Very nice. Congrats on growing some fine tomatoes. What kind is the big ones in the front?

That's beautiful. I'll be happy if I get a fraction of that amount.

First time growing, have 4 San Marzano plants and 3 Oxheart - just saw my first pearl sized tomatoes a couple of days ago. Another 40 days or so before I can harvest?

Why do you pick them when they are still so green?

Picked some blushing large fruit last night. Was surprised to find a 1 lb 14 oz gold medal fully ripe in the very bottom wedged between lower branches. Been spraying religiously. Huge plants, some already well over 6 ft. Loaded down...

Thanks for the compliments

I pick them at first sign of blushing because of stink bugs, birds, 100*+ days with intense sun. Also they are easier to transport when firm. This is a great season. I love all the varieties I have grown. This is the first time I have grown and tasted the dark tomatoes. I have to say my favorite is still the Brandywine. I would have to rate them in this order:

1 - Brandywine - better when fully ripe. it's just hard to beat that full balanced flavor.

2 - Black Krim - when just ripening it has a nice acidity, kind of salty and rich flavor. Very good tomato, needs no seasoning. Close second to Brandywine.

3 - Cherokee Purple - better when fully ripe. Not as acidic but a nice full flavor. I can see why it is described as a smokey flavor.

4 - Indigo Apple - in a different class than the others with its smaller size and strong flavor. These smell great when picked.

I will add some pics when I have more time

The Brandywine outperformed the others. More fruit and I can't believe the size this year. I'd like to know what some of them weigh.

Quite a haul. Heirloom beefsteak heaven. You are doing something right. Have any advice to share? Did you start learning late in life or did you learn as you grew up?

They look good. I suppose if I had a ton of stink bugs then I would harvest mine earlier too.

No one in my family planted or grew much of anything. So no, I didn't have that experience growing up. I started gardening on and off at about 18 yrs of age, I am now 34. It wasn't until the last three seasons I started focusing on the soil food web and composting. I make tons of compost. I stay at it year round collecting materials: fall and spring leaves, and whatever materials I can get my hands on. I burry a lot of fish, crab, shrimp waste and never leave soil bare. I don't till just throw things in and cover. I don't spray anything or use any fertilizer other than the compost and organic materials I incorporate into the soil. I spend hours a day picking bugs pruning etc. The most important things I've learned are to grow more plants, mulch heavy about 4", and don't overwater your plants.

Your approach has tremendous results. You have inspired me to get serious about composting.