Allotments 4 All

Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: Jeannine on September 08, 2011, 21:21:13

Title: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on September 08, 2011, 21:21:13
 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
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Hector on September 08, 2011, 21:39:52
I'm in! The idea of having the continuum of growing titchy mini ones and big ones is appealing :)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: lottie lou on September 08, 2011, 21:40:33
Count me in.  I grew an enormous black seaman last year - unfrotunately enormous caterpillars got to it before I did.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: plainleaf on September 08, 2011, 21:51:50
two points I would like to add
1.books on the subject
how to grow giant vegetable by Bernard Lavery
how grow giant vegetable by colin bowcock
giant tomatoes by Marvin H. Meisner;
2. varieties
delicious
big zac
beefsteak
porterhouse
big beef
super steak
giant Belgian
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on September 08, 2011, 22:00:02
OH YES..I'm up to it.. ;D
I've never aimed to grow a biggie..its just been luck so far so I'm already looking forward for a challence to try do in purpose.. ::)..that's it folks...its going to be monsoons next summer..sorry.. :-X
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on September 08, 2011, 22:16:56
Oh good..some interest.

Thank you Plainleaf , I thought you may put the books on, good choice of varieties too.

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Ninnyscrops. on September 08, 2011, 22:35:44
This is my biggest so far this year and still time to ripen. It was a Brandywine from your seed swap Jeannine. I don't usually go for huge ones, the Celebrity one was big enough and had a good flavour. Just waiting for the taste test on this one.

(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t87/ninnyscrops/th_DSCF1813.jpg) (http://s158.photobucket.com/albums/t87/ninnyscrops/?action=view&current=DSCF1813.jpg)

If I get another one like it next year..........will be in on the competition  ;)

PS - Must clean hubby's glasses  ::)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Duke Ellington on September 08, 2011, 22:40:39
I would like to have a go too ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: pumkinlover on September 08, 2011, 22:50:54
Well I have just got to join in now ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: carbonel11 on September 08, 2011, 23:17:16
As I said before Toms not my forte but I'm up for it just don't snigger if I come in last  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Melbourne12 on September 09, 2011, 07:05:26
As I said before Toms not my forte but I'm up for it just don't snigger if I come in last  ;D

We've never been very successful with beefsteak type toms, so that strikes a chord.  Perhaps we could compete for the wooden spoon?  :)

Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on September 09, 2011, 08:02:56
Smashing, and no one will be sniggering,we are all newbies to this so anything could happen.

It will be fun..

Plainleaf has given is some ideas about varieties, I have to admit I have most of them but truthfully they are part of my stash and have never grown any of them other than Big Beef ( one of my favourites) Beefsteak and Giant Belguin and I don't remember anything huge from any of them.

I also have a few to add which I will do later XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on September 09, 2011, 08:09:58
Yep...I've grown few of those from Plainleaf's list before too..and didn't get any unusually biggies neither...but then again..I grew them as any other tomato and without any extra efford.
Perharps if I put my mind to it and pamper a plant or two. OHH..fun..something to look and shop for.. ;D
But first I have to give..deeep dig into my seedbox and check the situation what may lurk in the 'dark corners'.. ;)
Hmmm..my mind is already in hard at work about the preparations.. ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on September 09, 2011, 09:35:33
I'll have a go with my 'oxheart' toms, just got to remember to save some seed  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on September 09, 2011, 17:48:29
That's it we are all sunk, manics is sowing those huge blooming Oxhearts of hers..and Niinyscrops with MY Brandywine..LOL

So I have

Porterhouse, Church, Big Zac,Rebecca Sebastian  BB(it sounds rude) Hoy,Delicious  off the top of my head, I know I have others so will take a look in my notes..

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on September 09, 2011, 18:13:28
Out of the 'super size' ones I have Delicious, Beefsteak, Gian Belgian (I think  ::))..oh..can't remember..
BUT..I've been browsing around in net..and found Estonian seed company that sell tons of Russian and other 'easten' varieties...EXCITING!..they have quite few 'XL-type' toms.. ;D ;D ;D....and DIRT cheap!!!!!
So..I ended up doing 'trial' order to see how this company supply.. ;)..bought Gigand Novikova 10 (amongst other 'few' things  :-X)..that can produce biggens..
Just in case somebody else is interested I post the site to other tread....'seed shopping sites'.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: pumkinlover on September 09, 2011, 18:16:35
Yes I've seen it :P -oops that's a bit rude! :o
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: gp.girl on September 09, 2011, 18:32:34
As I said before Toms not my forte but I'm up for it just don't snigger if I come in last  ;D

We've never been very successful with beefsteak type toms, so that strikes a chord.  Perhaps we could compete for the wooden spoon?  :)



Me too, will this work without a greenhouse and can I estimate losses to slugs? ;)

Must get seed now.....yippee ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on September 09, 2011, 18:35:07
Actually it is a lot rude :o

for those curious it is Rebecca Sebastian Bull Bag... no I didn`t christen it

Just had a peep and I have Slankard, Belmont,Behemoth King and Croation Brandywine on the way.,.

Bear in mind I just want to beat the cheeky fella on our gardens..and am hoping this helps.

So has anyone found out where we start yet,when do we sow etc.

Plainleaf, I think you are the only one who has done this before .. come on where did you start.

XX Jeannine

Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on September 09, 2011, 19:10:11
Hmm...perharps it needs to be faily early sowing to get the plants chance to grow big and strong enough..mid Feb?
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on September 10, 2011, 08:46:49
We always start ours end of january in a propagator, just a couple to make winter interesting  :)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: plainleaf on September 10, 2011, 09:09:38
it really is to bad that i know so much about growing giant tomatoes.
if compete i will have to keep the real secret to myself. since been competing for 7 years on and off.

here is a few free secrets
that will help you all from Gordon graham and Clarence Dailey.
C. W. McCall convoy
cantaloupe
the classic theory of tomato fertilizers is all wrong.
American pancakes with hot peppers 
start early stay late.















Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: lottie lou on September 10, 2011, 18:05:59
Well if my attempts at a giant tommy is anything like my attempt at Kevs early potatoes - my rockets turned out to be damp squibs...............
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on September 10, 2011, 18:07:42
Well your in for sure.. XX Jeannine ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Deb P on September 10, 2011, 19:01:01
You know I can't resist growing yet another tomato.......I think I have a few Delicious seeds left from a swap a few years ago....count me in! ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on September 10, 2011, 19:05:13
Ok, you are in..

I should really do a list

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on September 10, 2011, 19:15:07
 Ok so far we have..

Me with not sure yet ?
Hector  ?
Lottie Lou Black Seaman
Goodlife..mutiple new ones..we need to watch this gal folks!! :P
Ninnyscrops with MY Brandywine..cheek! ;D!
Duke Ellington ?
Pumpinlover ?
carbonel11 ?
Melbourne 12 ?
Manicscousers her Enormous oxheart.. we need a nearby vandal her  ::)
gp girl ?
Dep P Delicious..the current variety record holder I believe


XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on September 10, 2011, 20:43:33

Manicscousers her Enormous oxheart.. we need a nearby vandal her  ::)
gp girl ?
XX Jeannine
[/quote
They didn't grow that big his year, Jeannine, no hoses allowed so I think they suffered, next year I'll be concentrating on them a bit more. I've heard some big tom growers pee in a watering can and add water to feed their toms, can't see me squatting over one  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on September 10, 2011, 21:06:46
Weel if you do..we need pictures :o

I shall look forwrd to watching the progress of your toms they kinda interest me.

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Duke Ellington on September 10, 2011, 21:27:12
Hi

I will give 'Prudens Purple' a try  ;)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Hector on September 10, 2011, 21:31:02
I am really  looking forward to this.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on September 10, 2011, 22:14:11
Code: [Select]
we need to watch this gal folks!! Who..me?..halo is well polished.. ;)
I won't grow GH full of biggies..have to leave room for other new 2012 trial varieties too...but I shall have a go with Delicious at least..and couple of others..but that depends what comes through the seed order.. ;)
I've been already 'stretching' my neck towards my chickens pen...there is some lovely looking stuff there...all that shredded straw, poo, leaves and grass clippings that I keep piling on there for girls to 'play' with..that may make good addition on tomato bed this winter.. ;)..with few other secret incredients.. ;D 8)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on September 10, 2011, 22:41:48
Me too Hector. and great choice Duke..mm Goodlife.. you have been a googling again,looking for specials ..reading Manics post..ha ha, gotcha.. I am off to pay a visit to the 100 acre chicken farm down the road, they owe me a couple of favours..

No, secrets here... :-*

I shall start several different ones then decide which to go with as they grow.

Truthfully I ain't got a clue but don't forget Plainleaf has done this before..maybe he is the one to watch ;D

XX Jeannine


Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Hector on September 10, 2011, 22:45:22
I'm going for Big Zac...with two secrets...one is parrot by-product and the other is my OH running around the greenhouse anti-clockwise, semi-clothed and grasping a stalk of Lovage in his teeth......
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on September 11, 2011, 01:14:00
in the moonlight no doubt :o

well I did say we were going to have fun and not take ourselves too seriously.

not the competition for professionals I suspect

XX Jeannine

PS Having said that if Hextor wins she might start a new trend!!  Go for it gal!!

Don`t forget the pictures
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: plainleaf on September 11, 2011, 05:03:25
Jeannine no one is professional till you break 5 lbs










Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Deb P on September 12, 2011, 10:27:46
.... and the other is my OH running around the greenhouse anti-clockwise, semi-clothed and grasping a stalk of Lovage in his teeth......

