I haven't grown them myself. But I understand that all of the Homestead varieties are pretty good with heat. It's hard to say. Sometimes there are just bad breaks. Sometimes there really is something which a given variety doesn't handle well. To narrow it down, you might try them again, next year, but plant in a different part of the garden.

I am trying to grow a family heirloom tomato which , for going on two years now, seems to be flubbing, here in OK. It's probably related to that specific variety, as we've had struggles with it in NJ, when we lived there. Yet, in other places I've heard reports of fantastic performance. Go figure!

Experiment a little each year. Retain what you like, and what does well for you. Welcome to the "mystique" of gardening!

George
Tahlequah, OK

PS. You might try posting this on the tomato growing forum and see if anyone of the real "tomato connoisseurs" can tell you more about Homestead as a variety.

Thanks for the reply... I spoke too soon on the others! I noticed tiny issues with two of the others right after posting, lol. Sigh. Hopefully I end up with some tomatoes. I don't care if I have the prettiest garden, as long as I get some tomatoes that taste better than the junk at the grocery store. :)

Are there black walnut or butternut trees nearby (by nearby I mean within 50 feet). They both product toxins that are harmful to tomato plants. They don't have to be right next to the garden. My neighbor has on on the other side of his yard, and it is still close enough that I cannot grow tomatoes in my garden.

I have to grow them in pots.

If you live in the South, try the German Johnson heirloom variety. They are easy to grow and have large pink tomatoes with a wonderful taste. Best back yard tomato I have ever tasted. I have grown them for years.

Hard to say without knowing more info but here is a guess. Homesteads like more water than most tomatoes. 2" vs 1" weekly. Dont over water and its best to water thoroughly then wait 4-5 days, assuming its dry. Dont water a little every day. Also mulch and keep bottom limbs cut off. HST's don't like splash up after watering or rain. Keeping bottom limbs off will steer energy into tomatoes and avoid disease from the ground. Make sure soil is not too sandy or heavy (clay). Work in good compost and make sure area drains well. Dont over fertilize or use high nitrogen. Use a fertilizer with trace minerals if you can get it. Most garden centers will have it but avoid 10-10-10 at discount stores. Believe it or not, lint from your vacuum worked into the soil will give them trace minerals like calcium, mg, etc. Hope this helps. I love homesteads but know they are basically a determinate tomatoe which means they will most likely give one good harvest. After that it may be sketchy. I know some who get a 2nd production but its ify at best.

soil, fertilizing, water, sunshine are all very important....
soil...mix... your soil (if not contaminated), compost, and peat moss...same amount for each...a good draining soil is necessary for roots to get oxygen...
fertilizing...fish and seaweed mix is good way to go for tomatoes...add a handful of epsom salt per plant
water...water deeply when watering, not just the top of soil, wait awhile before next watering, 2 or 3 days at least...this will air get to roots....you want your roots to go down after water
sunshine...no less than 6 or 7 hours of morning sun...the indian