Re: [CH] Beefmaster Tomatoes (You say tomato, and I say ...)

GarryMass@aol.com
Mon, 17 Jul 2000 21:00:59 EDT

Mark and fellow Ch.Ds.,
I grow them in Western Massachusetts.  I get them in the ground BEFORE the 
last frost of spring.  I bury them half a plant height deeper than the 
nursery sells them, nipping off all the lower leaves.  In July, I sink a 
spade into the ground next (close) to one side of each one, cutting off 
one-fourth of all the roots.  This technique tells the plant that fall has 
arrived.  I'm an accomplished liar.
I feed them 10-20-10 and MiracleGro for tomatoes at half strength.  I add 
lime (just ask Lord Byron) to provide calcium to prevent blossom end rot (I 
also put eggshells [and a sardine] in the planting hole BEFORE last frost).  
In September, I hack the tops off the plants to put all energy into sizing up 
the lower immatures.  This is also my stock for my artery clogging "fried 
green tomatoes" which I eat (sorry cardiologist) once a year. (Recipe anyone?)
I get very large crops.  Technique has never failed.
Gareth the ChileKnight, Ph.D.