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.