I normally don't top-post messages, but I'm starting a new thread... Hope
this doesn't annoy anyone too much. For context, the old thread is below
this post.

In a recent reply to another reader of this ng, I made the statement that it
seems nearly impossible to grow tomatoes in New Orleans. I feel I should
clarify my statement, and I am hoping that some of you out there may have
some useful advice (or even evidence that it's me and not New Orleans that
can't grow tomatoes).

By "impossible" I mean that I've had more fungus, bug, and water problems in
my present garden than in all my previous locations combined. We get so
much rain that half my garden drowned this year despite raised beds. Same
story last year. The survivors have had to deal with heat and bugs that
approach apocalyptic levels. Incredible. And then there's the fungus, to
boot. .... Oh yeah, the SNAILS! ugh!

My cukes, peppers, and sunflowers all grow beautifully.

I have raised beds, have ammended the soil with compost repeatedly and (I
hate to admit it) commercial fertilizer on two occasions. I have also used
pesticides three times to knock back incredibly dense infestations of
insects, but I generally prefer not to use pesticides. The plants are well
spaced, and teh area is fenced off from pets (and strays). I am currently
trying to ammend the soil with a 50-50 mix of wood ash and compost to
address possible problems with Ca+ deficiencies, etc.

Any one out there with experience growing tomatoes in very hot, humid
environments? I'd love to read your comments.

~norm

"Norm" wrote in message
news:FsKQa.13192$o54.7858@lakeread05...
"Vi & Rene" wrote in message
. ca...
I am new to this news group and I am hoping to get some pointers on the
best
methods of pruning tomatoes, or places I can look to find more
information.
I am in a northern climate with a short growing season. Any help would
be
greatly appreciated.


I live in New Orleans where it's almost impossible to grow tomatoes - or
so
it seems. I've found that *lightly* pruning my plants helps to combat
fungus problems (by letting more sun & air get to the interior of the
plant), but I do think the plants suffer in some ways despite my good
intentions. If you have a specific reason for pruning - like fungus -
then
do so, but carefully. However, I would advise against pruning in most
case.

good luck and happy gardening,
~norm