Is your container larger than theirs? Does your plant get more sun? Do you water it more frequently? I'm guessing you have a larger container which holds nutrients and moisture longer. Those are the only variables I can think of as to why your tomato's taste better. And I don't want to be negative but your title suggests you don't fertilize when you actually do, just less frequently. Just be sure to rub it in their face as much as possible :). You win this time. But they will be back next year :)

I'm guessing, but the tartness would suggest a higher acid and/or lower sugar level. The bitterness a concentration and underdeveloped ripeness. Low water will cause more concentrated flavors, as too much will dilute the flavors. Good flavors concentrated isn't a bad thing. I don't think watering is the issue.

It's got to be either too little sun/warmth (too much shade? Not protected from cool breeze?) -or- too much fertilizer is causing them to "ripen" too quickly, where they appear ripe, but the sugar level and phenolic ripeness haven't been achieved -or- they're just picking too early.

Thanks for the replys and I wanted to add that my dad definately fertilizes alot so that could be a reason for the tomatoes ripening to soon. The depth of my soil is greater than dads but the same as my freinds and as far as water goes I really dont know how often they water. I did purchase some cheap soil that is mostly ash and I used it as a fill in my big pots. Now I may be wrong but wouldnt that effect the acid levels? I do know that my freind has started to pick his tomatoes when they are still green. He says that it doesnt effect the taste of the tomatoe but he picks them early to prevent the bugs from getting to them. So he just lets them ripen inside his home. Like I said before I am a begginer and I just learned the little I do know from what my dad and a few other locals have told me. But I am well aware that my dad could come back next year and make a fool of me. He actually knows his buisness he just couldnt set up his garden up the way he wanted to because he is still in the process of rebuliding his home from the damage that Katrina has done. No competion between us but it is still awesome when a 24 year old grows better tasting tomatoes than his dad who has been growing them for years and years lol.

It's such a mystery how a certain variety tomato can taste so differnet in one garden compared to another. You see posts here at the forums all the time asking about this or that variety and one person will rave about it and another will say they will never plant it again, lol

But I agree will the watering issue mentioned earlier I think possibly it might be connected to that just grasping at straws really though :P

Enjoy your success and happy munching :D

I can understand your being proud of yourself. Showed ol Dad, eh? In a nice and friendly way that strengthens bonds. I am proud of you too, such things are refreshing now days.

The difference in taste due to some subtle, unidentifyible differences does happen. Add that to the subjective factors of the taste buds and I think that is one reason that it is so hard to say that this tomato is better than that tomato. While that might be true right now, it could be different next year. I do not think that anyone could say for sure but I would suspect the reasons could include the chemistry of the soil, temperatures, sun and amount of water.
Good luck with growing the rest of the year.
Bill P.

You've gotten good suggestions, but I'll add one more thought :). You could also consider that some new strains are "found" in patches of "known" tomatoes. Could be that even though your tomato came from the same batch of plants, it could really actually taste better. I'd save seeds, and have all the participants plant it next year. Maybe even better, start some plants from suckers, and have them trial them for a fall crop. Then you'll really know! Whatever the reason, I'm very glad you have great luck with your first crop :)
Margo