Tomato Prep

It is the time of the year for my annual tomato prep. I have a small confession to make as I dread this ritual. Recent results are trying to convince me that I have lost any ability to grow tomatoes.

Those are not my tomatoes pictured above as I do not believe that I have had that many ripe tomatoes at one time over the last few years.

My trials and tribulations with tomato growing is not from a lack of tomato prep. I have started seeds early and late. I have tried different varieties to no avail. I would understand if I have never been able to grow the darn things, but that is not true.

We have successfully grown the hybrid varieties and heirloom both from seed and transplants. It is a humbling experience but it teaches us so much. What if my family was depending on these tomatoes to survive? What if there were no supermarkets or local farms to purchase the tomatoes that I have failed to produce?

The effort to be prepared for many outcomes ensures that we need to rectify this problem. It will save a tremendous amount of money by actually having tomatoes to put up. Last year we had 15 plants in the ground and 8 in pots. It was not a good year for the plants in the ground.

This year for the tomato prep we are looking at growing the majority in the ground. We will also try some more in the pots and the last is an upside down tomato plant. We have heard mixed reviews on these but I figure for the cost of a bakery bucket I can try it. We really want home-grown tomatoes.

There are different watering factors for the tomatoes in the ground versus the one in pots. The pots require more frequent watering and I believe part of the problem for them was over watering. The ones in the ground certainly suffered from infrequent watering.

I am looking for the happy medium where we get fresh home-grown tomatoes. I will not hesitate in my tomato prep in listening to all solid advice. The suggestions are wide open in regards to varieties and planting methods.

I can tell you one thing I am investigating is the Indian version of the three sisters. I am confident that the Cherokee, Sioux, or Algonquian Indians can provide an interesting twist for success. Please let me know your thoughts and tips.

May your house be blessed with lots of tomatoes like I am praying mine will be.