Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun

[Jeannine]

 Is anyone up for a tomato challenge for the biggest one for next year, it was mentioned on another thread but felt it needed it's own place so it doesn't get lost.

I am posting early so folks can investigate suitable seeds if they wish, be able to swap, buy etc and still have lots of time to start early.

There is lots of info on the internet for tips on growing giant tomatoes. A lot of the info suggests manuring the spot in the autumn (fall )so another reason to start early.

Although a competition, there are no prizes here and hopefully we won't take ourselves too seriously.

I intend to have a go, and will happilly share any info I find..no secrets here LOL

No rules, it is all on trust, but pictures, preferably on scales will be required to estimate the winner.

What do you folks think, come on I dare you !! I have never done this before so am a complete learner !! This supposed to be fun remember.

I will see if admin can make this a sticky.

XX Jeannine

[Jeannine]

When everyone is sure what they are going to grow I will put up a list  all on one  page which might prove interesting.

Is anyone still looking for seeds or are you all about ready to go.

XX Jeannine

[saddad]

All Stations go here... but not starting them yet if they are promising -12C this week... 

[Ninnyscrops.]

I thought your Brandywine might be a contender Jeannine, I might have to find another variety too now, as a backup, with everyone having a great long list

Ninnys

[sunloving]

I'm excited, Goodlife kindly sent me Giant Navikova and Burpee's delicious which i've never grown before (especially for the a4a king of tomatoes competition!). I'm sure that they will dwarf the Black Russians i normally grow.

Summer dreams !
Might sow them this week.
x Sunloving

[goodlife]

Yohooo...! My seeds have germinated..! I can already see which one is the winner.. ..real monster that one already..

[Debs]

Sorry to disappoint you Goodlife, but mine are ALL THROUGH!!!!!

. . . (quietly whispers under her breath) . . . but they are VERY leggy.

. . . so growing more in next week for healthier version 

competitive??

Not at all !! 

Debs

[goodlife]

Ah..legginess don't matter...once you prick them out you just 'sink' them deeper into pot and they will happily root along the stem and produce stocky little plants..

[Debs]

Thats what I was thinking!!
 
Now waiting for true leaves to show before I snuggle my babies deeper into compost 

Debs

[Jeannine]

Ninnyscrops PM me your address ASAP and I will send you something bigger.

Mmm so you are all sown and growing eh..well not me, one thing and another has delayed me and today I am visiting with Tatiana so who know what I may come home with..but tomorrow is the day..hopefully.

Watching with interest..do we know yet what evryone is growing.

XX Jeannine

[goodlife]

Code:

today I am visiting with Tatiana

Oh, I wish I would be there..I bet is soo interesting to see all the 'goodies' she has.
I think my pocket money would soon change ownership ..

[Jeannine]

I am picking up an order of assorted very early seeds for this years lottie planting for members but we are swapping seeds too. Last year she and I planted seeds of Mayoral Blue squash, the very rare one that I got from Auatrlaia a few years ago, I sdhared a few seeds with her a couple of years ago.Last year I sowed my last three ,my plants grew but as they went in late they didn't get to maturity and the seeds are impossible to replace as they were mostly chucked after the Mayor died, I just happened by chance to know someone who knew someone etc who sent me a few seeds. Tatiana also grew her few and managed to get hers to maturity so am picking up seeds from her..so fortunatley another almost lost variety is saved. I got one of mine almost to the end and tried curing it it looked very iffy and the skin never matured and finally  I took the seeds out of it last week, some looked promising but not certain so there maybe is a chance for them..

She is a very interesting person.

XX Jeannine

[Nigel B]

Put my name down too please!   

Hahaa! You're all worried now eh?

I'll tell you what I'm entering with as soon as it/they arrive/s.
So far I can tell you it will be a tomato.

[Poolcue]

I might have a go at this.
Last year a rogue beefsteak seed grew in one of my flower pots and I left it to grow on.I have saved some seed so variety unknown will be my entry.

[Jeannine]

Oh goodie more punters.. Poolcue's Rogue sounds very threatening and  we will wait with impatience for Nigel to reveal his one.

XX Jeannine

[Nigel B]

Not half as impatently as I am waiting for the postie Jeannine.
Jayb has managed to find her very biggest tomato seed for me I believe.

Feel free to carry on though. I'm sure I'll catch up! lol.... As flippin' if.. 

[Jeannine]

Ah Ha..so jayb is the supplier eh..well well..then maybe I shoukd be worried.....................not.

I had a few words with each of my seeds this morning and they have all promised me they are all going to do their very best, they are in traing as we speak, the packets are open and they are deep breathing..

Be very worried all of you..

XX Jeannine

[Ninnyscrops.]

Ah Ha..so jayb is the supplier eh..well well..then maybe I shoukd be worried.....................not.

I had a few words with each of my seeds this morning and they have all promised me they are all going to do their very best, they are in traing as we speak, the packets are open and they are deep breathing..

Be very worried all of you..

XX Jeannine

Well my/your Brandywines are just nestling in the warmth of their seed packet here and not racing to go anywhere just yet....but I will let on with my secret ingredient as to feeding the ground 


Ninny

[Jeannine]

Ninny I can send you a few of the super bigs XX Jeannine

[goodlife]

something to read about growing giants..
http://www.gvgo.ca/articles/interview_lyons01.html

[elsie]

Looks like he's holding a brain! I've ordered some Purple Calabash seeds, but didn't think they were a giant variety as he mentions  In the same order I have some Tom's Yellow Wonder, so might try those for the competition. I have rooted around in my seed box for beefsteak varieties, and found a couple, so I just need to Google for descriptions before I decide which of these to try too.