From

Location

Message

Date Posted

rochester, IN

Marv

First of all, I want to thank you for writing the giant tomato book. It really got me fired up growing giant tomatoes. I am most grateful that you sent me free seeds when I contacted you. I was growing giant pumpkins at the time and most of my time went into that. Then in 2012, my health declined and I had to give up gardening altogether.

This winter I was looking through some old books and came across your book and started getting fired up like I hadn't since my health declined. I was finally interested in something again. I got on big pumpkin and saw a guy named porkchop (congrats Steve) grew a tomato almost 10 pounds I couldn't believe it. It was like I lived in a cave for 8 years.

I'm confined to a wheelchair so giant pumpkin growing is out of the question but I think I can grow giant tomatoes with a little help from my wife. So thanks again Marv for inspiring me twice! I will be forever grateful!

1/31/2020 3:52:54 PM

Central NY

What a great post!!....glad to see your gonna get back at it Jim!!...we were just talking about the Great book in another message board...I’m wondering if you would like to try some seeds from that world record tomato..??...they grow pretty good without too much trouble....and ya know?...my wife helped me too...(lol)...maybe you guys could have the same luck!!!...
-Porkchop

1/31/2020 4:56:22 PM

rochester, IN

Would I like to grow a seed from the world record? I would love to try some seeds!!!! I have watched them at the auctions but they went for more than I could pay right now.
I did buy a lot for my friend that had to work the other night... that had the 5.29 and the 5.71 in it. Congrats to your wife to I saw her in your diary and on a video of cutting the WR off. Thanks so much in advance for the seeds. If you want me to send postage to you I will.
Jim Gatewood
2311 Bayview Dr.
Rochester, IN 46975

1/31/2020 9:13:23 PM

Lakewood, WA

Glad you are able to make it back to growing, Jim! What an inspirational story! I hope you have an excellent season!

If you feel like it, you can join in on the fun and start a Grower's Diary here. It would be fun to watch your creation(s) grow!

2/1/2020 3:01:37 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Jim, you just made my day! I was feeling a little down until I read your post. Marv

2/2/2020 10:03:41 AM

rochester, IN

Marv glad top hear that! Thanks to porkchop and suburban gardener for the encouragement.

2/3/2020 3:20:20 PM

Central NY

Seeds are on the way!!!...go for gold and only allow one tomato to grow....let us know how do and good luck!!!
-porkchop

2/4/2020 7:06:16 PM

rochester, IN

Thank you thank you Porkchop.... I will keep you posted and I plan on doing a diary as the suburban gardener suggested and I plan on going for the gold!

JimG

2/4/2020 8:52:26 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Jim, if there is anything at all I can do feel free to ask. I would suggest doing a soil test where you are planning to grow your tomatoes unless you are going to grow in pots. Growing in a pot is more of a challenge but I think someone did grow a 5 pounder in a pot. Will you be in ground or in a pot?

2/5/2020 9:33:02 AM

Newcastle, CA

I grew my 5.91 pounder in a pot. Feel free to check my grower diaries for tips!

2/5/2020 11:40:03 AM

rochester, IN

Thanks, Marv I'm sure I'll have a lot of questions and Thank you weird wint I will look over your diary. I plan on getting a soil test..... I will be growing in pots but mostly in the ground.

2/5/2020 2:50:11 PM

Eastern Shore of VA

Lots of information in the back posts here.
Tips on pruning,watering,and fertilizing.
Read and research and don’t be scared to ask lots of questions!

2/7/2020 6:29:25 AM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Jim: Now that you have stimulated me to start working on a new book with Don Langevin, I have an updated version of the book I was working on, not the new book yet, that has a new section in it on growing in containers. I will send it to you as I know you will take the time to sit down and read the newer stuff in the hope that it will help you some. Whenever this updated book does get done, and it may take a year, it will most likely be a Kindle version as the cost of printing and postage makes a paper copy way to expensive for the average person to actually buy. I don't know when your birthday is but consider this a birthday gift. Marv

2/7/2020 12:29:22 PM

rochester, IN

Marv that would be awesome and yes I would sit down and read every page. As porkchop said IM going for the Gold! I'm going to read all I can between now and planting time.

My birthday is in October but an early present is nice. Thanks for everything Marv I really appreciate it!
Jim

2/7/2020 4:22:59 PM

rochester, IN

Marv

Just got home and got the book today! Looks like a lot of great information!
Thanks again!! I’ll be reading for a awhile!
Jim

2/10/2020 6:56:17 PM