I'm in z8 in SC. When high temps stay above 95F it will kill a lot or all
the pollen. Our Better Boys etc are just ripening now. We've had cherry
tomatoes for several weeks. We work compost into the sandy soil every year
and we do stake them for better air circulation and production. They also
stay cooler that way and suffer less bug damage. Birds can sometimes be a
problem. But we usually don't have any production problems until mid
July-Aug with the high temps. Putting out new plants or rooted cuttings in
July brings on a new crop from Sept-killing frost (usually about
Thanksgiving). Don't use too much nitrogen. 10-10-10 is good. Good luck.
Gary

"D.Reid" wrote in message
...
I have quite a few plants in. They are growing good but just not producing.
I had a few just starting to ripen and they split! after that the bugs got
into them and that was that. I picked a few just turning and set them in
the house, in a window...and they turned rotten!...and/or split. I dont
know why. I have quite a few setting and growing bigger but geeeeeze...I
thought I would have them out the "Kazoo" by this time but it just aint
happnin'.
Dave...(just gettin' frustrated I guess) Down in Florida

"Thomas" scythicon311@yahoo(dot)com wrote in message
...
Well, don't know why it's such a problem for you. My problem is too many
tomatoes. I'm in zone 9 (Texas) . As every year, I stupidly plant too
many plants (9) and I've been harvesting big fat tomatoes for 2 weeks and
soon will have to start canning, selling or giving away. My plants are
almost 5 feet tall. Feed the soil, don't feed the plants. Compost,
compost, compost! Do you add epsom salts when you plant? It helps. The
manure is also a good idea. I can send pics if you want to prove it. ;-)
Thomas
"D.Reid" wrote in message
...
...is alot like bass fishing! It's a pain in the butt. They are
finicky...it takes major effort, patience and expense.

The only reason I keep at is hoping to get lucky!

Dave...(doin his annual "Tomatoe Dance" to the gods) Down in Florida.

(Hey...the Rain Dance worked...I'll try anything at this point!