I notice that a number of tomato plants are growing on their own from which
I assume is last years crop. Would it be worthwhile cultivating them or
would they tend to be lower producers?

Thanks

Tom

I notice that a number of tomato plants are growing on their own from which
I assume is last years crop. Would it be worthwhile cultivating them or
would they tend to be lower producers?

Thanks

Tom
They usually produce as well or better than store bought plants. BUT they may
not be what you want. The most abundant volunteers will be cherry tomatoes. If
you only grew regular tomatoes than the volunteers will be similar. Even the
hybrids don't usually segregate much in the second generation.

(FarmerDill) writes in article dated 11 Jun 2004 18:00:27 GMT:

I notice that a number of tomato plants are growing on their own from which
I assume is last years crop. Would it be worthwhile cultivating them or
would they tend to be lower producers?

They usually produce as well or better than store bought plants. BUT they may
not be what you want. The most abundant volunteers will be cherry tomatoes. If
you only grew regular tomatoes than the volunteers will be similar. Even the
hybrids don't usually segregate much in the second generation.

You must have missed harvesting some tomatoes. If it was simply due to
laziness or inattention, you're definitely OK. If it was due to bugs, this
generation may be less bug-hardy.

FarmerDill has a good point about hybrids. If you were growing hybrids last
year, your crop this year could be more varied.

-- spud_demon -at- thundermaker.net
The above may not (yet) represent the opinions of my employer.

(FarmerDill) wrote in message ...

I notice that a number of tomato plants are growing on their own from which
I assume is last years crop. Would it be worthwhile cultivating them or
would they tend to be lower producers?

Thanks

Tom
They usually produce as well or better than store bought plants. BUT they may
not be what you want. The most abundant volunteers will be cherry tomatoes. If
you only grew regular tomatoes than the volunteers will be similar. Even the
hybrids don't usually segregate much in the second generation.

That may be true in SC, but here in Michigan they are usually ready to
fruit in october, even the Stupice volunteers which are ultra-early.
so, no cigar in cooler climates.