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When all the trees have been cut down, when all the animals have been hunted, when all the waters are polluted, when all the air is unsafe to breathe, only then will you discover you cannot eat money. ~Cree Prophecy



Thursday, February 3, 2011

Tomato Grow List 2011

The federal government has sponsored research that has produced a tomato that is perfect in every respect, except that you can't eat it. We should make every effort to make sure this disease, often referred to as 'progress', doesn't spread. ~ Andy Rooney

Seeds and Sources: 
 Gourmet Seed International
Black Master Organic (large beefsteak-type)
Large, dark colored fruits with exceptional rich, full, flavor.

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Goldman's Italian American (large beefsteak-type)
Large tomatoes with squat, pear, ribbed shape,and  bloody, intense
red color. Thick, red flesh is perfect for delicious sauces
and preserves....good flavor, fresh or canned.

Seed Savers Exchange
Blondkopfchen (cherry-type)

Small yellow fruits with excellent sweet taste. Enormous yields, bears until frost.
Amishland Heirloom Seeds
Juane Flamme (medium sized slicer)
Sweet, juicy, medium sized fruit, yellow skin, reddish interior,...intense flavor and also dries beautifully.Great yields.

Riesentraube (cherry-type)
"Riesentraube" translates literally as "giant grape"...Crimson, cherry-sized tomatoes weigh approximately 3/4 oz. and are about 1-1/2 by 1-1/4 inches in size and as many 50 or more little fruits per spray!  Nice full, somewhat lemony flavor, more beefsteak-like taste.
Aunt Ruby's German Green (large beefsteak-type)Beautiful green tomato with spicy, flavorful flesh.

Tomato Culture:
Start indoors, maturity dates are from transplant. Plant in flats (65-75°F, germination in 5-10 days) and thin after first true leaves appear. Grow on in cooler location and move to a sheltered area outdoors a few days before transplanting into the garden.

Tomatoes like a rich soil. Phosphorus is important, and do not add too much nitrogen as you will get all foliage and very little fruit. Do not set out until night time temperatures are above 45°F; row covers and plastic mulch helps keep soil warm in early spring. Bury plants deep; burying a good portion of the stem and only leaving about 6-8" of plant above ground. Soil: slightly acidic pH 6.0-6.8. Stake or cage as plants continue to grow.
See:
Cornell University: Vegetable Growing Guide: Tomatoes

Fertilizer and Pest Control:
  
Epsoma

Plantskydd Deer Repellent

Recommended Reading and Resources:


Good Bug Bad Bug: Who's Who, What They Do, and How to Manage Them Organically (All You Need to Know about the Insects in Your Garden)~Jessica Walliser 

The Heirloom Tomato: From Garden to Table: Recipes, Portraits, and History of the World's Most Beautiful Fruit ~Amy Goldman 

Carrots Love Tomatoes: Secrets of Companion Planting for Successful Gardening~Louise Riotte 

Cornell University, Dept. of Horticulture: Gardening Resources 

Cornell University: Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners