- Your 2015 Choices - Fianl [sic] Answer !
- Zaps And Keeps ...New in 2015
- Time to Evaluate 2014 Picks and Zaps
- Next Season Tomato Planting Plans (1)
- Next Season Tomato Planting Plans (2)
- Tomatoes You'll Never Plant Again (1)

- Tomatoes You'll Never Plant Again (2)

- Tomatoes You'll Never Plant Again (3)

- Use elimination method by reading various reviews.
- Grow what you have grown in the past and really liked.
- Grow one or two of different variety of colors.
- Grow a variety of sizes.
- Grow some determinants and dwarfs in containers.
- Grow more compact. For example at 18", 20", 24" spacing. This way you can grow one plant in 3 to 4 square foot garden space. For example in a 100 sqr-ft garden you can grow 20 to 30 plants, depending on spacing.

BTW: I am growing at 18- 20" spacing or about 2.75 sqr-ft per plant .


Sey

In addition to the links Daniel provided above there are numerous 'favorites' and 'best' discussions the search will pull up. But I honestly can't imagine trying to grow 40+ different varieties in the same year or even in 4-5 years.

First because I would always want more than one plant of any variety I decided was worth trying. I normally grow a minimum of three each to give them a fair shake and so I can save seeds from them if I like them. Controlling the potential cross pollination issues would be astronomical ;)

Second I try to give each variety at least a 2 year trial before ruling them yes or no given the effect of varying weather conditions.

Third because unless you are used to growing large numbers of plants suddenly jumping into the deep end can prove over-whelming.

Fourth unless you are hot and heavy into canning tomatoes as I am what would you do with all of them?

Fifth the time and equipment needed to start all of these from seed, even only 3 of each.

Sixth all the work and time that will be needed to get a garden big enough for all these ready in a year - impossible. Maybe in 3 years or so.

That said the first thing i would eliminate from your list is the last one - the mix. Everyone I have ever talked to that tried one of those complained. They have no way of knowing exactly what they are growing. The next I'd eliminate is all the whites - blah. And I narrow the blacks down to just the more popular ones. Just looking at the color bands shows very few reds and tons of other colors.

Otherwise, based on my experience with them there are many I would eliminate from the list you posted but you will have to decide which to grow but shoot for no more than 10-12 varieties per year.

Just some thoughts to consider.

Dave

Lol...I'm mostly marveling over the fact that I amassed so many. I didn't realize I had bought that much until I received all my seed packets. Now I have a small mountain. I didn't make my spreadsheet until they all came in the mail...I'll count myself lucky I didn't buy dupes (I got 2 Cherokee Purples as bonus packs) :) I do not ever anticipate growing 46 varieties at once...probably wouldn't go over 20 plants if I do get the room eventually.

I do love to can (as does my sister and Aunt), and my entire family loves tomatoes...the fresher the better...so if I did have the room, I would probably be ok if I did that many. My sister has a brown thumb, but is an awesome canner...so she is always looking for fresh tomatoes. As I live in Portland, OR I could probably find a restaurant or two that would be willing to take them off my hands as well :) I also have coworkers who are already lining up for my extras this year.

I grew up on a little farm and my dad planted almost exclusively tomatoes...a little corn, peas, and beans too, but 3/4's of the garden was for tomatoes. So while I have a tiny garden now...I do have some experience helping my dad out with his.

My ever growing wish list does have some reds on it beyond the few I purchased...but I tend to lean towards orange, bi-color, yellow varieties (and I have put myself on seed buying hiatus...we will see how long that lasts). My husband really likes Black/brown and green tomatoes. I grabbed the Mix for fun...I thought it would be interesting to grow out one or two seeds from the packet each year and see if I can figure out what it is. (obviously if the one doesn't germinate I would have to start another one.)

As I find varieties I don't particular care for personally, I will probably donate the rest of those seeds to our local seed library.

I plant mid/late-season tomatoes at 1 / 1 1/2 ft.spacing (12'' - 18''.)
The cherries at 10''-12''.
Many here, plant at 2-3 ft. spacing.
Keep in mind that if you plant very close, you'll need HUGE real estate.

Well, I can help you out by telling you Ananas Noir is great. I'm sure several people who post regularly will back me up....

I've gone there with the seed hoarding as well, but after a few seasons of growing you will find out which ones you like best. Not all grow well or taste good so that will help you narrow it down, eventually. You just continue with the ones you like and try a few new ones for fun. I also like to save seeds which can be addicting.

OK, Brandywine is the tastiest for me. Not productive, but super-YUMMY !

Talking about seeds, here is a NICE list of seed companies and here is the thread Favorite tomato seed company?

I have Black and Purple Brandywine seeds...I didn't grab the pink one.

I have Hawaiian Pineapple (one of my favorites) and Green Zebra this year that I will probably try and save seeds from...I was going to save some Cherokee Purples too, but since I got two bonus seeds packs for that I guess I don't need to. Saving seed will be new for me, but it looks fun! I also can always donate any I don't need/want :)

Try Red and Pink Brandywine.

I gotta say as far as companies go...all three that I purchased from online were super fast for order processing and shipping...but I gotta give props to Sample Seeds (I ended up there looking for some Dwarf seeds...came away with a few of those and a whole lot more)...fastest turn around and really good prices! I won't be able to comment on germination rate/grow out quality until the future....

For germinating my tomato seeds I used the Baggie method.

It worked perfectly for me.

Here is the method explained: Starting Seeds in Coffee Filters (or Paper Towels)

If you save some seeds you might be able to participate in Tormato seed swap, then you might have some serious problem LOL

says Ellen, who has two seasons worth of seeds already in the box and afraid to even open Tatiana new catalog

It should take you a few years to get through that seed supply. I would select some of each type, colour...then see what performs and taste the best...grow them next time along with a few new ones. Keep at it until you have a list of what tastes and grows best for you. Give them more than one season because they can have an "off" year...and tomato tasting is very subjective...so some people may rave about some that you personally can't stand. Happy growing!