Tomatoes

[PromiseSeeker]

Don't you just love a garden fresh tomatoe!! Grab a little salt and a knife....... Mmmm....

Does anyone here grow tomatoes during the summer? What are your favorite kinds? Do you do anything special for them?

 

[Redneck Crow]

I grow 2 or 3 plants. There's only my roommate and myself, and even with only a few plants, we end up with too many. I usually grow a plant or 2 of Big Boy or Better Boy, and one of something different.

I transplant my tomatoes when they are about a foot tall. I pick off all but the top 5 leaves, and sink about 2/3 of the plant in the ground. I put a bunch of crushed eggshells in the planting hole. This gives calcium, which decreased blossom end rot. I generally put a little lime, maybe a couple of tablespoonsful a plant, on the ground around each plant and scratch it in. I fertilize with Miracle Grow when I water them, and I keep them well watered. I tie the plants up on stakes to keep the slugs from getting more than I do.

 

[chilehed]

Mmmmmmm...sun-heated tomatoes in the summer. Can't wait.

I do the same leaf-stripping and deep planting, it helps the plants set lots of roots.

There's a very good orange cherry cultivar called "Summergold", they're low-acid and quite sweet.

When I was a kid we grew a cultivar named "Floridel", it was one of the best-tasting tomatoes I've ever had. Anyone know if it's still available?

 

[Veritas]

I prefer organic heirlooms. Last year I had a few tomato plants in large containers. It wasn't a particularly good growing year, but I got a few good and flavorful tomatoes. My favorite (which I didn't grow because it requires a long season) is Marvel stripe. They're a fabulously huge (1-2 pound), delicious yellow tomato with red marbeling; an excellent beef steak type.

 

[Redneck Crow]

I prefer organic heirlooms. Last year I had a few tomato plants in large containers. It wasn't a particularly good growing year, but I got a few good and flavorful tomatoes. My favorite (which I didn't grow because it requires a long season) is Marvel stripe. They're a fabulously huge (1-2 pound), delicious yellow tomato with red marbeling; an excellent beef steak type.

I've grown the heirlooms. I usually plant one plant of one of them--sometimes a German Giant, often a Rutgers. The problem I have with them is that they are not usually good producers compared to the hybrids, and I have limited garden space. They taste a lot better though.

 

[vpbar73]

My wife and I planted 60 plants last season. I guess you could say that we love tomatoes. We like to jar them, freeze them, make salsa, and last but not least, eat them fresh. We also give them to friends and family. During the summer we eat tomatoes every night nearly...lol. Can't get enough. I know everything in moderation but, it's a vice.
We stick to the natural way as far as growing. compost, compost tea, garlic -pepper spray for bugs and those wascally wabbits, lady bugs, corn gluten meal, dry molasses, etc...
There are several good websites on natural gardening. Here are 2 good ones
gardenweb.com and dirtdoctor.com

 

[apricot]

I like to grow the cocktail size tomatoes. They taste great, and are prolific. Then they can be shared with friends, neighbors, and family in abundance. It only takes 3 or 4 plants to supply everyone.

 

[PromiseSeeker]

I also like the Big Boy and Better Boy. I tried the Beefsteak once, but it just made a huge tomatoe and the taste wasn't that great.

I also pinch the top leaves off, bury deep and add lime and Triple 13. They grow wonderfully!! Oh, and they are sooooooo good! (I have tended in the past to have problems with blossom end rot and green worms~ but haven't in several years. Funny, I don't know how they "decide" to infest one season and not the next.)

Mmmm....... okay so we know the how's and what kinds....... now we need recipes!! I if you have any please add them here!!

Thanks everyone!

 

[Redneck Crow]

To me, the very best tomato recipe is the tomato sandwich. 2 slices of bread, some Miracle Whip, and a sliced ripe fresh garden tomato. A little salt and pepper to taste. Ahhhhh....it's wonderful.

 

[dicentra spectabilis]

To me, the very best tomato recipe is the tomato sandwich. 2 slices of bread, some Miracle Whip, and a sliced ripe fresh garden tomato. A little salt and pepper to taste. Ahhhhh....it's wonderful.

change that Miracle Whip to Mayo, and you're absolutely right...