 ;D ;D ;D...now that I would like to see! Does it work though? ;)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: royforster on September 12, 2011, 12:47:47
Count me in too. I'm in France and normally grow coeur de boeuf - a beefsteak with superb flavour - and it's in a polytunnel too, if that's not cheating. My best ever is 868 grams - way short of the 5lb that Jeannie mentioned.
Roy
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on September 12, 2011, 18:47:36
Code: [Select]
I'm in France and normally grow coeur de boeuf - a beefsteak with superb flavour Yes..they are nice..I grown some this summer..first few fruits were big..but then rest were just average tomato size.. ??? Is that what yours do or has mine run out of 'steam' early.
Anyway...more the merrier for the comp..and in poly its not cheating..I think most of us grow in GH..outside growing for beefsteaks just won't do over here...not if you try for biggen.
Nice looking veg in your photo..have you grown them?
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: fitzsie on September 15, 2011, 15:20:44
This is my first year at growing ANYTHING so I've got to give it a go for next year. I love this forum for it's friendliness,help and encouragement and just for the craic I can't resist the challenge for the wooden spoon !!!  2012 - bring it on !!!
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Ninnyscrops. on September 20, 2011, 23:57:12
Getting ready  ;D

(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t87/ninnyscrops/th_DSCF1854.jpg) (http://s158.photobucket.com/albums/t87/ninnyscrops/?action=view&current=DSCF1854.jpg)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: plainleaf on September 28, 2011, 08:50:56
two 6 lbs +tomato grown in PA USA
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on September 28, 2011, 09:05:29
Code: [Select]
Getting ready..how do you know which is the winning one... ;)
Yes..I'm getting ready too..my seeds from Estonia have arrived and one of the packets is to grow the BIG one.. ;D
Plainleaf...have you got any links for the info of your news?..photos would be even better.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: elsie on September 28, 2011, 12:14:27
I've just noticed this thread and would love to play too  ;D I don't normally grow beefsteak tomatoes, so not exactly competition for you all, but will be fun trying. I've been given the frame for a polytunnel, so if I can work out how it all goes together, I won't need to worry about blight so much  :)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on September 28, 2011, 13:49:12
Like Jeannine's message on the top of the page says..this is just a bit of fun..so everybody is welcome to take part..
more the merrier.. ;)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Ninnyscrops. on September 28, 2011, 21:34:22
I put a blue dot on it goodlife, as beekeepers do with a Queen - surely that's how everyone does it!  ;) ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: plainleaf on October 06, 2011, 18:47:19
varieties I will be growing for contest
big zac
brutus magnum
delicious
MegaMarv
porterhouse
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: MoNoonan on October 07, 2011, 15:32:13
ha, go on, I'll give it a go.  Does it have to be red though as I keep getting blight and having to take mine down while they are still green.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on October 11, 2011, 00:00:34
Code: [Select]
Does it have to be red though  ;D Hah...now that is thought...well I'm ok with unripe fruit...heading is saying 'biggest fruit for fun'.. ;D
And toms come in different colour anyway...
I'm just off for short holiday..but next week I'll start preparations in GH for this..going to start dragging some 'good stuff' from chicken pen into tomato bed to mature over winter... ;)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: compostbin on October 11, 2011, 09:05:25
 ;D.......well,...i think it's a great idea,.....am dis-abled,....but still able to walk with the aid of elbow crutchs,.....live in a dis-abled living unit,...completly aloan,...since 2 other dis-abled people moved-out,...have a greenhouse & cold-frame recently set-up in a big communal garden....& half an allotment over the road....have been just CRAZY,...about growing my own veg,..now for over 20 years,....have though never tried anything like this,...hope to get a new camera any day soon,...so ,.......i'me well up for this..... ;D ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: galina on October 14, 2011, 12:51:49
Anybody who wants seeds for large tomatoes can get some here for a minimal amount to cover postage:
http://www.njtomato.com/
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: plainleaf on October 15, 2011, 23:58:07
galina that website is out of date i doubt they even send seeds any more.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: galina on October 17, 2011, 10:44:11
galina that website is out of date i doubt they even send seeds any more.

PL, maybe you could have checked before making doubtful negative comments, without contributing any factual information yourself!  Anyway, I requested and got seeds a few years ago (when parts the website were also out of date  ;D) and I am happy to share seeds from my stash should there be a problem.  I have never grown monsters, but one pound plus is easy, even with leaving several fruits on a plant.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on October 17, 2011, 14:21:22
finally got my seeds saved  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on January 14, 2012, 10:09:28
Yes yes yes, But 5lbs thats a whopper!
Last year bc my greenhouse blew down and i only replaced it mid april i planted toms into pretty new manure and hoped for the best. What a suprise it was to have massive gardeners delight as big as any alicante and alicantes as big as beefsteaks.

So im going to sow black russian and maybe marmande in the same this year and see if a giant is born!

Lovely to be thinking about the long hot days of July isnt it.
Good luck
x Sunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on January 14, 2012, 10:23:48
Is everybody still up to the challenge?
Another couple of weeks or so and I'm going to sow my winning giant tomato seeds.. ;) :P :D
As I have so many new tomato varieties to trial this year, I'm going to limit my options to two varieties. I'm sure my winner is either Delicious or Giant Navikova. Those are grown for the competion although I'm growing other beefsteaks too so who knows, perharps something else will bring surprise.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Deb P on January 14, 2012, 10:50:48
I'm going to try delicious and Giant Belgian........trying hard to limit myself in the number of varieties grown this year, depends of I get my lottie ploytunnel up and running this spring or not....I think I've only got about 25 varieties earmarked for this year so far, that is restrained for me!  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: saddad on January 14, 2012, 13:54:05
Bet you don't stick to 25 Deb...  :-*
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: plainleaf on January 14, 2012, 14:03:56
my plants for competition are 4 weeks from plant out
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: springs on January 14, 2012, 14:21:06
Would love to give it a go, put me in please. ;)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on January 14, 2012, 14:25:00
Oh, yes..my 'handbag ones and maybe another one, seeds will be sown by 26th Jan as we're off to Brighton that weekend for my littlest grandson's 1st birthday  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Debs on January 14, 2012, 19:23:31
Count me in too!!!

Would love to give it a go

Are there any rules??

Debs x
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on January 14, 2012, 19:36:33
Count me in too!!!

Would love to give it a go

Are there any rules??

Debs x

Don't buy them ready grown  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Debs on January 14, 2012, 20:15:47
Drat manics, you guessed my plan!! ;D

. . . only joking (honest!)

Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on January 14, 2012, 20:19:03
Code: [Select]
Are there any rules??Just that you grow it and photo on scales to see weight would be nice.
That's it..all just good fun and friendly competition.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Ninnyscrops. on January 14, 2012, 23:38:16
Ahah, time to check the prop still works  ::) and make room in the spare bedroom for the seed tats that'll be along soon.

I'm still in  :)

Ninnys
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Squash64 on January 15, 2012, 07:02:26
I'd like to join in too please. 
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Duke Ellington on January 15, 2012, 09:15:46
I am still in too! ;D

Duke
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on January 15, 2012, 09:47:55
Oh...plenty of interest..good.
Have you got your 'giant' seeds ready?
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Debs on January 15, 2012, 11:23:38
I haven't - bot got all excited at prospect of competition & googled to see which seeds

would be best to grow ;)

Debs
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on January 15, 2012, 12:45:44
Debs..I've sent you PM.. ;)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Squash64 on January 15, 2012, 12:55:23
I haven't got any seeds yet, I'll have to google too.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: davyw1 on January 15, 2012, 13:45:31
I would like to make a suggest a rule.

When your tomato's are ready to display they must have the stalk displayed cut off above the knuckle.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Debs on January 15, 2012, 14:11:26
Couldn't resist buying. Have ordered Super Marmande £1.80 for 100 seeds from

Gardenforless

Debs x
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: davyw1 on January 15, 2012, 19:52:00
I would like to make a suggest a rule.

Blummin eck it catching
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on January 15, 2012, 20:00:51
 ;D...are you joining?
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: davyw1 on January 15, 2012, 20:08:29
I thought about it but untill things change as well as looking after my my own garden i also looking after two other our Stephen and my mate next door six weeks Azerbejan two weeks home. so i did not want to make any commitment.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: galina on January 17, 2012, 11:41:51
I would like to make a suggest a rule.

When your tomato's are ready to display they must have the stalk displayed cut off above the knuckle.


And this is because ? ......  perhaps I am missing the point here, but I cannot think why, if anything the extra weight of the stalk is cheating  ???
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: saddad on January 17, 2012, 11:58:25
To show you have grown it... bought tomatoes don't come with stem... except "vine" ones which wouldn't count... also stops the computer savvy posting someone else's "shopped" photo
 :-\
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Deb P on January 17, 2012, 12:05:10
Or you could just take a photo of it on the vine and then on the scales if you are worried about folk cheating....perhaps I'm naive enough to think people who post on here just would be honest? See, I still like to think the best until proven otherwise.....
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: davyw1 on January 17, 2012, 14:43:06
AS Saddad sys all shop tomatoes that do have the stem on are cut off at the knuckle, so it is to show that you have grown it.

 I agree i dont beleive any upstanding honest person on A4A would cheat???
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on January 17, 2012, 14:56:10
well, I've decided on my handbag ones and oxheart, I'll be starting them in the propagator on 26th jan, just before we're away for the weekend  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Deb P on January 17, 2012, 15:25:58
Perhaps I'll leave mine on the vine and weigh the whole plant, it might get me a greater weight!!! :-X
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on January 17, 2012, 15:27:25
No rules, it is all on trust, but pictures, preferably on scales will be required to estimate the winner
that's Jeannine's rules  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Ninnyscrops. on January 20, 2012, 00:23:31
(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t87/ninnyscrops/Public%20Album/20112-01-19003.jpg)

Out of hibernation from the seed cupboard!  :) Won't be long now till they feel the earth beneath their feet  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: connectedcats on January 20, 2012, 07:26:15
Hi, I'm new here, and I'd love to join in on this challenge  ;D. I bought some enormous beefsteak tomatoes on the journey back through France lasy year. I've no idea what varieties, one yellow, one red. I saved some seed, so it wll be a challenge to see if I can get them to grow as big as the ones I bought (about 1kg each!).
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Squash64 on January 20, 2012, 07:56:54
Hi, I'm new here, and I'd love to join in on this challenge  ;D. I bought some enormous beefsteak tomatoes on the journey back through France lasy year. I've no idea what varieties, one yellow, one red. I saved some seed, so it wll be a challenge to see if I can get them to grow as big as the ones I bought (about 1kg each!).

