Week 2 – Selecting your plant

In this week’s class, we’ll be discussing some factors to consider when selecting a tomato plant. There are many varieties available, each with differing characteristics, which may make them more or less suitable for growing upside down.

In your groups, at the end of this week, you will make a decision of which tomato variety your group will plant. Before making that decision, we will spend some time learning about different varieties available to you, and some of the characteristics of each one. Below is an outline of what is expected of you this week.

Before Class

1. Read the Plant Selection page on this website. Watch the embedded video, and choose at least two of the links I’ve provided to explore additional varieties.

2. Answer questions #1 and #2 under Discussion Questions on the Plant Selection page by posting your comments at the bottom of the page.

This week’s class

During this week’s class, you will be working in groups to determine which variety of tomatoes your group will plant. We will spend the first half of the class comparing some of the varieties mentioned in your readings. The second half of the class will be spent in your groups, negotiating your individual preferences, and ultimately coming to a consensus. Each group must inform me of their selection before the end of this week’s class.

After class

1. Review some of the comments posted by your classmates on the Plant Selection page. Answer question #3 in the Discussion Questions.

2. Spend some time researching your selected tomato variety. Where does it grow? How big is the plant at maturity? How much fruit does it yield, on average? What size is the fruit? Is it susceptible to drought? pests? How much sunshine does it need?

2. Create a new Journal Entry describing the tomato variety you have chosen. Your entry should answer the questions above. Additionally, reflect on how how your group decided to grow this particular variety. What were some of the other varieties you considered as a group? Why did you ultimately decide on this one? I would like you to find at least one image of the variety to use in your blog.

As always, if you have any questions, don’t be shy to email me, or post a comment.