The Tomato Growing Thread 2019

There is a lot to be said of what I call protective growing, or growing toms in the greenhouse compared to outdoors. Below are photos of plants planted on the same day, and of the same variety. Six plants were placed and grown in the greenhouse and the remainder outdoors. The results, I think, speak for themselves.

 

Almost all my GH toms have multiple stems,it's got to be something to do with the fluctuating temperatures as I've religiously took the 'robbers' off.This seems to be happening more and more over the last few years for me .All fresh seed and well looked after and look happy enough and also flowering well..anyone got any idea why this is happening?

 

I think it’s pretty normal. I usually let some of the early ones grow.

 

Just an update on the Brandy Boy toms I grew. They are not as good as I expected they are big juicy and tastier than supermarket toms but I do not think I will grow these again.
Found Steak Sandwich is a much better tasting large tomato, Steak sandwich is also round and not misshapen like brandy boy. The picture on the packet of Brandy boy showed round toms but mine are all fluted.
Regards alex

 

@JWK ...I have been known to, on a rare occasion miss the odd 'robber' but I don't think these are those but what do you think?...All the stems have flowers and even some plants have multiple stems...these are mostly on my Beef Masters but there are one or two Ailsa Craigs which have done the same...I've had this before on the odd plant but this year they're going nuts...
Some photos ,not very good but you may be able to get the gist.

 

hi lollimac I had that problem when I grew Ailsa craigs they were forever forking, I cannot comment on Beef masters but some varieties may be more prone. I do not grow Ailsa craigs anymore massive crops but tasteless for me
regards Alex

 

I'm growing Crystal F1 for the first time this season and are having the same problem, almost daily I'm removing these shoots

 

Too right ,they currently look like a load of unruly kids on a street corner instead of my nice regimented soldiers...still ...lots of blooms and looking healthy so I shouldn't complain.

 

First tomatoes of 2019

 

First blightwatch alert received a few minutes ago. Only yesterday I mentioned to somebody that I expected them any day now.

 

I'm very late planting up my toms but can report that John's (JWK) Gardeners Delight are ahead of the field followed (in order) Gigantomo, Big Zak, Manx Marvel and finally San Marzano, hoping to plant out in final situation over the weekend.

 

Almost, but not quite, my first of the season is almost ready. Nothing tastes as good as the first tomato of the season!