Hello and welcome to the forum.  :)
Good luck with your tomatoes! (were they tasty?)

Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on January 20, 2012, 08:23:18
Hello for the 'new' one..and welcome. It is such a buzz to get some holiday 'suveniers' growing.. ;D Lets hope you have good success growing them...well not too much..as I'm going WIN.. ;D ;)

My seeds are all picked out for competion now..and looks like I'm going to have to do more than just 2 varieties.. ::) Is that going to be omen for the rest of the year?..more likely..I always end up doing 'just one more' variety and squeezing them in somewhere.
I'm going till end of month and then my 'giant' seeds are going into propagator.. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Debs on January 22, 2012, 08:40:21
Seeds are at the ready. . .
 
Fingers itching uncontrollably . .  . :-\

think I'll plant two seeds... put in warm spot indoors... & see what happens  ::) 
Debs  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Debs on January 22, 2012, 20:12:17
So, I caved in to that irresistable urge to sow  ;D

For the competition I have sown:

6 Super Marmande
6 Giant Navikova
4 Giant Belgium
4 Neve's Azorean Red
4 Burpees Delicious

also 6 Roma and 4 Cauliflower All Year Round

Debs ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Ninnyscrops. on January 22, 2012, 22:26:31
So, I caved in to that irresistable urge to sow  ;D

For the competition I have sown:

6 Super Marmande
6 Giant Navikova
4 Giant Belgium
4 Neve's Azorean Red
4 Burpees Delicious

also 6 Roma and 4 Cauliflower All Year Round

Debs ;D


Out of the trap like a greyhound (I know that's a cabbage) Debs you are sowing SUPER early!  ;D

Ninnys
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Debs on January 24, 2012, 13:25:33
I know Ninnyscrop but my little green fingers became SOOOOO itchy!!  ;D

I shall be cosetting(?) & carefully nurturing those little beauties until they grow!!

. . . . that is the hope anyway  :-\ ;)

Debs x
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: saddad on January 24, 2012, 15:11:33
I'm still waiting...  :-X
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on January 26, 2012, 09:20:29
..another week for me... ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on January 26, 2012, 19:00:05
well, I've decided on my handbag ones and oxheart, I'll be starting them in the propagator on 26th jan, just before we're away for the weekend  ;D
Mine are in now, we're off to Brighton for a few days so they can get comfortable  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Debs on January 29, 2012, 08:35:38

Super Marmande  are the first to have peeked out from the compost

& Roma just through (although not for competition)

Temps are forecast to drop through the week with wintry showers so tomato TLC needed ;D

Debs x
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on January 31, 2012, 15:32:39
Both up  and lid taken off, I'll re-cover them tonight so they're not too shocked  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Ninnyscrops. on February 01, 2012, 01:07:55
Fair play everyone  :)

Visitors last weekend and the chitting potatoes are now on my wardrobe!

Spare bedroom will be taken over again for another week..............where do I put my prop  ??? (Nice suggestions please  ;))

Ninnys  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on February 01, 2012, 06:51:02
My seedpackets are out of the box now.. ;D ..nearly there..
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on February 01, 2012, 07:04:10
Hi Everyone, I started this thread so figured I shoulod get myself over here and join back in now it is starting, hoping all is well .

I need to read all through to get myself organised but my seeds are ready to sow, I will tell you which ones a little later.

Missed you all a heck of a lot.

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: saddad on February 01, 2012, 07:29:43
Hi Jeannine... lovely to see you again.  :)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on February 01, 2012, 07:41:51
EEEEEK!...SHE IS BACK!  ;D ;D Great!..lovely to 'see' you.. :-* ;D
I was just about tell Saddad that its old sticky...but your message was there in a previous page..:)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on February 01, 2012, 15:24:09
Glad you're back on board, Jeannine. I'm looking forward to the wooden spoon ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: grannyjanny on February 01, 2012, 16:10:41
Hi Jeannine. I look forward to your postings ;D. Welcome home :-*.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: saddad on February 01, 2012, 17:07:10
EEEEEK!...SHE IS BACK!  ;D ;D Great!..lovely to 'see' you.. :-* ;D
I was just about tell Saddad that its old sticky...but your message was there in a previous page..:)
I may be old and sticky...  :P
but I'm still almost compost mentis...  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on February 01, 2012, 19:49:37
Thanks folks..determined to try to stay, fingers crossed and nuff said but you didn't think I was gonna not win this competition did you..

So, off the top of my head I shall be sowing Big Zac  and Hoy for sure and a couple of others still to decide.

Here is hoping the rains don't cream us this year over here.

We have another plot, tiny as it is but it will help.

So just off to read all the thread and try to get around to answering the backlog of PMs.

Lovely to hear form you.

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: grawrc on February 01, 2012, 19:54:14
hey hey! Almost like old times! Good to see you! Or at least to read your words?
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on February 02, 2012, 10:15:32
first transplant done  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Debs on February 03, 2012, 13:44:12

Hi jeannine,

BIG welcome back  :-*

 - Looking forward to everyone's trials and tribulations on the tomato front

Debs x
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Ninnyscrops. on February 05, 2012, 00:01:04
Jeannine hidihi, great to see you back  :)

Your Brandywine are still in their packet.........2/3 weeks' time might see a few in the prop, then some directly sown into the greenhouse border and some at the plot much later.

Covering all angles  ;D

Ninnys x
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Duke Ellington on February 05, 2012, 00:13:56
I had an awful year 2011 with my toms in the greenhouse. The tomato moth got them and they were covered in caterpillars. I hope I can sort this out this year!

Duke
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on February 05, 2012, 16:24:21
started a few more off today, including Tony's big tomato seed  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on February 05, 2012, 20:44:51
Still not sure..

plan for the day..decide..decide and then sow tomorrow.

Good luck everyone..we never made any rules.. but do we really need them,,supposed to be a fun thing after all..what do you folks think..

the only one I can think of is pictures on a scale and yes green is OK.


XX Jeannine

PS I think we still need a volunteer to nobble Manics thoiugh..she worries me...sshh.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on February 05, 2012, 20:56:30
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on February 07, 2012, 12:08:54
I've just made the labels ready..packets are cut open..compost warmed up..kitchen is covered with newspaper for my mess..made some room into propagator...pots are stacked up ready for filling up..
...the game is on..! ;D
I'm just about to sow..Delicious, Giant Belgium, Giant Navikova and Neve's Azorean Red. The last one is the not the 'traditional' choise for the giant comps...but I've researched some bits on net..and the name does pop up now and then being able to produce some really biggen's..so its not hurting to try one's luck.. ;) ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Duke Ellington on February 07, 2012, 13:21:34
Goodlife .....where do you get your seeds from? ???

duke
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: BarriedaleNick on February 07, 2012, 13:41:13
I have just ordered some Delicious and already have some MortageLifter from...

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Premier-Seeds-Direct/About-Us.html - 99p a packet - very good service and a loto f members have used them
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on February 07, 2012, 13:53:46
Goodlife .....where do you get your seeds from? ???
duke
Well..swaps, shopping on net..all over the place.. ;D That Giant Navikova is from Seemnemailm..estonian seedshop.
Others I've long forgotten where they originally arrived from.. ::)
I used to buy quite a few bits from aniolekaseeds..but then something did go wrong with the business (if my memory serve me right) and haven't heard nothing from them anymore.
There is so many seed sources now... ;D..lucky for us..
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on February 07, 2012, 17:27:28
Ok I am ready to start.

I am growing 9 vaietiesss, cos I can't decide so may scrap some later.

Behemoth King
Goliath
Porter
Church
Big Zac
Delicious
Hoy
Belmont
Rebecca Sebastians Bull Bag

Draw your guns Manics I'me a commimg to get ya!!

Oh and I also have a mystery one.. seeds from some old guy years ago that I grow now and again,grew big but I am not sure just how big.It never had a name..maybe I will just call it my Hidden Weapon.

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on February 07, 2012, 17:48:52
Shakin' in me boots, Jeannine  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on February 07, 2012, 18:08:09
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
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: saddad on February 07, 2012, 18:12:43
All Stations go here... but not starting them yet if they are promising -12C this week...  :-X
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Ninnyscrops. on February 07, 2012, 19:50:13
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 :o

Ninnys
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on February 12, 2012, 08:52:57
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
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on February 12, 2012, 09:22:14
Yohooo...! ;D My seeds have germinated..! I can already see which one is the winner.. ;)..real monster that one already.. ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Debs on February 12, 2012, 10:01:48
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  ;D

competitive??

Not at all !!  ;D

Debs :-*
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on February 12, 2012, 11:10:28
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.. ;)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Debs on February 12, 2012, 11:34:20
Thats what I was thinking!!
 
Now waiting for true leaves to show before I snuggle my babies deeper into compost  :-*

Debs
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on February 12, 2012, 13:09:52
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
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on February 12, 2012, 13:16:00
Code: [Select]
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 .. ::)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on February 12, 2012, 13:29:43
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
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Nigel B on February 12, 2012, 15:49:00
Put my name down too please!   :)

Hahaa! You're all worried now eh? ;D

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.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Poolcue on February 12, 2012, 17:39:44
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.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on February 12, 2012, 18:26:05
Oh goodie more punters.. Poolcue's Rogue sounds very threatening and  we will wait with impatience for Nigel to reveal his one.

