[Arid_gardener] Dave's Roma and Grape Tomatoes

[Genie]

Dear Dave,

SORRY I didn't see your post sooner!
You are growing tomatoes the same way we do... in barrels.  We grow 
other veggies this way too, with tremendous success.
The plants you started in November have lost their vigor.  Before they 
become diseased (and disease your soil) tear them
out, including the roots.   Don't despair, Dave.  You can purchase 
mature tomato plants from Lowe's or Home Depot
("Heatwave", "Celebrity", and "Patio" are solid performers despite our 
desert heat).  If they are sold in peat pots, remember
to carefully strip away the peat BEFORE planting them.  While the 
grower's say that the roots will break thru the peat, I have
NEVER found this to be true.  Instead, the poor little devils become 
root bound, and come to a sad end.  Also, water the
potting hole BEFORE you place in the plant(s).  If you like basil, plant 
one in with the tomatoes for yummy Caprice salads. 

Because of our desert climate, Dave, we actually have two (short) 
growing seasons.  Via private email, send me an address --
and I'll send you some seeds (free, of course) to plant in August -- for 
a Fall tomato harvest.  These seeds will produce enough
tomatoes to give you acid reflux!  :-) 
    
PS: Where are you living -- that the temps reach 125 degrees?

Kindest Regards,  Genie -- in Tucson

>Message: 8
>Date: Thu, 11 May 2006 20:40:29 -0500
>From: DAVE FLAKER <mf1gold at citlink.net>
>Subject: [Arid_gardener] grape vine beautifull, no blossoms, tomatoe
>	same. 
>To: arid_gardener at CALS.arizona.edu
>Message-ID: <4463E78D.8000109 at citlink.net>
>Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>
>
>I have had good luck with tomatoes on the north west side of the house,  
>except the tomatoes would harden off before they were ripe, because of 
>the 125 degree heat in the summer.  I planted the latest batch in 
>November, in a half fifty five gallon drum with shade cloth (75%), 
>hoping they will ripen as usual in the summer without the hardening of 
>the skin. I planted roma and grape tomatoes.  The Romas are already 
>ripening and the size of grapes and there are no more buds, the grape 
>variety has not produced buds.  The leaves are green and the healthiest 
>plant I ever managed to maintain this far into the season.  It must be 
>the cool weather.  How can I make more buds before the nights never go 
>below 99 degrees farhenheit.  They are hovering around 79 now.
>
>
>  
>
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