 

[country woman]

I love fresh tomatoes from the garden and I can't wait til my dad starts in the garden. yum.

 

[Rosiegirl]

I grow an amish variety called brandywine, they are huge not so pretty but really tasty! I am also trying several new varieties this year, and will get them started soon can't wait for spring

 

[apricot]

I love tomatoes from the garden, and either by themselves, or in a sandwich with deli meats, or in a salad. I live on salads in the summer time. It seems with the hot weather, that is just about all I can eat.

 

[Greenthumb]

Tomatoes are one of the best foods grown in the garden. When they are allowed to ripen in the sun, there is nothing better. I remember eating tomato sandwiches from fresh picked tomatoes for lunch during the summer. My uncle grew the best tomatoes around. He loved the beefsteak variety. Just one slice is enough for a whole sandwich. Mmm yum, now my mouth is watering.
I live in an apartment, so I grow tomatoes in pot. Last year I grew a cherry tomato, but for the life of me, I can't remember the name of it. Very sweet though. In previous years I have grown a variety called patio. This year I am going to look out for either yellow or orange. Just to be different.

 

[Daughter of His]

I live where the summers are very hot and celebrity tomatos do very well, also the sweet 100 cherries are excellent. I'm going to look for that summergold, sounds interesting.

 

[MagicLady]

I Love fried green tomatoes.

because of my situation for the last few years I have not been able to plant tomatoes but I use to plant them every year. this year I'm at a place where I can plant again and I am hoping to plant some Big Boy tomatoes.

I have found that if you have a problem with pest the best thing for it is cyanne pepper and a water mix. just spray it on and the pest stay away. re-apply if it rains.

 

[Paisley]

Ymmmm, there is nothing better than a garden-grown tomato, and vine ripened. Now I cannot wait for summer!

 

[PromiseSeeker]

The day before yesterday this occured to me....... hang with me for a minute and you'll see where I'm going......

I was thinking of this thread, how to grow big, nice tomatoes. Everyone was giving ideas about fertilizers and upkeep and some even gave ideas on what to do to keep pests away....

Well, I was thinking how much our lives are so like tomatoes with God.... He takes us from the six pack (from our sinful lives) he tears off our leaves (forgives us of sin and rids us of old habits,) he buries us deep to grow strong roots (encourages us to study to grow in Him) and he even uses Cayenne spray to ward our enemies off (by giving us his Word and fellow Christians to help us along the way.) When all these things are applied, we have a healthy Christian life. ... we look good, we taste good (act properly) and we have protection from those who would like to harm us.

Isn't this a wonderful likness??

 

[grace-2]

The day before yesterday this occured to me....... hang with me for a minute and you'll see where I'm going......

I was thinking of this thread, how to grow big, nice tomatoes. Everyone was giving ideas about fertilizers and upkeep and some even gave ideas on what to do to keep pests away....

Well, I was thinking how much our lives are so like tomatoes with God.... He takes us from the six pack (from our sinful lives) he tears off our leaves (forgives us of sin and rids us of old habits,) he buries us deep to grow strong roots (encourages us to study to grow in Him) and he even uses Cayenne spray to ward our enemies off (by giving us his Word and fellow Christians to help us along the way.) When all these things are applied, we have a healthy Christian life. ... we look good, we taste good (act properly) and we have protection from those who would like to harm us.

Isn't this a wonderful likness??

Yes it is! good thought

 

[grace-2]

Mmmmmmm...sun-heated tomatoes in the summer. Can't wait.

I do the same leaf-stripping and deep planting, it helps the plants set lots of roots.

There's a very good orange cherry cultivar called "Summergold", they're low-acid and quite sweet.

When I was a kid we grew a cultivar named "Floridel", it was one of the best-tasting tomatoes I've ever had. Anyone know if it's still available?

setting plants deep in the soil also gives a stronger trunk (so to speak) to the tomato plant. also pinching off some leaves helps them to grow and dosen't overload the plant with blossoms.

I live in the country on a farm and have plenty of room for a nice garden and I also use cow pies to raise my garden.It really gives some bueatiful plants. I wouldn't give that as advice to a person who lives in close quarters though. If you know what I mean.