Tag: tomatoes

growing tomatoes – a curious result

Why is one plant outperforming the other tomatoes? This year, as in other years, I grew several varieties of tomatoes in my greenhouse and in May planted out 32 tomatoes in wire cages in a new growing area.  We had heavy rains and this set the tomatoes back but now they are producing, though with average/poor yields. In a nearby 4ft sq raised bed I planted a few vegetables including a tomato and a cucumber plant.  Both have been growing gangbusters. I pick 3 to 4 large tomatoes each Read more [...]

planting out the tomatoes

My main ritual early each summer is the planting out of the tomatoes.  I grow these from seed, initially in the basement (0.75" soil blocks) then in the greenhouse (2" soil blocks).  My first year was a glorious year, since then hard going.  Not beginner's luck but a case of slipping under the radar the first time.  Now each year the pests and problems await me.  Though I rotate the growing site, this does not thwart the soil borne diseases - there is an interesting piece in this morning's NYT Read more [...]