Skelly Tomatoes
For a number of years, we have had our homegrown tomatoes
available starting in early July. However, tomatoes are
typically not ready in Wisconsin until mid-August. Our tomatoes
are not hothouse or hydroponics tomatoes. These are true
homegrown tomatoes. So, how do we do it?
First, it is important to know how early tomatoes are grown
in cold climates. One method is called hothouse tomatoes. With
hothouse tomatoes, plants are grown in pots using potting soil
and special nutrient mixtures. The plants will stay in pots
their entire life and use whatever is provided for nutrients in
the pot.
Hydroponics uses a water and nutrient mixture to grow the
plants in a greenhouse. Again, the growth of the plants is
dependent on the special nutrient mixtures.
Skelly’s has a different method. We have four greenhouses
with natural soil floors. The greenhouses are constructed in a
normal field and the soil stays the same as if the tomatoes were
grown outside. We then plant the tomatoes right in the ground
inside these greenhouses. The sides roll up during the day to
allow the plants to not overheat and let in bees for
pollination. When it is cool at night in the spring, the sides
are closed and the plants stay warm so they do not freeze.
Basically, the greenhouses just give the plants a little
extra protection from the cold weather allowing for early
tomatoes. While the plants do receive some fertilizer, they grow
just like an outside plant. Plus, our soil is full of all the
great little critters such as worms that help plants grow
healthy.
Since our plants are not overloaded with nutrients and
special growing soils, our customers have told us time and again
that our tomatoes are just as tasty and juicy as any other
tomato they could grow. The greenhouses produce great tasting
early tomatoes. | 