Hello again from West Virginia, Once again I am planning out my garden during the first snow storm of the season, and wanted to throw out a question. I grew several different heirloom tomatoes last year with only a few few of separation in the varieties. The overall production was very low, but the fruit was okey in taste and quality. I am not,as yet, a seed saver, but am curious if cross pollination has anything to do with low production, or if there is any risk of poor fruit quality if I keep volunteer plants. I always keep a few and so far have not had any unpleasant results. One volunteer produced small yellow cherry tomatoes the were the best I have ever tasted. I am certain that a lot of folks have had experience with this and I would like to hear some stories. Until next time, stay safe and God Bless you all. So long from West Virginia.
Hi MGB, Fruit production can be related to many factors in the crop, but I firmly believe that it is mostly an "heirloom" issue. I have grown hybrids and heirlooms and see a huge ratio difference between the two types. My heirlooms (all the ones I have tried so far) don't produce nearly as many as hybrid types. I have had some real tomato growers say that they(heirlooms) produce well. I must not be growing the same varieties as them, I have not found them to be really productive, but I am trying new ones this year that I have never grown before upon recommendation from their experience. So, save your favorite volunteer seeds and re grow them. You may find it/them to be the same or not next year.
