zxcvbob wrote:

Alternate Identity wrote:

In article ,
zxcvbob wrote:


Cool! Thanks!
I need to look for Plum tomatoes. I LOVE those things!
Grow almost as prolific as sweet 100's but are more meaty IMHO.

I'd like to try Romas again this year as well.

I've not tried beefsteaks, ever, but mom and dad used to grow them
in California.




I agree about the 5 or 6 weeks before setting them out. (at 3 weeks
you'll think you're a month behind, but then they start growing
really fast)

"Better Boy" is a really good largish hybrid red tomato. "Principe
Borghese" is a great small tomato -- a little larger and beefier than
cherry tomatoes and perfect for dehydrating. Since you live in
Central Texas, you might look for "Porter" or "Improved Porter"
(developed by Porter and Sons seed company in Stephanville, TX) for a
nice small tomato that should do well regardless of the weather.



I had excellent luck with Better Boys last year... I bought them in 6
packs at Lowe's. G

What is the best "starter" soil for tomato seeds?
Just plain Miracle Grow?




Tomatoes grow so vigorously once they get 2 sets of leaves, I'm not sure
it matters much. I've used Peter's Professional potting soil and
Miracle Grow. They work. This year I might use just a mixture of
sphagnum moss and mason's sand. I have some cactus cuttings rooting in
that.

I've been using a soilless germinating mix, mostly a mix of sphagnum
peat and vermiculite. I've used the ones from Peaceful Valley and
Gardeners Supply and they've worked too. (I'm getting the feeling
tomatoes aren't particular about the starting medium....)

I think they're fun to grow - I start them in 2" soil blocks and I've
been transplanting them into 3" peat pots. What do other people do?

Kate - inquiring minds and all that