days from transplanting

Family: Solanaceae

Type: Indeterminate, Low Acid, Cherry Tomato

Native: Andes

Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual

Exposure: Full sun

Plant Dimensions: Vines up to 6' or longer

Variety Info: ¾"–1" round, red tomatoes in large grape-like clusters.

Attributes: Frost Sensitive

When to Sow Outside: For mild climates only: 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 60°F.

When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting. Transplant when air temperature is 45°F or warmer, usually 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 70°–90°F.

Days to Emerge: 5–10 days

Seed Depth: ⅛"

Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 24"–36"

Row Spacing: 36"

Thinning: When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 24"–36"

Harvesting: Sweetie' tomatoes are at the peak of sun-ripened deliciousness when red, and have a slight give when gently squeezed.

Seed Saving

 Seed Saving Growing your own garden provides a wonderful opportunity to save the seeds your plants may produce. You can replant them next year or gift them to a friend. 

Supplies: 

Heirloom or heritage seeds 

Directions: 

1. Separate or collect seeds from your heirloom plants. For tomatoes, using a ne-mesh sieve, remove as much pulp as possible from seeds. Drain well. 

2. Paperclip a piece of parchment paper to a mesh tray and spread seeds out. 

3. Dry at 95℉ for 3-12 hours. 

4. Test for doneness. Larger seeds will need more drying time. It’s okay to over dry them to be sure all moisture is removed. Seeds should be rm and very dry. 

5. Store in an airtight container until it’s time to plant them again. 

Note: 

Hybrid plants do not produce seeds that will reproduce the same flowers or fruit. Only heritage or heirloom seeds are able to be saved and replanted.

Dehydrated Apples 🍎 🍏

 

Apples 

Ingredients: 

Apples 

Spices, if desired 

Directions: 

1. Wash apples 🍎. Peel, if desired, and remove the core. 

2. Cut into slices or rings. Aim for about ¼” thick. 

3. Pretreat with lemon bath (1/4 lemon 🍋 juice then 3/4 water) to prevent browning. Drain well. 

4. Toss in any spices you may be using. 

5. Place on trays. 

6. Dry at 130℉ for 4-6 hours. 

7. Test for doneness, listening for a crisp crack when broken in half. 

8. Condition, then store in an airtight container with an oxygen absorber if in humid environment.