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Nigel B on February 12, 2012, 20:43:43
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..  :P
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on February 13, 2012, 02:04:01
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
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Ninnyscrops. on February 13, 2012, 02:30:58
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  ;)
(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t87/ninnyscrops/Feed005.jpg)

Ninny
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on February 13, 2012, 07:26:08
Ninny I can send you a few of the super bigs XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on February 13, 2012, 17:05:52
something to read about growing giants..
http://www.gvgo.ca/articles/interview_lyons01.html
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: elsie on February 13, 2012, 21:37:38
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.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Nigel B on February 15, 2012, 14:49:14
Ah Ha..so jayb is the supplier eh..well well..then maybe I shoukd be worried.....................not.

 :o
Oh my! You are in SO MUCH trouble now Missy.

They've arrived!   ;D
Jayb has been rummaging through her most secret drawers to bring me the very finest in Tomato hugeness, and what is considered by some (Jayb and me of course) to be the very tip of the pinnacle of the top bit as far as big Toms go.  :P So you've had your chips as far as winning goes this year folks.

Can't plant them just yet though. I'm following the moon-planting guide for these puppies, and I can't plant anything this week accprding to the synodic chart (http://www.the-gardeners-calendar.co.uk/moonplanting.asp?day=9&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+co%2FvgmL+%28Seven+day+moon+planting+guide%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher) I'm following.

 8)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on February 15, 2012, 15:44:25
Code: [Select]
I'm following the moon-planting guide for these puppiesAh..you are doomed..those two huge sun spots that has been in news recently are canceling all your good plans with moon..sorry you won't get any help from that cold piece of rock..keep praying.. ;) ;D
I gave warm breath from the loving grower to my little winners.. ;) ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on February 15, 2012, 17:16:51
Just transplanted seeds from Big Tony's big tomato and black krim, I'm just thrilled to have something growing  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: gazza1960 on February 15, 2012, 17:47:15
I have to say we dont know the 1st thing about growing big tommies,and I dont have any secret seeds stashed for just such a comp......but if anybody is willing to send us a couple ......dont care what variety....we,d like a go and growing them just for the "fun value" in your comp.....it would be great fun....ive only grown standard beefs before
cant recall the type but EllenK very kindly sent us some Legends to try but purely from a blight resistant stand point and not cos they grow ginormous.....anyway,if anybody has a couple of biggun type we can try I wont disclose who sent them or the variety you send.......we just wanna take part for the fun of it.

GazNjude
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on February 15, 2012, 18:25:13
Send me a PM with addy and I will post a few to you XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on February 15, 2012, 18:27:28
Nigel, come on fess up, what came out of Jayb's drawers ..name names..

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Nigel B on February 15, 2012, 19:23:25
Nigel, come on fess up, what came out of Jayb's drawers ..name names..

XX Jeannine
;D

You crack me up.... 8)

Ok. There's this one here.....
Mazarini. (http://t.tatianastomatobase.com:88/wiki/Mazarini) These seeds have a six-pack already.

Ummm Grandfather Ashlock (http://t.tatianastomatobase.com:88/wiki/Grandfather_Ashlock) An ex-prizefighter apparently. Heavyweight League of course.

and: Delicious (http://t.tatianastomatobase.com:88/wiki/Delicious) That well known favourite famour for having eaten all the pies.

There are also some Black and Brown Boar (http://t.tatianastomatobase.com:88/wiki/Black_and_Brown_Boar) too, just for flavour, and because she's a sweetie.  ;)

Now then. Do I have to pick one from these? 'Cos I will if'n I have to. Then we'll see whut's whut ey?

Ooh. I visited your area for a summer back in 198ty something. Or did I already tell you? My memory is awfully ummm.....
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on February 15, 2012, 21:58:34
Mmmmm :-X

The mind boggles A grandad ex prizefighter coming from..........

Some good stuff there.

No you didn't tell me you were here..did you ring the bell,I might hav been on the patio, it is always best to knock..loud

Good Luck

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Ninnyscrops. on February 23, 2012, 19:07:45
Brandywines are in the seed tray!

Ninnys  :)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Duke Ellington on February 23, 2012, 19:10:48
OH NO !!!!!
Now that Ninnys has started hers off I am going to stort mine off tomorrow. Can't have her winning :P ;D She wins too many gardening prizes as is!

Duke
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Ninnyscrops. on February 23, 2012, 19:40:21
Remember it's just for fun Duchess  ;D ;D ;D  :P
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on March 03, 2012, 07:28:24
A little update with process so far. My plants are now good 3" tall and ready for potting up for bit bigger pots (3 or 4")..which I shall get on with it today. Its going to be rainy day, so its perfect for playing with compost..and since I cleaned kitchen yesterday   ::)
So far, so good.. :)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: elsie on March 03, 2012, 15:57:19
I'm going to start my seed tomorrow, bit late, but still haven't got my polytunnel up  ::) so I might have to make some sort of frame to put these out in...
Anyway, not quite Delicious, or some of the other monster varieties I've seen, but I will grow, Tom's Yellow Wonder, Marianna's Peace, Coeur De Boeuf and a Greek Beefsteak  :)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on March 03, 2012, 18:09:43
Elsie, Did I not send you some seeds..XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Ninnyscrops. on March 03, 2012, 18:33:18
(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t87/ninnyscrops/002.jpg)

Jeanninie, thank you so very much for the Big Zac and Pollock tomato seeds, they arrived today. As you can see they are already tucked up with the Brandywine with a few chilli and pepper seeds for company too  :)

Ninnys x
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: elsie on March 03, 2012, 19:37:32
Elsie, Did I not send you some seeds..XX Jeannine
No, but I wasn't expecting any  :)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on March 06, 2012, 09:41:32
Elsie do you want a few biggie seeds, if you do send me your address and I will mail you a few over.

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: elsie on March 06, 2012, 10:34:00
 :-\.... :-\.... :-\... ;)  :-*  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Two Choices on March 07, 2012, 13:13:18
Just picked up this thread. Am I too late to play?  Got some Beefsteak planted in the hope it's OK . TC
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Nigel B on March 07, 2012, 13:48:27
Hmmm.
My giganormous seedlings are up, but they don't 'arf look leggy compared to the 'normal' tomatoes. Still, I'm assuming that comes with the territory..

Now then Jannine... I rather suspect we both know people. :)
My friends lived at Maple as I said previously and were also quite well known to your friends at the Witch. Chris may even have worked there at one point, but I think she was bar-tending elsewhere when we were there... At a motel down the road a ways if memory serves. Flippin' memory. Its as dodgy as a dodgy thing, dodging stuff.
My friend Martin is, like myself, a motorcycle enthusiast. We used to go to the Westwood circuit, his 'home' track, at the weekends to race and we'd spend the evenings building or rebuilding bikes for himself or his friends.... Or at the pub, whichever took our fancy. ;D I'd be his pit-crew and we even mechanic/pit-crewed a wildcard rider called Robbie Much... Sadly passed away.... when the MotoGP came to town.
I had a fantastic time there. I had a job working mainly in and around Vancouver and the heights and even as far away as Whistler...'paid under the table', but shush. ;) Bought my own motorcycle out of the earnings and gadded about quite happily until it was time to come home ....
I'd go back in a flash if it were at all possible..... And stay. :)

Anyway. Sorry for the ramble....
Back to the giants...  8)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on March 07, 2012, 19:42:58
Hi Nigel, well what a small world. It is so long ago 1977 I think when I sat having coffee with her and truly can't remember her name, the coffee house was at the home of a lady whose husband was a retired cop but can't remember her name either.

Funny you should mention the bikes.

When I was young I raced a bike and drove one as transport too.  Grasstrack, I raced as the passenger,sometimes horizontal going round corners. Trying to imagine switching from one side to the other now at high speed is unbelieveable.
I raced a 250 cc Dot ,as a single, still grasstrack and  I drove a 1000 cc Goldstar bit I never raced that.It was very heavy but I loved it. The first bike I had was a real oldie, I think it was a Velocette,(maybe that was my scooter)  anyway it  had a gear lever not on the handlebars but on the side of the tank.

Now at almost 70 , over weight and disabled it is fun to think back and remember getting into tight racing leathers.

Now I get my kicks growing tomatoes. ::)

Maybe the spirit of competition is still there in me.... I am going to win !!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

XX Jeannine

Oh and by the way, I planted my seeds the day before yesterday....

LAST CALL>>>>>>>>>>>> SEEDS...............I still have a few............PM me>>>>>>> OFFER CLOSES 11th March.Seeds go back into storage that day.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Ninnyscrops. on March 07, 2012, 23:41:43
(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t87/ninnyscrops/001.jpg)
Brandywines are up, I don't mind that they are leggy at the moment, more roots to take up water when they are planted deeply  ;)
(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t87/ninnyscrops/IMG_0185.jpg)
Big Zacs are happy in the prop and just 'thinking' at the moment  :)

Ninnys

Edited to say........the big potato on the right is a Desiree and it look's as if it's saying "Get me out of here it's a bit crowded, I need my proper bed!" .......my strange sense of humour  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on March 09, 2012, 10:00:43
Lovely pics,
Ive now got burpees delicious, navikova potted on and doing well and big zac are just poking through the soil. Thankyou very much to my fab seed donors.

I'm excited! and looking forward to the black russians being the medium tomatoes in the GH and tasting some new varieties.

x
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Debs on March 09, 2012, 12:24:09
Wow Ninnys :o

Looks like your going to have a greenhouse/allotment devoted to tomatoes!!!

Debs ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on March 09, 2012, 19:25:14
Well done Ninny..

Sunloving, your Big Zac is poking through too, good for you.

