[SZonian]

I love tomatoes. I live in the “high desert” of SoCal and it can get hot. Managing water vs. sunlight [heat] is sketchy. Last time I tried tomatoes I didn’t get that many, they didn’t grow to full size and those that did germinate, only grew to about 1/3 of normal.

I read up on pruning of sucker leaves, plant food, etc. I think it was the dirt, not enough nutrients.

I’m thinking it’s way past time to figure out this gardening thing. I like vegetables and the fresher the better.

We’re going to put in a box planter in an area of the backyard that we don’t use and see how we do.

I’m not much of a green thumb, but willing to give it a shot. I’ll go talk with the folks who run a local nursery and see what advice they can give about prepping the soil (clay really), etc.

I’ll keep these tomato types on my list of plants to attempt, they sound good.

Thanks again,
SZ

[JDW11235]

Good luck to you! There are some master gardners on the weekly gardening ping, if you’re interested. One thing about tomatoes is that they like heat, and like to be deep. You can bury them all the way to the leave’s and the stem will turn into root, and give you’re plant a big boost in the season. I tried burying mine last year, but they were so tall. I knew it would help, but I didn’t want to dig a foot down (plus some were in pots). One tip I never thought of is that if you do buy a seedling (instead of seeds—the growing season is short in Northern Utah, where I live), you can dig a channel and just lay it down, they keep the top portion above dirt and it will do all the better. Getting soil tested at a local University extension office is usually under $10, and I hear very, very worthwhile. (I will this year, but have to wait for the soil to dry from the snow).

I know some about gardening, but many on the Gardening ping list are experts. If you need anything, let me know, and if you like I can PM the gardening pingster with your info. Again, good luck!