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.