My Rachael Sebastian Bull Bag is through this morning as is my Belmont and  Behemoth King, but no sign of my Big Zac.

I can'r remember the other biggies I planted apart from Hoy.

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Ninnyscrops. on March 28, 2012, 21:34:05
(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t87/ninnyscrops/th_IMG_0274.jpg) (http://s158.photobucket.com/albums/t87/ninnyscrops/?action=view&current=IMG_0274.jpg)
(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t87/ninnyscrops/th_IMG_0276.jpg) (http://s158.photobucket.com/albums/t87/ninnyscrops/?action=view&current=IMG_0276.jpg)
(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t87/ninnyscrops/th_IMG_0275.jpg) (http://s158.photobucket.com/albums/t87/ninnyscrops/?action=view&current=IMG_0275.jpg)

My Brandywines, potted on today as the roots were poking through the old cells. Can you see there are two kinds of secondary leaves, one smooth and one serrated! I saved the seed from one huge tomato, the one with my glasses on last year. Is it possible for crossing to happen in one part of the tomato and not the other  ???

One poser for Jeannine, I think  ::)

Ninnys
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Duke Ellington on March 29, 2012, 00:02:45
Well I have never grown Brandywine before but here is a picture of my seedling. I am a bit worried about it as it doesn't even look like a tomato ...no serrated leaves at all!!!

(http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh131/jazzbyrd/bc47fcc0.jpg)

Duke
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on March 29, 2012, 01:46:55
There are so many tomatoes now that carry the name Brandywine, many of which should not.

If we get down to basics..

Brandywine...no other words just simply  Brandywine..is a large PINK oblate beefsteak tomato

Duke your picture is bang on, that is a potato leaf. If the leaf is serrated it is not a Brandywine,well not the one with just the one word as above.

There is a Brandywine Red which has  regular tomato leaf

There is a Brandywine Sudduths Strain which is potato leaf

Then it goes on and on with many names being added to the name Brandywine.

There is a wonderful article on the web by Craig Lehoulier about the myths and truths about Brandywine.

Ninny the pictures are small but they look potato leaf to me, however if your Brandywine seedlings  come from a tomato on a plant that was  cross pollinated  last year the seeds this year would be F1 crosses of a Brandywine mother and an unknown father, if that is the case your plants  could well have regular leaf or  potato leaf and may or may not look like the original  Brandywine at all however as FI hybrids the plants should all look alike. If you get different plants ,some potato leaf and some regular leaf then the cross has happened before last year.

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Duke Ellington on March 29, 2012, 08:28:50
Thanks Jeannine,

I thought something might be wrong so it's a relief to know its okay  :) I have two Brandywine on the go and they both look the same.

Duke
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Deb P on March 29, 2012, 17:53:48
Oh dear, just woken up after night shift and went out to greenhouse to check on seedlings....some of the ones in my propagator have been fried today ! The ones that were under fleece are fine, but I reckon most of the heritage toms are toast , rats. Oh well, I'll have some of them resown by next week, annoying though! >:(
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: cleo on March 29, 2012, 19:37:33
Not sure I grow really huge tomatoes as I cannot be bothered to thin a truss but I might get  a couple of decent Brandywines/Ox hearts.

Photos could be a problem though-no idea how to get pics from my new camera onto photobucket :-[
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on March 29, 2012, 19:48:54
Hi Cleo, how are you..you never answered my message about Alma Paprika seeds you were looking for ages ago, I grew it last year and kept loads of seeds.

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Ninnyscrops. on March 29, 2012, 20:10:39
I'll plant some of each then Jeannine and thank you for the advice  :)

Ninnys
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: cleo on March 29, 2012, 21:16:15
you never answered my message about Alma Paprika seeds

Sorry I seem to have missed a load of stuff. Truth is I have been a bit out of touch recently. Jenny will always be  in my heart but a new Lady entered my life so if I am not gardening I`m cooking and ironing.

Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Ninnyscrops. on March 29, 2012, 22:09:00

Sorry I seem to have missed a load of stuff. Truth is I have been a bit out of touch recently. Jenny will always be  in my heart but a new Lady entered my life so if I am not gardening I`m cooking and ironing.



Good news to hear Stephan, on all fronts  ;).

Ninnys
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on March 30, 2012, 05:03:28
Now that is good news Cleo, smashing, I am really happy for you. So we are expecting you now to grow a huge tomato..Moneymaker maybe..

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Chris Graham on April 12, 2012, 08:29:37
Here are my Marmande, which are now in growbags in my new heated greenhouse 5 x 10.

(http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/539797_3560193773103_1520563440_33112355_219736384_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on April 12, 2012, 09:24:23
Get you and your fancy heated greenhouse!

Jealous? not me no.

Mine are still at the small pot stage but holding on the for last frost til they go in the beds.

But all survived the late frost so far, hooray.
I'm looking forward to all the roast tomatoes there will be this year!
yum
x Sunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Deb P on April 12, 2012, 09:51:24
Well my replacement seedlings are mostly through and not quite ready to pot on, so goodness knows when I will catch you lot up! :-\ :'(
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on April 13, 2012, 05:42:54
Don't worry Debs, there is no finishing date..

I have just potted on

Big Zac
Hoy
Belmont
Behemoth King
Rachel Sebastian's Bullbag

Plus all my usual tomatoes.

I am interested in how Church and |delicious grow that I sent over as I didn't have room for them all

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: antipodes on April 13, 2012, 10:31:21
Oh yes I will have a go!
My plants are being babysat this week as we are going on holidays, they are nowhere near like the ones below.

What could be a contender? I am growing a large green beefsteak from saved seed, they were pretty big last year, also some Marmande. Also a Nebraska Wedding and a Green Bell Pepper, which are meant to be large.
Just have to avoid the dreaded blight  :'(
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on April 13, 2012, 11:08:18
All the beefsteaks are possible for biggen..Green Bell Pepper toms don't grow that large, they are stuffers so they do grow into good size 'normal' tomatoes and crop well in quantity but they are not for this competition...unless I sent you some accidental 'mongrel' seed that should do surprise XXL stuffer.. ::)...but in that case..can I have some seed back from that fruit?... ;) ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: gazza1960 on April 13, 2012, 16:08:47
admission of guilt,got to hold me hands up Jeannine and say that my last 2 big zacs from the small quantity you kindly sent me have gone to that large shrivvled home in the sky they got to 4 leaf stage and I thought hooray but they gave in overnight and I dont know why as I kept em all cosy in there own heated little house,but all is not lost as I did manage to source 10 zacs yesterday so im starting over....albeit very late,I will try to grow a contender..... ::)

Gazza
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on April 14, 2012, 05:16:23
Oh good Gazza, I din't have very many so I am pleased you found more. Wonder why they croaked?

Anyway, good luck to everyone..just for fun.. we need some of that in our lives.


Good for you Antipodes, welcome.

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: gazza1960 on April 14, 2012, 12:06:16
Hold the phone Jeannine,just found 1 last seedling of your batch hanging on in there so although ive sown the new ones I got today Ill see if your remaining zac prospers.,,,,please...please..!!!!!

Gazza   ;)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on April 25, 2012, 07:30:45
I'm thinking about planting my toms in the greenhouse boarder this week as they are just to big for the pots they are in and the weather seems to have turned to rain and low pressure. Ive noticed that giant navakova and big zac are really chunky plants!

So just want to check, i've grown black russian as a cordon and marmande as a plant that the flowers stop growth on the branch, how do you treat these big toms in terms of pinching out and limiting trusses etc?
x Sunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Nigel B on April 26, 2012, 14:00:01
Oi Oi! Guess who's back online....  ;) I have managed to justify grabbing another bit of internetty-time, working on the premise that time spent on this forum alone is worth every penny in wisdom gained..

Now then... I am preparing to be noble in victory. As you do.
The giants I had from JayB are going well, with flowers about to open on some of them..
Note, the use of vague terms like 'some' and 'the giants', is due to a small but still rather important labeling malfunction.
I'm hoping JayB well recognize which are which eventually... 8)

So all's well. And I'm glad to see you are all still optimistic, considering.    ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Ninnyscrops. on April 26, 2012, 23:03:56
Oh dear, time to 'fess up. Big Zac and Pollok didn't germinate for me, so probably totally my fault Jeannine.  :'(

Brandywine and Brandywine crosses are looking healthy but no way as big as ChrisG's yet. Heating is off now in the greenhouse so they are on their own now, in 4 inch pots for a bit.

Nigel B - flowers already  :o and Sunloving with chunky plants - might be time to concede  ;D

.........but I'll keep going  :)

Ninnys
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on April 27, 2012, 07:24:37
Ninny I only had one in 4 of the big zac appear so i think its just an aloof and shy variety! But my one plant is a bruiser!

x sunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on May 11, 2012, 20:02:23
 I am annoyed about the Big Zacs. I had two lots , from different places  and both new this year.

I have six growing but I can't remember which batch they were from. I think I sent over the seeds from a friend in the US as I was not totally comfortable with the buyer I got the other seeds from and as I had several giant varieties I thought I was sending the best ones over there.

The ones I have growing are doing well but the plants are shorter than my other giants.

I have just potted mine on into 5 gallon buckets.

Big Zac, Belmont, Behemoth King, Rebecca Sebastians Bull Bag. No Church, it must have been on the tray I dropped and lost. I think that is all.

 I have a few flowers.

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on May 13, 2012, 08:50:33
Mine are planted in the gh boarder and growing well despite the frosts and aminopyraloid in one batch of compost i was using.

Thing about big zac is Jeannine is that your generocity with it means that we all will have spare seed of it next year and so will be able to send some back to you and give it a good trial  :)

Im still wondering about how to treat some of the new to mes this year as ive already started to take out side shoots from my cordons.

