If you ask me what is my favorite plant to grow, I would say roses–hands down. BUT, if you asked me what is my favorite veggie to grow … it is the tomato. To me there is nothing like picking a tomato from your garden. They smell good, they taste good and they ARE good. The fresher the better. Eating a tomato straight from the vine … there’s nothing like it!
Each year I kind of get crazy making tomato decisions…
- Which ones to plant? There are SOOO many varieties!
- Heirloom or hybrid?
- How to keep them healthy! Go away worms, bunnies, blight!!!
- How many can I get in my limited space?
- Where will they get the best light?
- What’s the best support system … trellis, stakes or cages??
- Should I do CROP ROTATION???
- HOW MUCH AND WHAT KIND OF FERTILIZER????
- DO I PRUNE SUCKERS??? Some say YES!!!! Some say NO!!!!!
You get the picture.
Ahhhh, it is all worth it when I bite into that first tomato and when I slice a home-grown tomato for my BLT (I LOVE BLTs!)
THIS YEAR’S CROP (See pictures below.)
- Sweet 100
- Yellow Pear
- Black Cherry
- Bonnie Grape
- Mr. Stripy
- Big Boy
- Cherokee Purple
All are doing very well. However, the tomatoes cages for the big tomatoes are lame! Need something better and bigger.
I should also note, this year my tomatoes have a secret weapon … Moo Poo. If you are not familiar with Moo Poo … click here. Annie at Authentic Brands has something great for you! I have a 7′ patio tomato loaded with yummy tomatoes — need I say more!
NEXT YEAR
I already have my eye on a new “cage” system at Lowes. And, am starting a list of new varieties to try. So, as you can see, the frenzy is sure to start again!
I would appreciate your help!
What is your favorite home-grown tomato?
What is your favorite tomato support system?
If not the tomato, what is your favorite home-grown veggie and are you obsessive about it?
Wow! Nothing like a vine ripe tomato! That Annie Haven sure has some “wonder working power” in the MooPoo Tea!
Yes, Annie is def making a difference in our gardens. Let’s hear if for THE CREW.
I haven’t had a BLT yet and I’m so ready for one! I like all the tomatoes growing on pots.
Hard to beat the beauty and fragrance of some roses and hard to beat the taste and smell of homegrown maters…….
What is your favorite home-grown tomato? Better Boy
What is your favorite tomato support system? Concrete reenforcement wire rolled up into a cylinder. Heavy enough but not too and the holes are big enough to pick maters and pick off suckers.
If not the tomato, what is your favorite home-grown veggie and are you obsessive about it? I’m obsessive with both tomatoes and yellow and orange peppers, the big ones, you know the kind that cost an arm and a leg in store……Mine some years are liked eating candy they’re so sweet. I’m not so much obsessive about my veggies as manic about’em…..:-)
Paul, Great info. Thanks. You had more great stories this week.
Thanks, its always nice to hear from folks who enjoy the stories, I sure appreciate you saying so and for taking some of your time to read them……..again thanks. Oh I just finished lunch a few minutes ago, great homegrown tomato sandwich. My goodness what would summer be without homegrown maters…….
I want a BLT right now.
That’s easy, just come get one! 🙂
Happy to see all is growing well, I’m honored to be growing in the garden with you too <|;-) #moopoocrew
I love Sun Gold cherry tomatoes… by far the best ever.
I also can’t stand tomato cages and can’t wait to try this trellis system posted on BBBSeed’s website: http://networkedblogs.com/hxQ5I
I haven’t grown Sun Gold … YET! Thanks for the recommendation. And, for the link to trellis info. Cages just don’t work very well.