THE TOMATO GROWING THREAD 2018

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by ARMANDII, Jan 1, 2018.

  1. ARMANDII

    ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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    Been there, wore the T-shirt, now it's your turn, Linz:love30::heehee::loll::lunapic 130165696578242 5:
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    • Linz

      Linz Total Gardener

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      Hope it fits Armandii ;)

      I'm not really growing another 3 :redface: ... I could, though!
       
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      • sandymac

        sandymac Super Gardener

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        you have the patience of a saint Freddy
         
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        • Vince

          Vince Not so well known for it.

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          Big Zac - cos I can and the best for cheese and tomato sandwiches

          Manx Marvel - first years sowings were disappointing but last year's were great (also be saving some seed)

          Gigantomo - just to see?

          San Marzano - simply the best for tomato based sauces (also saving some seed)

          Tumbling Tom (Red) - for friends but will save a couple for us

          Not allowed to grow any more, Carol says!
           
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          • ARMANDII

            ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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            [​IMG]
             
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            • Redwing

              Redwing Wild Gardener

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              OK tomato experts, if you only had a small greenhouse with only enough space for five or six plants, what would be your varietal choices and how many of each? I’ll buy young plants in a month or so.

              BTW, I grew greenhouse tomatoes for about 30 years with moderate success so have some experience. Six years ago I moved and have been without a greenhouse ever since but now I have a small one so to my delight I can grow them again. :) My favourite used to be Gardeners Delight but no one seems to recommend that variety these days.
               
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              • noisette47

                noisette47 Total Gardener

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                Hello Snorky85 :) Mine have been up for about a week but it's much too cold, wet and windy to put them in the greenhouse or the polytunnel :sad: It's not too important if toms go leggy. You just pot them on or plant them deeply and they form roots all the way up the stem. :)
                 
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                • Snorky85

                  Snorky85 Total Gardener

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                  that's what I thought too! (Mine were leggy last year too lol)
                   
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                  • strongylodon

                    strongylodon Old Member

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                    @Redwing I still grow Gardeners Delight and have done for many years and the equally old Moneymaker. I have grown Sungold as it has a good flavour but always splits so this year I am trying Orange Paruche as recommended here on GC. I only grow three of each as I need room for Peppers and Chillis.:smile:
                     
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                    • Freddy

                      Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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                      I try to keep my practical head on these days, based on my own experience. What normally happens for me is that both my indoor and outdoor toms are pretty much finished before the bad weather comes, certainly my indoor ones anyway. I try to leave it as late as I can, within reason. This helps keep the expense down (heated greenhouse) and light levels are much better later on.
                       
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                      • JWK

                        JWK Gardener Staff Member

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                        For years my first choice was Gardeners Delight but in recent years the strain has not been maintained properly and they are now tasteless. The plant breeders are aware, a couple of years ago I bought the "New Improved F1 Gardeners Delight" seed from a French supplier but it was just as disappointing. So I wouldn't recommend that variety nor Moneymaker which is also tasteless.

                        If I could only grow 6 plants my choice for taste and yield would be one of each:
                        Floridity F1
                        Suncherry
                        Black Cherry (Early)
                        Sungold F1 (V. Early)
                        New Girl F1 (V. Early)
                        Golden Crown

                        Not sure if you will find any of the above in a GC, they often sell Dutch named varieties that I've never heard of, that's one reason why I always grow from seed.

                        I would suggest you grow six different varieties, I've found that some do better than others but that varies year by year - it's to do with the weather and bugs/diseases and by growing a good selection you will get a better chance of a decent crop from most. Also my above varieties will give a good long growing season with some ripening really early and others later.

                        Please bear in mind taste is very subjective and personal.
                         
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                        • Redwing

                          Redwing Wild Gardener

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                          Thanks @strongylodon and @JWK . Will choose from your suggestions. My local nursery/GC is an independent family business and much better than the average GC so hopefully it will stock some of your recommendations.

                          How weird and disappointing. Maybe I should search through my old seed box in the hope of finding some old Gardeners Delight seeds!
                           
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                          • JWK

                            JWK Gardener Staff Member

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                            Let us know if you find any old seed @Redwing if they are less than 10 years old they might germinate.
                             
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                            • strongylodon

                              strongylodon Old Member

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                              John is probably right in that it doesn't have the same flavour as it used to so I might look for a tastier alternative. I was just too lazy to look for one this year!:smile:
                               
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                              • Loofah

                                Loofah Admin Staff Member

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                                Finally got round to sowing mine yesterday. San Marzano 2, bumble bee, mortgage lifter and sweet aperitif
                                 
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