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On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Hey. I have not been to BigPumpkins.com for quite some time. I was shocked to see that there is now a Tomato Forum. Thanks Ken. I believe that with the sharing of information between tomato growers we will see some much larger tomatoes in the future. I can recall coming to Niagara some years back and meeting John Lyons and talking to him about his giant tomatoes. At the time he was one of only a few interested in big tomatoes. He was quite knowledgable about tomato growing, taught me a few things even in our short conversation and peaked my interest. Tomatoes are a lot easier to get to a weighoff than are pumpkins. And, they are a joy to grow. And, can be eaten right in the garden. I wish all of you well this season and will be hanging out here off and on trying to learn something. For my area Pennsylvania) I will be starting some seeds on April 15 and putting them in the ground the first week of June. It has been a very long winter.
Marv

3/27/2009 9:41:36 PM

ExtremeVegetables.com

Hello Marv!!!!!!
I live next door to you in Ohio and have started my competition maters two weeks ago, I've also got some cuttings going from the plant that grew my 4.48. Have you tried from cuttings or overwintered a plant?
Last year I grew a big one off of the variety "Church". Have you ever tried growing this variety for size? The standard seems to be Big Zac or Delicious, what varieties do you normally use?

Thanks!
~Duane

3/28/2009 6:16:28 PM

Sparta, NC

Marv,
I just read your tomato book and it is a great source of info. Great Job
Sam

3/28/2009 7:45:59 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Duane:
I did try to grow some plants from cuttings but found them to do no better than those from seed. I had 15 plants. I thought it was a lot of work keeping them going all winter. I was up to 5th generation making cuttings from the plants from cuttings etc. It was too much. Also I have tried Church but it did not seem to do as well as Big Zac and Giant Belgium for me. Some have had success with Church but I have not. Also I would suggest trying Slankards and maybe Mr. Underwood. Thanks Sam.

Marv

3/28/2009 9:46:39 PM

ExtremeVegetables.com

Thank you Dr. Meisner!

By using the cuttings I was hoping for some consistency.
I have the Giant Belgium in my line up this year.
These are the varieties I will be trying for size:
5.58 Timm
5.32 Timm
5.0 Timm
4.29 Timm
3.36 Perry
4.48 Perry
Amana Orange
Mortgage Lifter
Richardson
Nev's Azorean Red
Giant Belgium
Tidwell German
BelMonte
Florida Pink
Delicious
Marlowe Charleston
Thank You for the suggestions! Next year I will try the Slankards and Mr. Underwood.

3/30/2009 6:26:06 AM