16,949 Garden Web Discussions | Growing Tomatoes

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stringz(6a / HZ5(OH))

Hi Grubby. The three plants won't be cramped, they'll have about 15 gallons each and theoretically unlimited headroom; we just don't need any more than what 3 plants will produce, so I'll be using the rest of my (limited) garden space for other veggies.

    Bookmark     March 24, 2015 at 10:38AM
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stringz(6a / HZ5(OH))

And thanks to everyone who has contributed!

    Bookmark     March 24, 2015 at 10:39AM
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PupillaCharites(FL 9a)

"thinner skinned than BFT"

That sounds like something physical that can be gauged. I've noticed CP to have a very delicate skin, more like a berry than most tomatoes.

I agree with Seysonn's summary on physical attributes' priority and though I'm sure those who've grown them over time may develop a taste distinction, if the claimed distinction isn't easily perceptible to most and can't be can't be explained and reproduced all the time, for me it goes in the same file as miracle fertilizers and dubious pedigrees.

The original post seemed to apply to the fruit, but maybe the thread is changing; if we plant seeds as an question, is the foliage really too close to call too, as I don't think there is a genetic reason for that. I like mustgarden's observation about the vine length ... sounds encouraging to those of us who save seeds from the market in a special surprises for good fruits we've had the good luck to purchase.

PC

    Bookmark     January 7, 2015 at 7:14PM
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Seysonn_ 7b-WA/HZ1

Hi PC,
Yes I agree . Plant's physical attributes, growth habit might tell more than the fruits. Though BFT's fruit shape is described as "fattish round". I thinks CP fruits are not that round and can be oblate and not quite round.

Tatiana say BFT plant grows about 4 ft. tall which seems to be shorter and less vigorous than Cherokee Purple.

So there it goes : My B FT, CP , Black Cherry, Arbuznyi and JBT are growing under light. So 3 Russians vs 2 Americans. It is going to be a tough competition in dark colored category : call it Black, Brown, Purple, Chocolate Brown, Coffee Brown,..
I choose my tomatoes based on a lot reviews not just from a single person or a seeds seller. The next stage is to try them out. This way I identify the varieties that "I" like and "THEY" do well in "MY" garden. Way to go.

Seysonn

Black From Tula
The fruits look quite round.

Cherokee Purple.

The fruits are not round .

    Bookmark     March 24, 2015 at 1:12AM
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realmanpwns

I did. It's the link at the bottom of my original post.

    Bookmark     March 20, 2015 at 11:51PM
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Seysonn_ 7b-WA/HZ1

realmanpwns I did. It's the link at the bottom of my original pos

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
That is not a serious problem, I think. Just do as Dave told you already.

Seysonn

    Bookmark     March 21, 2015 at 12:43AM
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zzackey(8b GA)

Sorry! I read it wrong and my name is not Zzachary. It's Zackey.

    Bookmark     March 20, 2015 at 7:34AM
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jenniedhs_7b_nc

Sorry Zackey, I'm not reading things well today! It was me who didn't read the original post enough to know he did not want suggestions of cages but instructions on how to build. Do look up Texas tomato cages though. I have had mine I think close to 10 years.

    Bookmark     March 20, 2015 at 2:39PM
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digdirt2(6b-7a No.Cent. AR HZ8 Sun-35)

Ok THAT I can relate to. Then the answer isn't in tomato variety but to create an artificial environment that will let you grow tomatoes there in the summer.

I can do it here in January and February because I have greenhouses where i can control the environment. Same goes for Hudson in Wyoming. You need to redirect that stubborn energy and create a place where you can control the environment, keep the temperature and the humidity down while still providing adequate sun or artificial light. So if not a GH then something like an enclosed lanai or sun porch with air conditioning.

But outside in the open air in a Miami summer ain't going to cut it no matter how stubborn you are. You can't force Miami weather to fit the needs of tomato plants or to your experiences when you were gardening in the north. It is just a waste of time, energy, and stubborness.

Dave

1 Like    Bookmark     March 20, 2015 at 10:32AM
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garf_gw

I never gardened in the north. I was born here in Miami. If I didn't let the Cubans run me out, I won't let some heat stop me.

    Bookmark     March 20, 2015 at 12:58PM
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merripink

The sweetest tomato that I ever had was a SWEET CLUSTER. A medium size indeterminate that was unbelievably sweet! Hard to find now.

    Bookmark     March 20, 2015 at 12:16PM
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tandrew31

I think Indian Stripe is excellent. It is smaller than Cherokee Purple same color and smoother shape

    Bookmark     March 20, 2015 at 12:58PM
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fireduck(10a)

I took others' advice and never did fertilize my seedlings. They have grown nicely... and were planted out today. Over-fertilizing is easy to do with the babies.

    Bookmark     March 18, 2015 at 8:43PM Thanked by realmanpwns
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Seysonn_ 7b-WA/HZ1

I agree with over fertilizing.
MG potting mixes often has fertilizer ENOUGH for bigger plants. It should say on the package {{ No need to fertilize up to 3 months }} or something like that on the bag.

Seysonn

    Bookmark     March 19, 2015 at 4:13AM
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daninthedirt(Cent TX; HZ10, Sunset z30, USDA z8a)

That makes sense. If soil warming isn't the highest priority, but blocking light to weeds is, black plastic is what you want. If soil warming is the highest priority, then one is better off with clear plastic. Both will help with moisture retention.

    Bookmark     March 18, 2015 at 12:38PM
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Seysonn_ 7b-WA/HZ1

Clear plastic is ok BEFORE planting out any thing. Otherwise the soil can get too hot for the plants roots. JMO

Seysonn

    Bookmark     March 18, 2015 at 4:05PM
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Katherine Rosa

ugh *forehead slap*

Always trying to kill 'em with kindness I guess.

Luckily, only a few seem to be hurting -- here's hoping they're not so far gone they can't bounce back.

Thanks, everyone, for your insight!

    Bookmark     March 18, 2015 at 12:50PM
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Seysonn_ 7b-WA/HZ1

Too much watering and probably lack of nitrogen result in yellow foliage. Seedlings need to get thirsty between watering. I water mine about every 5 days or so. And I fertilize at about 1/3 strength wit MG blue water soluble (24-8-- 16). I have never used fish emulsion. So I cannot comment on that.

Seysonn

    Bookmark     March 18, 2015 at 4:02PM
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digdirt2(6b-7a No.Cent. AR HZ8 Sun-35)

Here you go:

Brokenbar Dried tomatoes discussion It is the one always linked to whenever this question comes up.

    Bookmark     March 17, 2015 at 8:59AM
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Flowerhen(z4 Maine)

Thank you ! I remember this post from last year, but could not figure out how to find it again.

    Bookmark     March 17, 2015 at 12:04PM
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garf_gw

I found 2 giant hornworms and smeared them. They had damaged several greenies.

    Bookmark     March 14, 2015 at 6:39PM
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garf_gw

Looks like my season is about over. I have 3 surviving backup plants I may plant to see what happens thru summer, but we'll see.

    Bookmark     March 17, 2015 at 11:23AM
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theforgottenone1013(MI zone 5b/6a)

Interesting use of Tomato Tone. Might have to try it when I eventually get around to having seedlings growing.

Rodney

    Bookmark     March 15, 2015 at 1:43PM
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drew51 SE MI Z5b/6a(5b/6a)

I use calcium nitrate, once in awhile so no worries about calcium. Also dynamite slow release is something I like to use too. Has everything, and a good ratio of NPK too.

    Bookmark     March 15, 2015 at 2:47PM
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Deeby

Thanks Dave ! How you guys do this math thing I can't imagine ! Anyway, mystery solved !

    Bookmark     March 11, 2015 at 5:22PM
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Seysonn_ 7b-WA/HZ1

Let us settle at ~ nominal 20 gallons; Hehe.
Deeby said::

It took about 1 1/2, 2 cubic foot bags of potting mix to fill it.

1.5 ( 2 c.f) = 3 cf >>> -3x 7.5 x 0.83 = 18.7 dry gallons

Also Beeby said:

I actually gave the pot away

What ???

Deeby, .. you've got to find that pot and measure it accurately LOL

Seysonn

    Bookmark     March 14, 2015 at 1:55AM
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shijitake

It's not supposed to be one ultimate tomato. I was asking which tomato fulfills each of those descriptions from your experience. For example, last year I'd say my Black Plum had the best flavor and the most productive, as opposed to my beefsteak (not sure which one it was), which probably only had four or five total and I didn't really like the taste. If I grew more I'd have more on the list.

    Bookmark     March 12, 2015 at 1:55PM
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digdirt2(6b-7a No.Cent. AR HZ8 Sun-35)

<I was asking which tomato fulfills each of those descriptions from your experience.>

That's why I linked some of the previous discussions above. You'll find many discussions for each of your categories with the search and each has lots of suggestions/opinions. It is a frequent question.

Dave

    Bookmark     March 12, 2015 at 2:24PM
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PupillaCharites(FL 9a)

Gary Millwood, of Louisville, Pike County, KY, the late Kentucky heirloom Mater Man expert had this to say:

Seeds of [Claude Brown Yellow Giant] tomato were given to Bill Best more than twenty years ago by Claude Brown of Pike County, Kentucky. He had worked on improving it for decades. An excellent tasting large, deep-yellow, tomato.

See pictures of it here:

Claude Brown Yellow Giant

and the place that is continuing Gary Millwood's seed collection after one change of hands:

Lucky Clover Farms

which says it is a huge tomato and has an acidic taste like a red tomato.

And note there are two similar, if not identical, strains/names of this tomato as it was distributed earlier as "Brown's Yellow Giant" by Donald Sparks who received them by the late 1980's, but since you have the Claude version, an assumption is that yours is derived via Sustainable Mountain Agricultural Center, Inc. where Bill Best of Berea, KY, is on the Board, and who is a tomato heirloom enthusiast who possibly received them earlier, also directly from Claude Brown at this website where local Appalachian heirloom preservationists formed this seed saving organization:

Sustainable Mountain Agricultural Center, Inc.

They characterize it as having an excellent flavor and which can weigh over 3 pounds.

Here is Gary Millwood, Bill Best, and Maria Stenger (the first to receive and continue many of Gary Millwood's seeds) in an Appalachian swap (scroll to first and last picture):

KY Seed Swap friends

What a fine tomato you can look forward to growing!

PC

    Bookmark     March 11, 2015 at 10:25PM
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Seysonn_ 7b-WA/HZ1

I check out the pictures. It looks awesome. The texture is also very meaty , nice color and fewer seeds. It looks like some of the better pineapple varieties to me.

Seysonn

    Bookmark     March 12, 2015 at 1:27AM
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