[tomato] growing tomatoes for book

cvinson@mindspring.com (Tomato@GlobalGarden.com)
Sat, 12 Dec 1998 00:12:08 -0500 

I haven't been real active on this list of late, but now that the growing
season is winding down most places, I thought I'd post a note in case
anybody
particularly interested in a)O.P./heirloom varieties b) sustainable
agricultural practices.

I am writing a book that will be published winter of 99. The book grew out
of time spent online talking with other gardeners and market growers. The
subject is tomatoes, with an emphasis on heirlooms and open pollinated
varieties. The idea is to have as many experienced (and not so experienced)
growers from different regions of North America (as well as overseas) trial
different varieties and include their comments and experiences in the book.

If you've got an interest in joining the Internet Tomato "gang" of growers,
send me a note (cvinson@mindspring.com or freshherbs@mindspring.com) and
I'll get you the information. (Please let me know your geographic location
and USDA zone).

I will supply seed for all varieties. You can grow as few as six plants
(fewer if you've got real limitations on space). Varieties would be mixed,
e.g., beefsteak, slicer, salad, cherry, novelty, etc. Hybrids aren't
excluded, although open pollinated are emphasized. I'd provide sheets to
keep your growing records and notes that you'd send back to me at the end of
the growing season. These aren't formal trials....rather they are intended
to reflect the observations, comments and experiences of real people growing
under varied conditions.

I'll start sending out seed in mid-January, so am sending this now, since
time is getting short for people in the warm zones, etc. For example, I
usually start some ultra-early tomatoes under lights in late-January to set
out with protection in mid-March. This means I have tomatoes by mid-May.

I feel awkward writing a public note about a part of the project. So, if I'm
out of place posting this, I apologize; it's not my intent to promote
anything commercial here EVER.

Catharine/ Atlanta, zone 7b
freshherbs@mindspring.com
cvinson@mindspring.com