Fleemo wrote:

My friend is thinking of organizing a "First Tomato 'O The Season"
competition in my neighborhood. What kind of rules should he
establish? He's thinking of disallowing cherry tomatoes, as I believe
they ripen faster than regular tomatoes. Maybe judge the winner on
the first tomato that has grown to full size, come to full color, and
is edible? Any other considerations to determine the winner?





Since there are so many varieties out there that all ripen at different
times and there are so many different "full sizes" and colors, the
fairest way I can think of is to compete with the same variety. That way
you could use cherry tomatoes as long as you were competing against the
same kind of cherry tomato. This method allows for multiple prizes.

Someone would have to provide the plants (or seed) so that everyone
starts from the same point. Plants could be tagged so that you could be
sure of which variety you are looking at.

Someone has to define accurately what you mean by a ripe tomato.

Sounds like a great excuse for a neighborhood party when they come in.
Might I suggest an associated tomato variety tasting to determine which
varieties you will grow next year.