Big zac, giant navikova and burpees delicious thanks to lovely seed donors are new for me this year, do i grow these as cordons and take out the side shoots, or allow one or two fruits to develop and then stop the rest how do you treat them?

Also a small aside im growing roma for the first time in pots this year is this a true bush tom? and therefore side shoots stay on?

Happy tom growing, lovely to have that tomato smell back in the gh!
x sunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on May 13, 2012, 10:16:30
Code: [Select]
do i grow these as cordons and take out the side shoots, or allow one or two fruits to develop and then stop the rest how do you treat them?

Yes..they are (and treat them as) cordons.

I finally got my biggies into ground in GH last week and they were really gagging for it as already in few days they are looking totally different plants. Planted mine in a bottom of the (bottomless) containers in GH border..and as they grow taller I fill the soil level up in the pots so the plants will root along the stems as they get buried. I soaked and fertilized the soil underneath my pots throughly so as the roots wonder 'outside'..they getting nourishment straight away.. ;)
I'm not going to allow mine to flower as yet...
I was originally planning to get them planted much earlier, but as the weather has been so cold this spring, I just couldn't plant them into my unheated GH. Plan was to give them plenty of time to develop good size plants before they come into flower.. ::)...so..I'm going to remove first lot of flowers as soon as they appear..give my plants more time to strengthen up and grow BIIIG rootsystem. When my plants have bulked up nicely, then they can flower and plan is to remove most of the flowers and allow one of two to set in the first couple of trusses...but no more than mable size and then I make a the cull to remove all but the biggest fruit...yes...I'm going to leave just one.
per plant. Well...thats the plan anyway.. ::)
Plants are in ground and the 'game' is on... ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on May 17, 2012, 09:03:54
Right thankyou goodlife for the advice. We just need some warm weather now!

Thining to one! ha with my luck at the mo it would get half eaten by a catterpillar or drop off!

x sunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on May 17, 2012, 18:17:51
Roma is a bush , don't prune XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on May 17, 2012, 19:25:29
Thanks J, i was just looking at them today and wondering whether to take out the side shoots. Thats great!

Heres to a tomato filled summer!
x Sunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Ninnyscrops. on May 20, 2012, 23:03:28
4 Brandywines went up to the plot yesterday, bring on the sun  ;D

Ninny
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on May 28, 2012, 07:12:59
Hi All
Well toms are in a producing side shoots by the hour the buggers! But coping well in the heat of this week.
Anyway i thought i might make a small commemorative vase/plant pot for the winner in my pottery class, it will take a few weeks to throw, shape, fire, glaze but definitely ready to send to the winner in sept!

So onwards and upwards. It wont be huge just in case it has to fly to canada!
It may of course be staying with me ;D
x sunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on May 28, 2012, 09:02:28
Oh well Sunloving, then I should tell you I have fruit on two of tomatoes and lots of flowers on the others.. so maybe you should start that potters wheel, a wonderful idea and so very kind ..but what if Sunloving wins eh?

Do you think  I  should start working on a vase or plaque from here, and yes  it does take tiome getting  it ready for my kiln, firing, glazing and firing again, and especially if  I add a tad of gold..another firing.. just in case it has to go to Great Britain.

I can see this competiotion is going to be fun.

Thank you fior the lovey idea Sunloving.. I am sure everyone will be thrilled at your kindness.

XX Jeanninbe
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on May 28, 2012, 10:25:15
OHHHH..how wonderful ideas you two coming up with. ;D
My plants are just pushing out their first flowers and although this weather is no good for rest of the veg..toms are loving it.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: brownowl23 on May 28, 2012, 10:49:49
My cherokee purples, Mortgage lifter and super choice are putting out flowers. My polish giant afre being a bit more coy about flowering just yet.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Nigel B on May 28, 2012, 12:25:21
The Delicious and Grandfather Ashlock are flowering and doing well. Everything's hale and hearty as far as I can see so far...
Are you folks really going to the extreme of leaving only one fruit on a plant?
I can see I'm going to have to put my serious trousers on.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on May 28, 2012, 12:57:56
Code: [Select]
I can see I'm going to have to put my serious trousers on  ;D..OH YES..this is not 'half hearted' competition even if it is just for fun.. ;) Get your trousers on.. ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on May 28, 2012, 19:36:37
Not my idea Goodie,a wonderful one from Sunloving.

I do have a kiln as most of you know and it may be used if Sunloving wins.

We will see what we will see.

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Ninnyscrops. on May 28, 2012, 23:25:09
Flowers,  :o and more flowers  :o, mine are still sinking their roots  ::)

Ninny  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on May 29, 2012, 09:22:54
Jeannine i think your kiln could stay safely cold! (how wonderful to have one at home- except for the electricity bill!) especially as you've already got fruit on! Mine are just putting out side shoots and not much else at the moment. However its early days  :)

I'll throw it tonight.
x sunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on May 29, 2012, 17:37:10
Sunloving I have had a kiln since forever really, I ran a teaching studio in Canada for many years and it became something I always had to have even after I decided to give that up.

The one I have now is a baby one, it will go to cone 6 so I can still fire porcelain greenware i it but I wanted it mainly for china painting. U still have projects that I have had in boxes fro 15 years and am determioned to one day finish them..cough cough..well hoping to. I bought it last year and so far have not used it. When I left Canada ceramics and pottery was a very big hobby but ut seems it has gone now so the suppliers are no longer loacal for most things. I have been promising myself a trip to Seattle to pick up porcelain slip as I want to make some dollshouse folks. One of these days.

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on May 30, 2012, 09:41:06
You are a multi talented lady. I'm a beginner and whilst my throwing is okay i have many glazing disasters and so lots to learn. Thats strange about clay supplies. Hope you can hunt down an on line supplier and fire up the kiln one of these days.

x sunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on May 30, 2012, 18:50:51
Not as talented as you sweetie. I had to hand build a couple of pots and throw one on wheel to get my teachers certification many years ago but I was useless at both and never did it again. I scraped through that bit om certification..just.

I prefer to use molds and liquid slip. Of course all of my molds are long gone apart from some repro antique doll heads and my dollshouse people.

I have some  dolls that I spent a great many hours carving details into the dry porcelain greenware before firing that are still not china painted and I want to finish them as I have all the antique silks and antique laces to dress them. Sadly once dolls became popular thousands of cheap ones turned up in shops and mail order and the very differnt artist ones that can cost a great deal of money were lumped in with them. It used to make me laugh. I spent more on a pair of hand blown glass eyes than folks spent on three dolls, but I guess that is the wau things go.

However I must finish the dozen or so I have half done.

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Squash64 on June 13, 2012, 13:14:07
This is my giant Navikova today, grown from seed sent by a very kind A4Aer.



[attachment=1]


[attachment=2]
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on June 13, 2012, 19:52:55
OOH, that looks serious, that one has got me worried.

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on June 13, 2012, 21:02:18
Me, too, Bags I the wooden spoon  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on June 13, 2012, 21:11:24
Mine are sulking in the cold,, I might win the plant with the least produce on it competition !!

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Nigel B on June 13, 2012, 22:44:36
Ooookay.. Squash64... Very good! 8) Thanks for giving us a quick look.  I reckon you've peeked to early though.  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Ninnyscrops. on June 14, 2012, 00:28:27
True Brandywines in the greenhouse, not even a flower yet  :( Brandywine crosses out in the open loads of flower buds  :)

Maybe not throwing in the towel yet  ;) - no closing date on the competition is there?  ;D

Ninny x
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on June 14, 2012, 08:38:49
Oh! Thats far ahead, mine are still just growing like crazy and the only fruit ive got on is on the sungolds and they wont win any prizes!

But loads of time yet! Good luck all.
Trophy out of biscuit fire and ready for glazing :)
x sunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: saddad on June 14, 2012, 09:16:52
I don't even have any set fruit yet...  :-X
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Deb P on June 14, 2012, 10:11:38
My Polish Giant plants are living up to their name, covered in flowers but no fruit set yet, and aren't even in their final pots yet!
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on June 14, 2012, 20:43:04
Ninny, you need to trip the flowers to get good pollination in the greenhouse. The flower is self pollinating but gently  shaking the plants, using a fan or buzzing them with an electric toothbrush shakes the pollen down to where it needs to be, if outside the natural movemenet of the wind would do it.

Go tickle them!!

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Ninnyscrops. on June 14, 2012, 22:19:12
Will do, thank you Jeannine   :)

Ninny
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on June 23, 2012, 08:01:56
Despite the deluge my big zac has finally got little fruit on it. Whoop whoop.

Just need a bit of sun now.

and i glazed the trophy on tues will see what it looks like next week.
x sunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on June 23, 2012, 21:13:58
Wow, you have got it glazed,,do we get to see the picture or is it a secret.

My toms are not even close. I have flowers but very little fruit and what there is is not on the bigger varieties.. well I do have one..it is from  a tomato I bought last year( I posted pictures) it was the biggest tomato I had ever seen so I kept the seeds. No idea wat it is, I am certain it would have been a hybrid as  I bought it from an Oriental farm sale but it was huge and it is growing big fruit..howver the other three plants from the same tomato are growing differently which I guess confirms it.

We shall see what we shall see ;D ;D

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on June 23, 2012, 22:21:02
I have fruit on the marmande and St pierre but none on the competition ones. Plus loads on the galina cherries. Everything is slow this year  :)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Debs on June 25, 2012, 12:59:37
Mine are slow too - only just begining to flower, and not sure which is which after teenage daughter thought it would be funny to swap the labels around ::)

Debs
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on June 25, 2012, 13:13:43
Mine are slow too - only just begining to flower, and not sure which is which after teenage daughter thought it would be funny to swap the labels around ::)
Debs

Ohh...sounds like some teenage daugter needs a little 'swap' lesson..how about having 'fun' and swapping places of her clothes from where she usually keeps them... :-X ;D..do you think it would work?

