Living in Phoenix, I figure we've got only four things wrong: Lousy dirt, no humidity, too much sun and a short season. So here's my strategy.

Lousy Dirt Solution - I started them in Burpee Tomato Formula. This stuff rocks for getting a plant going quickly. Also I'm going to use miracle grow garden soil in large pots.

No Humidty Solution - I'm setting up misters in the greenhouse.

Too Much Sun Solution - Shade cloth. Mulching with red plastic. One plant I'm allowing to run free on burlap instead of staking.

Short season solution - I'm transplanting Sep 1. I'll be using bloom set to encourage early blooms and while I'm obsessing, I'm going to spray them with the seaweed stuff. Also, I'll be putting clear plastic up when the weather starts getting cold.

All I can say is that this is still cheaper than moving to California. Have you ever seen the dirt they have in Oxnard?

Tomato Types

Early Girl

Druzba

Brandy Boy

Super Sweet 100's

Big Boy

Better Boy

BushSteak

Black Pearl

Brandywine Sudduth

Opalka

Marianna's Peace

Grape

Sugary

Big Mama

Bonus Experiment - I may try growing two of the paste tomatoes in a hay bale. No guts - No glory.