Best Tomato?

[Michael]

I'm thinking of planting tomatoes this year, since I can never seem to find decent ones at the market. Anyone have any recommendations as to which variety would be the most flavorful? Thanks!

[sparky5693]

I always liked better boy's. They're resistant to the bottom rot that a lot of tomatoes develop. What's your primary use for the tomatoes (sandwiches, pasta, salad, etc)

[Michael]

I always liked better boy's. They're resistant to the bottom rot that a lot of tomatoes develop. What's your primary use for the tomatoes (sandwiches, pasta, salad, etc)

Eating them! :drool Really, all of the above. Curious though - why does that make a difference? Do some varieties cook better while others are better uncooked? Pardon my tomato-ignorance. I know what I think tastes good, but not how to get there!

[sparky5693]

While any type can be used for any purpose, there are some more specific tomatoes. If you're doing salads, i'd look into a cherry tomato. For pasta i'd recommend a plum tomato. I'm kind of a sliced tomato guy myself. Sometimes nothing beats a tomato and mayo sandwich.

The gardening standby for tomatoes is probably the "big boy". Like most non hybrid tomatoes they develop blight (where the bottom of the tomato rottens just before the fruit becomes ripe. The better boy I mentioned is a very common hybrid of the big boy, which is designed to combat blight. The fruit is ever so slightly smaller (but a slice will usually cover sandwich bread), and usually produces about 1 pound tomatoes.

Given the growth rate, and usable fruit per vine (no blight) I highly recommend better boys.

[PalmettoB]

Given the growth rate, and usable fruit per vine (no blight) I highly recommend better boys.

+1...Good call. I even had good luck growing these in half-barrel pots.

[MaduroMan_wcp]

see if you can find heirloom variaties, they aint as pretty but they by g_d taste like 'maters

[Michael]

Thanks guys. Went looking today and found none of the above. I'll try again tomorrow or next weekend. If still no luck, I'll just settle for something else.

I did come home with rosemary (didn't catch her last name ;)), thyme, oregano and cilantro. We'll see if I can grow herbs at least.

[St. Croix]

I'll also vote for heirloom tomatoes. Cut about an half an inch thick and toss 'em on the grill!

St. Croix

[qhsdoitall]

Thanks guys. Went looking today and found none of the above. I'll try again tomorrow or next weekend. If still no luck, I'll just settle for something else.

I did come home with rosemary (didn't catch her last name ;)), thyme, oregano and cilantro. We'll see if I can grow herbs at least.

Good luck on the hunt. You might want to talk to some of the produce people at the food store. They sometimes have a line on who sells plants locally. They don't like the stuff they sell in the stores either.

[Michael]

I keep forgetting about this...there's a farmer's market every Saturday in a town nearby. They've been doing it since I moved here in 1908 or so, yet I've never been. As I understand it, if you aren't there by 4AM, there's nothing left, BUT if you're there early enough, if it grows, they'll have it! And cheap!

Maybe I'll just stay up late Friday night.........

[St. Croix]

I keep forgetting about this...there's a farmer's market every Saturday in a town nearby. They've been doing it since I moved here in 1908 or so, yet I've never been. As I understand it, if you aren't there by 4AM, there's nothing left, BUT if you're there early enough, if it grows, they'll have it! And cheap!

Maybe I'll just stay up late Friday night.........

You have got to get out more often!

St. Croix

[Jim]

Grape tomato's are tasty for salads and easy to grow, Jellybean and sweet 100's are two that grow terrific and they are OK in pots on a terrace or patio.

[Queen of Blades]

since I moved here in 1908 or so

Oh come on!!!! You're killing me Michael! :eek: :rolleyes:

[Michael]

The results are in. Here's what I got...Better Boy
Early Girl
Heirloom (Mr. Stripey - is that a name or what?!)
Grape
That should more than cover it, I think. :drool Thanks for the suggestions, everyone.

[sparky5693]

Gotta be getting close, how those maters doing?

[Michael]

Close to what?! Just planted them a couple of weeks ago. Plus it's 59 degrees right now! 59! In June! And lots of rain.

Cold, rain, not much sun...I'll be lucky to have tomatoes by October at this rate! At least all the plants are still alive.

[Mottern Man]

Close to what?! Just planted them a couple of weeks ago. Plus it's 59 degrees right now! 59! In June! And lots of rain.

Cold, rain, not much sun...I'll be lucky to have tomatoes by October at this rate! At least all the plants are still alive.

Relax, have a few. :: :D

You will have some tohmatos in no time.

[Michael]

Right. I have a farmers's market about 1/2 mile away! :D

[qhsdoitall]

I probably won't see tomatoes for 45 days. It has not been good tomato growing weather recently.

[sparky5693]

Close to what?! Just planted them a couple of weeks ago. Plus it's 59 degrees right now! 59! In June! And lots of rain.

Cold, rain, not much sun...I'll be lucky to have tomatoes by October at this rate! At least all the plants are still alive.

Lol.... Sounds like mother nature wants you to buy your maters. Hang in there, those early girls will be along before you know it.