Indoor Tomatoes - Knowledgebase Question

Shelburne, VT
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Question by jangannon
November 19, 1997
Would you please recommend a few varieties of tomatoes and basil that can be grown under grow lights in Vermont in the winter? I can't wait until next summer!


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Answer from NGA
November 19, 1997
Basil grows well under flourescent growlights, especially if you transplant seedlings to separate pots. Try Burpee's 'Dwarf Bush Fineleaf' and Shepherd's Seeds 'Genova Profumatissima' and 'Dwarf Greek'(www.shepherdseeds.com; ph# 860-482-3638).

Tomatoes are another matter. It's expensive to get them to blossom and bear fruit indoors, since flourescent bulbs don't provide the necessary light intensity. Sodium or halide bulbs in special heavy-duty fixtures do the trick - you can order them through Gardener's Supply Co. (down in the Burlington Intervale - 660-3505; www.gardeners.com). Only you can decide the true value of homegrown, vine-ripened tomatoes in January! Enjoy!

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