I think I have a new favorite tomato

[WaterWitchin]

There's an heirloom seed place over in Missouri, about an hour or so away from us. They have (usually) a festival each fall. It's a great place to order heirloom seeds. When I think of the name I'll let ya know.

Yes, I grow some Purple Cherokee from seed each year, because they've passed down to seven generations now. Family tradition. I've also bought some started from our local Ace hardware, because I can get tomatoes sooner.

[DirtyCoconuts]

It is about striking a balance that works for you....sage words WW!!

[JScott]

Originally Posted by DirtyCoconuts

It is about striking a balance that works for you....safe words WW!!

I found another good article about growing tomatoes in south Florida. It covers technique and planting time, but it also suggests a number of varieties that should do well for you:

Tomatoes - Gardening Solutions - University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

Here's another one:
Access Denied

The link says "access denied" but that's a lie. My issue with this article is that it recommends the use of the EarthBoxes, which are like self-watering planters. I have several of them, and I did not have good results. Maybe in a cooler climate, they would be fine, but here in Texas, it's just too damn hot and since the roots are in a box above the ground, the roots get too hot too and the results are not good. Maybe in a cooler climate they would work. Also, you can only fit two tomatoes in each box, and I plant a lot of tomatoes, so I'd need a ton of those boxes to plant every variety I want. I guess maybe if your Florida winters when you would grow tomatoes are cool enough it could work, but I don't know. I can't say that I recommend the EarthBox, as cool an idea as it is.

[DirtyCoconuts]

Awesome. Thanks!

I have really wanted to try the Japanese tomato ring approach (somehow not from japan) but I have not gotten around to it

Anyone ever try that?

[JScott]

Originally Posted by DirtyCoconuts

Awesome. Thanks!

I have really wanted to try the Japanese tomato ring approach (somehow not from japan) but I have not gotten around to it

Anyone ever try that?

I have never heard of this, but I googled it and it looks really cool. I might try one this spring. If I do, I'll keep you updated.

[WaterWitchin]

I've used the method. Didn't like it. We have very hot, very humid conditions June through August, and fight septoria every year. Yes, we rotate tomatoes each year, and go two years before using the same spot or soil.

In my climate, the tomatoes in the Japanese tomato ring are too close together. I have more success with planting in a single line, two to three feet apart, and pruning bottom leaves up to point where the first fruit sets on. I never have leaves below about 1-2 feet on bottom of vine, which helps with air flow.

In the Japanese tomato ring, it creates an even more humid area in the middle of the ring, surrounded by the tomatoes, and around here almost guarantees septoria will set in. Tried experimenting with a couple for two years, and quit.

The same ring I use at times for growing a potato tower. Worked well, and took up much less real estate to grow fingerling potatoes.

---------- Post added at 07:46 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:45 AM ----------

Now I fight cucumber wilt instead. Don't quite have that one perfected yet, but I'm gunning for it next year.

---------- Post added at 07:53 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:46 AM ----------

PS Is this the thread where I said I'd come up with the name of the heirloom seed company I buy from? I guess if not, won't hurt anyway... About us
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. They have a great place to go visit as well, and a fall festival, if you're in the area. All unfortunately closed for now other than seed shipping due to the damned Covid19.

[kvet]

Here's what I'm considering growing next season. Any thoughts?

Cherry:
Maglia Rosa
Black Cherry

Large:
Cherokee Purple
Japanese Triffle

Paste:
San Marzano
Opalka

I am wondering if I should look for more variety, there are three black tomatoes here. 2020 I grew only two types, black krim and tasmanian chocolate, totaling 12 tomatoes, all in containers (ground is not fertile and lacks sunlight). I like the descriptions of the maglia rosa being able to grow in 3 gallon containers, makes it easier to manage my space which is already challenging.

[WaterWitchin]

Originally Posted by kvet

Here's what I'm considering growing next season. Any thoughts?

Cherry:
Maglia Rosa
Black Cherry

Large:
Cherokee Purple
Japanese Triffle

Paste:
San Marzano
Opalka

I am wondering if I should look for more variety, there are three black tomatoes here. 2020 I grew only two types, black krim and tasmanian chocolate, totaling 12 tomatoes, all in containers (ground is not fertile and lacks sunlight). I like the descriptions of the maglia rosa being able to grow in 3 gallon containers, makes it easier to manage my space which is already challenging.

Next year.

Cherry:
Chocolate Cherry
SunSugar

Large:
Purple Cherokee (Duh)
Pineapple
One or two Mortgage Lifters (for a race with cousin)

Paste:
San Marzano
Amish Paste

Pineapple is my new favorite non-Purple Cherokee tomato. It's a yellowish orange, stripey, and tastes like a slice of heaven. My daughter grew them this year. Prolific, huge meaty tomatoes, and exquisite sweet/citrusy flavor. A new "must have." That doesn't happen often. And I've never before met a yellow/orange tomato even worth my time to grow. I'm already hooked.

Almost any cherry tomato can be grown in a five gallon bucket sized pot.

Nah, do whatever colors you prefer. I grow for what I like best and what works best in my climate. The tomatoes, unlike many humans, don't really care what color the other tomatoes around them are, and don't perform any differently based on the mix of color around them.

[DirtyCoconuts]

What is a paste tomato?

[kvet]

Think Roma or San Marzano tomatoes. They are very thick fleshed, drier, few seeds. Flavor improves as you cook them down.