Repotting Tomato Plants

I'm a week ahead of schedule on the tomato plants, but they were getting a bit crowded in their beginning container. I selected 4 of the strongest plants (tallest, best looking leaves, not spindly, stood up when watered instead of falling over) of each type and transplanted to larger pots. They're in the windows of the sun porch, where they will continue to grow until they are moved outdoors for acclimation before planting in their cages. Only two will actually be planted per cage, with one going to maturity if they grow like they did last year. I like tomato cages made of fencing wire because they support the plant without using yards and yards of twine to try to tie it up, and you can get your hand through the holes in the fencing (choose a roll with large enough holes) to harvest the tomatoes. We had 4-ft fencing last year, and the tomato plants spilled over onto the ground eventually. We may make taller cages this year. Cages keep even indeterminate plants relatively compact and stable. And they do well, if deeply staked, even in really windy conditions.

The seed I saved from last year germinated quite well. It is exciting to save seed and see the next generation grow. Life is good.