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Disappointing texture. Anyone have any insight or advice?

Posted by Hermicide 6a (My Page) on
Fri, Jul 19, 13 at 10:09

It's my first year with a real garden. I was so exited to eat that first tomato that I grew and babied from a seed. Imagine my shock and disappointment when the texture was barely distinguishable from a grocery store tomato in winter. I'd say 70% of the Mortgage Lifters, Brandy Boys, Big Boys, Brandywines, Lemon Boys, and Heatwaves I'm picked this week have been mealy, grainy, mushy and just generally crappy texture. At first I thought i was picking too early (picked at break) but a little experiment showed me that wasn't the case. I've read a lot online and there doesn't seem to be much consensus on the issue. Does anyone here have any advice about what's causing this?

Background: 6a, raised bed, decent soil amended with manure and compost, deep watering with PVC drip system when it gets dry 1-2 times a week. Like most people we had a wet, cool spring but it's been hot and dry the last month. The plants look very healthy and have been productive.


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Disappointing texture. Anyone have any insight or advice?

First fruit are rarely the best. My first one was mealy, too, but had some flavor.

I think it's just a case of being the first. You've grown some nice varieties. In a couple of weeks, you'll be in tomato heaven.


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RE: Disappointing texture. Anyone have any insight or advice?

H....if they are mealy...it sounds to me that they may have been picked a bit late. Not sure. Better weather may help as well.


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RE: Disappointing texture. Anyone have any insight or advice?

I had the same thing happen one year. They will improve in time.


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RE: Disappointing texture. Anyone have any insight or advice?

  • Posted by qaguy Sunset 21/LosAngeles (My Page) on
    Fri, Jul 19, 13 at 13:04

First tomatoes of the year are always a disappointment
for me. Patience is the answer. They will get better.


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