OK… for all you rabid fans – I am posting a plant growth chart. As the fruit producers start to give up crop, I’ll put that in also.
| Date | Bucket 1: Homestead Heirloom Tomato | Bucket 2: Cherry Tomato | Bucket 3: Brandywine Heirloom Tomato | Bucket 4: Sweet Basil | Bucket 5: Jalapeno | Bucket 6: Habanero |
| 2014-03-11 | 18.0″ | 10.0″ | 8.0″ | 3.5″ | 3.0″ | 3.0″ |
| 2014-03-18 | 21.0″ | 10.0″ | 11.0″ | 5.5″ | 4.0″ | 4.0″ |
| 2014-03-25 | 23.0″ | 11.0″ | 15.0″ | 7.0″ | 6.0″ | 4.5″ |
| CROP | 1 green approx. 1″ | 3 green approx. 1/2″ | ||||
| 2014-04-01 | 23.0″ | 12.0″ | 16.0″ | 10″ | 8.0″ | 5.0″ |
| CROP | 3 green approx. 1/2″ – 1 1/4″ | 2 red approx. 1/2″, 13 smalls | ||||
| 2014-04-20 | 28.0″ | 14.0″ | 30.0″ | 9.0″ | 11.0″ | 8.0″ |
| CROP | 4 green approx. 1/2″ – 1 1/4″ | 6 red approx. 1/2″, 11 smalls | Harvested some leaves |
Note: The first plant in bucket 1 is the lone survivor from last year. Growth is being measured on the new growth section of the plant.
Note: The cherry tomato has 3 small, green tomatoes when purchased.
Basil
According to this site, basil leaves should be picked after the dew has dried, leaf by leaf, but not too much. Full plants should be picked lower down, young plants from the top to encourage growth. It is best to pick them before they flower. Then dry the leaves and crush them – do not wash them as you will rinse off the essential oils. Store them in airtight containers, in a dark place.
Pictures to follow.