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THE TOMATO GROWING THREAD 2018

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by ARMANDII, Jan 1, 2018.

  1. Vince

    Vince Not so well known for it.

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    Gigantomo's NOT doing well, lots of growth BUT sod..... all else!

    Edit, I have a truss forming.
     
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      Last edited: Jun 22, 2018
    • Scrungee

      Scrungee Well known for it

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      A few years ago Joe Atherton grew about 30 Gigantomo plants to get one decent size tomato to win the heaviest Gigantomo competition at Harrogate. Last year he didn't get any megablooms (nor did I).
       
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      • jane0o0

        jane0o0 Gardener

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        Anyone know when I'll be able to pick the first ones? They seem to be taken ages to ripen but hopefully that will change for all my others as weather about to heat up - Hooray :yay:

        [​IMG]

        [​IMG]
         
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        • JWK

          JWK Gardener Staff Member

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          One or two look ready to me Jane :blue thumb: Try one and see - they snap off the stalk at the swollen 'knuckle' part when ripe - just give them a bend and a gentle twist.
           
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          • jane0o0

            jane0o0 Gardener

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            Brilliant thank you. Would it taste bitter or something if not ripe.
             
          • JWK

            JWK Gardener Staff Member

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            If not ripe it would be hard and not juicy. I wouldn't say bitter just not particularly nice.
             
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            • jane0o0

              jane0o0 Gardener

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              Thank you so much. Need to learn a lot I do lol
               
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              • Vince

                Vince Not so well known for it.

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                On closer inspection, a quad megabloom and it's going to be ugly! I just hope it tastes nice in a cheese and tomato toastie!:)
                 
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                • JWK

                  JWK Gardener Staff Member

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                  I'm spraying my tomatoes (& potatoes) today with Aspirin - the theory is it makes the plants more resistant to blight. James Wong reckons it also improve the taste. In the last two years I found it increased the sugar content, but I couldn't taste any difference between treated and non-treated plants. For around 2p it's worthwhile trying:
                  Tomatoes - James Wong | Official Site
                   
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                  • Sheps

                    Sheps Keen Gardener

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                    Last year, some of the trusses on my outdoor Shirleys snapped under the weight of the fruits, so I tied the rest up with string to reduce the weight on the truss

                    Today I checked on the trusses of the GD's and Moneymakers in the greenhouse to see how sturdy they looked, the Moneymakers looked OK, but the GD's trusses looked thin and spindly.

                    So, do you support the trusses on your tomato plants, or are you happy to let nature take its course?
                     
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                    • WeeTam

                      WeeTam Total Gardener

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                      ive been using aspirin in the garden too. Roses,box,palms. Will give the outdoor toms a blast too :blue thumb:
                       
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                      • john558

                        john558 Total Gardener

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                        So, do you support the trusses on your tomato plants, or are you happy to let nature take its course?
                        Hi Shep, yes I support the large ones, or any very large truss.
                         
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                        • JWK

                          JWK Gardener Staff Member

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                          I've only ever done that once when trying to grow giant tomatoes.
                           
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                          • Sheps

                            Sheps Keen Gardener

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                            Thanks guys... I'll keep an eye on them and support if needed.
                             
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                            • Sheps

                              Sheps Keen Gardener

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                              Not sure if anyone can help with this, but my quadgrows have become infested with mosquito larvae, this was my fault as I didn't plug the holes in the side, so will they be detrimental to the plants if I leave them? and will the tommies still be OK to eat?
                               
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