Molina Cigar Co.: The Great American Backyard Tabaco Experiment, Day 92

Day 92. A couple of happy tabaco plants.

Greetings Friends,

We have just completed an all-important step in the Great American Backyard Tabaco Experiment: transplanting. We will divide this entry into 2 parts for a simpler illustration: 1. preparation of the land and 2. transplanting. Enjoy the read!

Preparation of the Land:

As I mentioned yesterday, the preparation for the actual plot of land to contain the tabaco plants was done around Day 30. The first step at this stage is to choose the part of your backyard that is to be used as a garden. The highest part of the backyard is ideal but more importantly, the area has to have plenty of sunlight and no aerial obstructions. Next, if the chosen area is just dirt, you're good. Otherwise, if your situation was like mine, there was grass. If this is the case, then I recommend a good plower or other similar gardening equipment to pull out the grass and expose the soil. In my case, I went old-school and used a shovel to lift out the top-layer of grass. After some back-breaking work, I tilled the soil so that there were a series of "valleys" and "mountains". As you can see in the illustration below, this layout is ideal as it allows for water to be contained and not flood the tabaco plants in case you are hit with a shower storm or two. The plants will be placed on top of the "mountain" for maximum protection. Next (although not necessary), I placed a garden picket fence around the border of the plot. I was forced to do this as we have a couple of Labs that like to roam the backyard. If you do not have dogs or other backyard pets, this is not necessary (but it is still good form).

The steps up to this point were actually done last year when I used this layout for the last growing season. What I did on Day 30 of the GABTE was this next step: laying down the black "garbage bag" plastic tarp on the ground. Although this step is not necessary as well, I highly recommend implementing this cover. Reason One: you do not have to worry about weeds and pulling out weeds so often. The tarp kills off and prevents any grass, weeds or other plants from growing underneath its surface (the reason I do this early on is to deprive sunlight to any grass and weeds on the plot and to let them die off and ferment before we transplant our tabaco plants). Reason Two: the tarp is able to contain and store water from a shower or hosing session. Reason Three: the likelihood of any pests getting to your plants is lower. Many strawberry farmers use this tactic to grow their fruits (especially here in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, the strawberry capital) for the previous reasons and also to retain heat in the ground. Again, this step is not mandatory but it helps you out in the long run.

Take a look below at the cross-section of the plot to better understand how we will prepare our plot.

Cross-section of tabaco plot.

As far as the dimensions and where we will physically place the plants, look below at the bird's-eye view of the plot. It is important to leave enough space in between plants so that each can develop in peace and quiet without infringing on the next plant's space and nutrients. Notice that we leave about 4 feet between plants in the same column and when we look at column-to-column, we stagger the placement of the plants (like many houses that use brick on their facades). This is illustrated by the dotted lines "connecting" every other column. I have also left some space between the plants and the fence (if you decide to use a protective barrier of some kind).

In the end, the preparation is rather simple but very important. Once we transplant, expect an exponential growth rate from these "unconfined" plants. I have noticed that the growth rate of tabaco can be controlled by how long and in what size container you place the plants. Since the root system of tabaco grows out extensively, once the roots hit a boundary, the plant does not grow as much. I believe we could have shaved off 2 weeks in this experiment if I transplanted the tabaco earlier and if I transplanted the seedlings from the common plastic bin (during germination) to each individual plastic container earlier, as well. However, I left the plants as long as I did for their protection. Regardless, we are here now and ready for the transplant.

Bird's-Eye View of the tabaco plot.

Transplanting:

After checking the prepared plot of backyard, I was ready to transplant the all-stars. I recommend doing this step at dawn or dusk so the plants don't have to worry about the daytime heat of the sun (this step is a stressor for the tabaco anyway; plus you are more comfortable as well). I water the plants in their containers so that when I actually pull out the plants, it is easier and the plants are held intact.

Day 92. One quick survey of the plot.

Day 92. The plants are ready.

According to the drawn layout, I go to the spot where the transplanting process is to occur. Secondly, I use a small gardening hoe to cut out a small hole in the trap. This is where the plant will be placed. Next, I dig out enough soil so the plant (with its container soil) can be placed level with the ground. After the ground is prepared, I carefully dig out the tabaco plant from its plastic container. Do not worry if some soil is left behind with leftover roots. The plant has a dense root structure. Next, I place the plant in the hole and pack the soil around it in place. This keeps the plant intact and secure.

I repeat these steps with the other plants and lay them out according to the plan. When I am done, I lightly hose the plants with water (not putting the stream into direct contact with the tabaco but rather letting the ground around the plant absorb the water). From this point on, when you water the plants, it is better to water them in this way. Water spots are more likely to form on the leaves if you water directly onto the leaves.

From here on out, the growth rate should be quick. As long as the soil is moist, the bugs are kept at bay and the plants get an adequate amount of sunlight, the crop will be plentiful and the leaves thick. Stay tuned for updates regarding the open-field growing stage. Happy planting!