No wonder I don't have any 'kids'..I would make awful mother.. ;D ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: antipodes on June 25, 2012, 13:47:32
I have flowers on many of them, but I couldn't get down yesterday to check fruit signs. They are all about 70cm high now so should be some activity soon...if it ever stops raining!!

I feel there is some inequality here though - I have no GH so mine are all outdoors!  Surely an unequal battle???   ;D

I saved seed from a couple of beefsteaks last year, including an orange one and a green one, both of unknown variety, but I noticed that the plants of those are particularly vigourous and the flowers are very fancy, quite large! Maybe they will give some good fruit (if the sun ever shows itself).
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on June 25, 2012, 19:34:16
Some of mine are outdoors too and I live in the PNW... you have a big advatage over ,e ;D ;D

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on June 27, 2012, 07:29:05
Well the first glaze was a disaster so i've made a second one and sent it for fireing last night. Good job i've got to sept? to make the thing.

(http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m592/Kathryn300/IMGP2659.jpg)

x Sunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: pumkinlover on June 27, 2012, 08:29:31
Admitedly the glaze ran a bit, but otherwise that is fantastic Sunloving :D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on June 27, 2012, 09:31:43
Unique, i think it's brilliant, can't say the same about my tomatoes, though  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Duke Ellington on June 27, 2012, 13:02:47
Brandywine at last!!!

(http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh131/jazzbyrd/b42a92c5.jpg)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on June 27, 2012, 13:10:10
Oh...Sunloving..that is perfect! I must get my watering can out now and get those toms going... ;) Hmm..and perharps some midnight session of witchcraft would not hurt neither...desperate measures.. ::) ;D

That pot would look just a job on my desk... ;) ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on June 27, 2012, 19:46:49
I think the pot is perfect just as it is, we know what it looks like now so you can't make anither one,,that is THE one!

Try your words on the greenware with underglaze next time, then fire, then glaze and refire, it won't run.

I still think this is oor winners cup though.

Who agrees..

Goodlife, I read somewhere that if you dance around your tomatoes covered in molasses at midnight while your wellies are full of manure the garden fairies like it and blesss you with a great harvest.

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on June 27, 2012, 20:09:53
Code: [Select]
Who agrees.. ME! ;D


Code: [Select]
Goodlife, I read somewhere that if you dance around your tomatoes covered in molasses at midnight while your wellies are full of manure the garden fairies like it and blesss you with a great harvest.
 That's what I normally do..though can't do 'around' tomatoes..they are too close to glass. Fairies..get ready to be surprised.. ;) ;D

Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on June 27, 2012, 20:35:07
Ok, if you can't get round them you have to jump over them, wearing suitable  attire of course which is nothing.

Whipped cream  rubbed in your hair also helps and you are allowed to use this option if you can't jump very high.

I really shouldn't be sharing all my tricks with you but I am nice.. I am keeping back the one about the green jelly and prune puree.. ;)

I could be bribed though..maybe

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on June 28, 2012, 08:08:38
Ha ha , so this is how to grow the mega toms dancing with dessert items , must give it a try. Greenhouse is a bit steamed up today as its so wet and muggy, perfect blight weather ahead this week.

As for the trophy, you big bunch of liars it was truely awful, so im keeping it in the garden with something that grows a lot inside it to hide the drippy glaze.
I already made its replace ment and it went in the kiln on tuesday not sure what it looks like now but this is the two together after id glazed the second one so fingers crossed!

Jeannine - yes thats just what teacher said so its underglazed then wax resist before dipping. Its just that the stoneware fireing is so hot that who knows how it will come out! x sunloving



(http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m592/Kathryn300/IMGP2657.jpg)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on June 28, 2012, 08:13:36
Those look very tidy...but the first one is best..HONEST!. 'Dribling' glaze is like tears running down of those who didn't make it... ;D

Are they 'solid' pots or plant pots with hole in it?

Oh, I'm 'itching' to learn pot making now.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: gazza1960 on June 28, 2012, 09:33:45
We all luv a disaster cos we dont really know what appeal it would have to the untrained eye(me) so im with all the other liars....I mean judges ... :P.....and prefer your dribbly lettered  one as it would look great adorning my plot, cos as we speak Jeannines 1 remaining "Big Zac" seedling of 8 that she kindly sent me has thrived and is all of 15 ins tall now.....whooooopeeee.... and has ""I wanna grow winning tommies" all over it.....bless  !!!!!!!!!!!

Gazza
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: BarriedaleNick on June 28, 2012, 11:14:47
Disaster for me as my big toms in the poly have done all sorts of odd things this year and my outdoors are looking blighted in places already...  sad face!
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Squash64 on June 28, 2012, 15:53:00
Someone sent me the seeds of this, not sure of the variety but the flowers are huge!

[attachment=1]
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Ninnyscrops. on June 28, 2012, 19:08:13
Ok, if you can't get round them you have to jump over them, wearing suitable  attire of course which is nothing.

Whipped cream  rubbed in your hair also helps and you are allowed to use this option if you can't jump very high.

I really shouldn't be sharing all my tricks with you but I am nice.. I am keeping back the one about the green jelly and prune puree.. ;)

I could be bribed though..maybe

XX Jeannine

;D ;D ;D

Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on June 28, 2012, 19:24:36
Blimey Squash..if that is not winning flower, I don't know what it..looking promising.. ;)
Are sure its not sunflower?.. ;)

And about Jeannine's last advise...I've got a feeling that somebody is telling me some porkies  :-\..I happen to know that fairies don't like whipped cream...and as for the prune puree and green jelly..OH YUM..that sounds lovely.. ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on June 28, 2012, 21:04:12
Squash whatever you do, don't remove that flower, it is a megabloom, the fruit may look a bit oddly shaped but it is the megabloom flowers that often produce the biggest fruit... it may be the only one like it on the plant so don't move ot.

Now why am I tyelling you this ;D

Goodlife, I did  not tell a porkie, they don't count when you are eating chocolate icecream with you feet in a tub of bubbly water..

Sunloving I love all the pots but the first one was a winner and my feet are perectly dry now.. cross my heart,  I loved it.

I had a porcelain teacher many many years ago who told me  never to fire a kiln without an experimental piece in it, she had a collection of some of the oddest things . She mixed glaze with all kinds of things. I fired several pots one year with volcanic ash from Mount St Helens eruption mixed into the glaze.

I used to teach a lot of lace draping.. using a greenware figurine, we would soak 100% cotton fine lace in porcelain slip and then ruffle or fold the wet lace onto the figurine creating a ball gown as we went. When the piece was fired  the cotton threads burned away leaving behind a  beautiful lace made of porcelain. Like cobweb almost. Like Dresden was made except much much finer. I still have boxes of cotton lace , I must do this again..

 I am sitting in my study as we speak and looking on the top of a display cabinet where I have several pieces I need to finish, I really must motivate myself. You are getting me there.

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on June 29, 2012, 08:14:49
OOh ive got a couple of those megablooms mostly on the black russians though which dont grow that big must give them a tickle later as there's no buzzing in the rain today.

Come on the sun !

Jeannine the lace sounds amazing what an interesting idea. My class is only 8 weeks long and so its very difficult to experiment. You should plan some autumn/winter projects to make the winter fly and perhaps create a whole range of xmas presents and fill up that cabinet with newly fired things.

x sunloving


Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: galina on June 29, 2012, 09:41:18
OOh ive got a couple of those megablooms mostly on the black russians though which dont grow that big must give them a tickle later as there's no buzzing in the rain today.

Come on the sun !

Jeannine the lace sounds amazing what an interesting idea. My class is only 8 weeks long and so its very difficult to experiment. You should plan some autumn/winter projects to make the winter fly and perhaps create a whole range of xmas presents and fill up that cabinet with newly fired things.

x sunloving




The only reason for removing megablooms would be seed saving.  They are notorious for cross pollination.  And yes, they do make the largest tomatoes and it is important not to save seeds from them.  But for competition tomatoes, there is a good chance of a winner.  Has anybody seen these on other than beefsteak tomatoes?  I have never seen one on a cherry or plum variety here.  Good growing all  :)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on June 30, 2012, 04:37:04
Galina I have had a good few from the Dwarf Project tomatoes, I guess it is their heritage.

I remember a discussiion a few years ago on here when folks were talking about big odd flowers and evryone was saying to remove them then.

 I never did, but of course didn't save seeds from the fruit  due ti the risk.
XX
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on July 12, 2012, 04:34:10
Ok you lovely lot..be afraid, be very afraid.

I have just been in the greenhouse on the plot. I haven't been in there for 3 weeks  as have not been too good so John was watering.

I went in today and wow.

I have one tomato still very green and still growing and it is huge, it would fill my hand ..no kidding.

It is called " Rachel Sebastian's Ball Bag"

I don't wanty to appear rude after typing the above but it almost looks like two tomatoes fused together side by side.

I don't know how it will end up but right now it looks very interesting.

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on July 12, 2012, 10:20:51
OOh that sounds promising. Ball bag! whatever next.  :)

I had a mixed visit to the gh.. the naughty hens had raided and pecked off all the lower beefsteaks - cheeky bs but i have some bigger than an orange melons growing on the plants in pots.

 x sunloving


Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on July 12, 2012, 13:54:15
I have 1 marmande showing a bit of promise but, I've been growing my toms cool to stop mould and stuff so the bigger ones are very slow  :)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on July 18, 2012, 12:43:08
At last a non disaster Allotments 4 all biggest tomato 2012 trophy pot.

Ready to be parceled up for the winning tom Its bout big enough for an ameryllis bulb ready for xmas. Get growing my little beauties

(http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m592/Kathryn300/IMGP2704.jpg)(http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m592/Kathryn300/IMGP2705.jpg)
(http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m592/Kathryn300/IMGP2703.jpg)

XSunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: galina on July 18, 2012, 18:57:08
At last a non disaster Allotments 4 all biggest tomato 2012 trophy pot.

