2008 report

[duajones]

Thanks Bryan, my harvest looks like it will be pretty decent afterall. Sad thing is I think those 4 plants that I pulled would have done significantly better had they recieved the proper moisture. My main bed seems to accept the water more evenly and I havent noticed any large cracks in the soil. Jet Star by the way, was under par for me this year for whatever reason. Plenty of fruit on the healthiest plant but most were smaller than last years by 3 to 4 ounces.
I have had 6 tomatoes that were over a pound this season with 2 coming from Cherokee Purple,1 from JD's and 3 from SOTW. The one pictured below is 24 oz, looks to be 3 tomatoes in one with a hollow center, 2 of the 3 are ripe. Weird looking tomato

[bryanccfshr]

Neat tomato. I had a big ugly fused blossom Tomato. I shall see if it survived my 2 week absence. I will Visit my Dad out on the Island next week, He has a dozen plants I gave him but he was very late in getting them in the ground. I want to see how they are doing. Plus it's cooler down there than up where I live.

[feldon30]

Had my first Earl's Faux yesterday. I thought I was going to faint it was so good. 11 out of 10 for flavor. This is what a tomato should taste like! I almost feel guilty eating it, like it was meant for the gods.

Cherokee Purple is so late it's really odd. I have already picked 2 Brandywine and 4 Earl's Faux and the first CP is just starting to color. My first Ashleigh which I picked 3 days ago might finally be ready to try tomorrow. Slow ripener I guess...

As many fruit as Monomakh's Hat set early on, there are some fruit which have been full size for weeks now with no sign of color change. It's funny how some varieties ripen fast and some just hang there for weeks.

This year is shaping up to be nothing short of tremendous and will be difficult to live up to.

[creister]

I still haven't harvested, but hope it starts soon, as I really wanting some fresh tomatoes. I have one big ugly which appears to be a fused blossom on EF. Neves has about 16 fruit, and Cuostralee has 9, so hopefully some big uns from them. Of course, weather here is just bad, last nights low was 76. I feel like I am living in Houston again. I maxed out at around 330 fruit, but am down by about 50 due to the BER, still not a bad year. I think my CP may be an imposter. None of the fruits are anywhere near oblate. They look more like fruits from Eva Purple Ball or Sioux. Will be interesting to see what happens.

[feldon30]

My Cuostralee is doing almost nothing compared to everything else. I have Marianna's Peace of all sizes from golf ball to a 1/2 lb and they aren't growing very fast.

[duajones]

I have one plant that has no blight and appears to still be setting fruit, at least in the last couple weeks anyway. Beefmaster, which was a last minute addition, has given me 15 fruit so far and I counted 23 still on the plant and its still flowering. And to my surprise, its a pretty good tomato.

[ChuckBartok]

Congratualtion to all of you Texans enjoying your Fruit.

Here in Northern California Mid June is usually our first harvests.

I'l keep you posted.

Fantasic Blossom to fruit conversion this Year,
running about 85% so far.
I am pleased

[duajones]

Originally Posted by ChuckBartok

Fantasic Blossom to fruit conversion this Year,
running about 85% so far.
I am pleased

I'd be happy too with those numbers

[ChuckBartok]

But reality knows it won't last.

The heat wave we had last week, 4 days 102+
might change it a bit.

This year I am on really well drained soil.

Used to be Holding pen for son's Calves for his calf roping arena.

As of early this AM one Early Girl has 15 made fruit on first level

[FlipTX]

I admire all of you who are keeping such tidy records! I started out with the intention of keeping records. I made a spreadsheet and everything! But I gave up last week, and I didn't even have that many to count, so it's not like I can even blame it on being overwhelmed.

[duajones]

They have been rolling in the past few days, I really understimated how many were left on the plants. But it will really slow down shortly as there arent a whole left with the exception of a couple of plants.

[duajones]

Up to 326 total now, average of almost 22 per plant so my estimate of 25 per plant seems reachable at this point. And Stump of the World has earned a spot in next years garden, not only a darned good tomato but productive as well. 30 or so from the lone plant. All in all, a better season than I previously thought

[feldon30]

I'm at a lull right now. Only harvesting 3-4 tomatoes per day but there is a lot of fruit out there, some of it big. Funny how Brandywine is so far ahead of Monomakh's Hat.

[ChuckBartok]

Well I went out and counted.
March 22nd Planting.

2 Stupice plants = 26 set fruit
9 Early Girl plants = 63 set fruit

All look healthy and growing correct.
Second flower set looks real good.
Didn't count
March 29th planting of Ace.

Later

Don't forget I moved the Video series to Yahoo Video

http://video.yahoo.com/playlist/100666701

Thanks everyone for being so freindly and helpful

[ChuckBartok]

Wish I were in Texas....
I envy you all eating 'maters already.

I went back out to change water and move the horses.
Counted Ace variety.

59 set fruit on 12 plants, planted March 29th.
A bit disappointed, Ace is usually heavier first set.

The second blossom set Looks real Good!

Starting another series on the Ranch, showing the Mini's and the rest of our Garden.

Stop by, say howdy and comment.

Eat your heart ouit Google

http://video.yahoo.com/playlist/100668095