I've been disappointed with my tomato's for the last two years. Of course last year should be discounted as the weather was simply horrid for growing tomato's. Having been disappointed, I chose a different seed company, Tomato Fest. Very prompt shipping, although a bit high. I ordered Opalka, a polish paste variety, Suddath's Brandywine, a de-hybridized Big Beef, and I thought I would trial Giant Belgium. Sent along as bonus seeds are Genovese Basil, and Angora Super Sweet Tomato's. I've all the cherry tomato seeds I'll never want to grow. So for postage, I'll send the Angora seeds to the first person who wants them. I'll grow the Basil, thank you very much.
FBG, I sincerely hope this coming season is a much better one for you. I will attest to the fact that last year wasn't a good year, but none of the last 10 years have been very good growing weather. I know there are people who hav ehad much warmer weather than normal... but here? I am still waiting on my global warming. sigh! We haven't had swimming weather for at least 8 years or more here.
You are going to love the Genovese Basil! I've grown it for years--large leaves, great taste, and when chopped fine with just enough water to make a slurry, it freezes in ice cube trays for winter use. I'm telling you this because you'll have a lot of basil! You also might like to spread a fresh leaf with a bit of cream cheese, roll it like a cigar, and have it for an appetizer or snack.
You are not alone FBG, I have been terrible growing tomatoes so this year I grew cherry tomatoes which they said is the easiest to grow. I got about 20 fruits and is quite happy about it. I know it is very little but bearing in mind the weather condition here I was quite happy about it. It' like a moral booster. Now I am going to try beef steak tomatoes and hope I will not be disappointed.
It must be a very local thing. Carolyn and I have allot of the same weather, usually.. I had such a great year, about 5 years ago, I had tunnels between the rows because I had to tie them all together over the stakes that we had. They must have been 10 feet tall. Great production of fruit that year also. Two and three years ago it was horrible like carolyn but last year the plants looked terrible but the fruit production was outrageous. I think it's the chickens that help me... LOL I need, now more tomatoes for many years except for eating fresh in the Summer. If I, accidently, grow any I will give them to my chickens and people in the neighborhood.
Way too much rain last year for tomatoes. Had plenty but still lost a bunch because the rain made them grow too fast and cracked. Many rotted on the vine. Praying for a happy medium this year.