Ready to be parceled up for the winning tom Its bout big enough for an ameryllis bulb ready for xmas. Get growing my little beauties

XSunloving

That's exquisite!  I wish I had started big 'uns this year. 
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Ninnyscrops. on July 19, 2012, 00:00:49
That looks really great Sunloving, such clever folk on A4A.

Ninny
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on July 19, 2012, 10:03:46
Brilliant bowl, sunloving  ;D
My marmande are looking good, if not ginormous  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jayb on July 19, 2012, 10:06:00
Looks fantastic, well done you  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: gazza1960 on July 19, 2012, 12:31:06
Top bit of pottery there,although my one and only Zak is growing well there is no signs of fruit so no fear from me ......Oh and just got back from plot finding 3 Red Alerts outside all with blight blackening on main stem so pulled em early and hopefully the remaining outdoors plants dont succumb to it... :(

Gazza
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on July 19, 2012, 18:08:46
Thanks
The UK forecast is looking much better and i think we are going to have a lot of late whopppers come the end of august.

Mine are slow but so far no blight and a few fruits setting but no mega toms at all and the baking trays ready for roast tomatoes havent seen light of day yet.

heres to a sunny week ahead!

I do have three fabulous melons forming though!
x sunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: peanuts on July 19, 2012, 20:13:25
Reading what has been said here about megablooms . . . I save seed last year from some of my Delice de Burpée, a very big tomato.  I wasn't fussy about which of their tomatoes I saved seed from, and they got mixed up in any case!  But several of this year's D de B plants have been behaving oddly.  They started growing well, then produced  one bunch of flowers, including one or two big flowers, but the plant just stopped.  There was no continuing shoot.  I've had to wait until a side shoot grew up from below and use that as the main shoot.
Now I'm wondering whether  I went wrong in not being more careful which  fruit I used to keep seed from.
Annoyingly the flowers haven't set either!  I've plenty of sungold, and a cherry tomato, but no big  fruit (yet!)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on July 19, 2012, 20:32:05
The sad thing about mega blooms is they can be pollinated when the flower is fully open and by insects which is the opposite to regular tomato flowers. If you have more than one variety of tomatoes and each has megablooms they cross easily and then you have hybrid seeds,these are not reliable of course. It is best not to keep them unless you have the space and time to do the sorting and selection needed for some generations when working with F1 and up.I have a very large tomato on one of my plants now which is from a mega bloom, it is huge to say the least and the tempation to kep the seeds is strong. I do know in this case what it will have crossed with if in fact it has which is another huge tomato so I may play with them, but usually I would not bother.

SUNLOVING....the pot is smashing, really good job, well done you !!

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: galina on July 19, 2012, 22:55:36
The sad thing about mega blooms is they can be pollinated when the flower is fully open and by insects which is the opposite to regular tomato flowers. If you have more than one variety of tomatoes and each has megablooms they cross easily and then you have hybrid seeds,these are not reliable of course. It is best not to keep them unless you have the space and time to do the sorting and selection needed for some generations when working with F1 and up.I have a very large tomato on one of my plants now which is from a mega bloom, it is huge to say the least and the tempation to kep the seeds is strong. I do know in this case what it will have crossed with if in fact it has which is another huge tomato so I may play with them, but usually I would not bother.


I am starting to see the wisdom why Mr Simpson of Simpson's tomatoes wrote that he always saves seed from the second truss.  No guesswork about megablooms which don't happen on the second truss and in the case of parthenocarpic or semiparthenocarpic tomatoes, the second truss does have seeds, whilst the first truss is seedless.  My theory to save seeds from the first truss in order to promote earlier ripening tomatoes has its drawbacks - for example doubts whether a fruit was or wasn't from a big daisy type megabloom. 

Well the free seed sent from the New Jersey Tomato weigh-in events was taken from the biggest winning tomatoes.  Guess some of these must have been from megablooms.  That explains why some of their plants here were so-so, whilst others just romped away and produced pound plus tomatoes.  And I only saved seeds from the biggest.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on July 22, 2012, 01:39:13
Galina,I garee with you. The man who started all this..( the guy here who grows huge maters and said women can't grow them") always saves seed from his first tomato for seed keeping, well at least that is what he told me. Mind you he only grows 1 variety in his greenhouse and I have seen some very small red tomatoes through the glass. Having said that he is growing 2 types this year because he asked me for a couple of my plants..oops.

I think they find a wee bit of wheat among the chaff personally, not my idea of a harvest but then I guess I want to grow something other than a huge tomato most times.

This year I just want to beat him!!

XX Jeannine

Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Nigel B on July 22, 2012, 16:36:17
Well, to be fair, I've learnt far more about this plant than I thought I knew, just from following this thread.  :)
The ones I have growing this year haven't a chance in the competition, but that's cool. I haven't had the heart to remove all but one tomato from a whole plant for a start.  ;D
Maybe next year.
May-bee I'll re-arrange the greenhouse and remove a flagstone or two so I can dig out a hole, fill it with my own compost and bung a plant or two in next year..
Maybe.
 
So long as I can impress the family and friends with burger-bun-sized slices of tomato I'll be a happy bunny. Even if I have to make my own, smaller buns.  ;D
I have plenty of tomatoes growing though, so thanks again to those very kind people that supplied the seeds I'm growing this year. We're getting great pleasure from them already, learning as we go.

This isn't an official surrender though.  ;) Not yet.
Anything can happen.  :)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Deb P on July 22, 2012, 17:20:05
Very interesting............I've just finished my usual Sunday tomato feed, tie-in and prune session, and have been examining which tomatoes have fruit, and one stands out.......it is from Jeannine's heritage 'lucky dip' seed swap parcel, so I hve no idea what it is!!!! ;D

I grew them last year and have described it as 'slightly ribbed big red salad type', and this years plants were grown from the seed I saved from last years crop. All my other know biggie types such as Delicious have hardly set fruit yet.... ::) :-\
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on July 22, 2012, 18:10:46
Oh Jeannine cant believe your idiot tom grower!
Anyone who builds a glasshouse house to live in by making such statements deserves a volley of giant tomatoes  breaking the glass.
You go for it! Kick his arse!

x sunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on July 24, 2012, 11:03:44
I am gonna do just that. My Rachel Sebastians Ball Bag is still growing, I have never had a tomato anywhere near as big as this so am keeping my fingers crossed.. I don't want to beat anyone else. I started this for a bit of fun but  as I do have a slight weather advantage over you folks in the UK it is only him I want to beat.

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on July 28, 2012, 15:54:08
Oh, oh. Fruit on the handbags and oxhearts  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on August 01, 2012, 06:55:35
I had to pick my Rachel Sebastian Bull Bag today as it was fully ripe.

I have just weighed it. 24.6 ozs.

I will try to figure out how to do a photo but John always did that and he seems to have forgotten so don't hold your breath.

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jayb on August 01, 2012, 09:06:58
Looks fantastic Manics  ;D
Blimey Jeannine that's a sarnie or two  ;D
If you get stuck adding your pictures here but you can get them in an email to me, I'll add them in for you.

I'm well envious, fruit set here has been so poor with many toms due to the cold and relentlesly wet weather, I don't seem to have anything looking remotely big  :'(
Ah well perhaps after the sunshine last week  :-\
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on August 01, 2012, 10:29:30
Wow thats 697g , you've set the bar high!


Re photos, you take photo put it on computer, then upload it to photo bucket then copy the img link into your reply. Good luck.

I'm going to the gh to give mine a stern talking to.
x sunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on August 01, 2012, 15:35:19
Well, I reckon my handbag is only 8 oz at the moment, not going to get near that weight  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on August 02, 2012, 21:01:17
My tomato is still in the fridge hanging on...

We dug out the old camera the night before last, the one John always used to use. (if you all rememeber I bought him a new Olympus Pen but he couldn't figure it out so it is still in the box.)

Anyway, he had forgotten how to use the old (well oldish) digital Canon so I tried. No batteries in it of course so am buying them today. There was also a little square flat thing maybe something that takes the place of film that I managed to fit in the side..am I right?

I am useless with a camera as John was always the picture taker so I need to learn how. I will try it when I get back with the batteries.

I figure if I can get the picture on the camera before the tomato goes off we can figure the other bit later.

If I can figure out how  to load it onto the computer I am OK as I know how to then post it and I just payed my ten quid to Dan  last week, but I have never loaded from the camera to the computer.

This Alzeimers thing really gets into places one wouldn't even think of.

By the way,  I am not competing against anyone in the UK  , it would be very unfair as I have an advantage with the weather here. I just want to show the chauvenistic old guy here on our site  that women can grow tomatoes!!

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: galina on August 02, 2012, 23:23:06
My tomato is still in the fridge hanging on...

We dug out the old camera the night before last, the one John always used to use. (if you all rememeber I bought him a new Olympus Pen but he couldn't figure it out so it is still in the box.)

Anyway, he had forgotten how to use the old (well oldish) digital Canon so I tried. No batteries in it of course so am buying them today. There was also a little square flat thing maybe something that takes the place of film that I managed to fit in the side..am I right?

I am useless with a camera as John was always the picture taker so I need to learn how. I will try it when I get back with the batteries.

I figure if I can get the picture on the camera before the tomato goes off we can figure the other bit later.

If I can figure out how  to load it onto the computer I am OK as I know how to then post it and I just payed my ten quid to Dan  last week, but I have never loaded from the camera to the computer.

This Alzeimers thing really gets into places one wouldn't even think of.

By the way,  I am not competing against anyone in the UK  , it would be very unfair as I have an advantage with the weather here. I just want to show the chauvenistic old guy here on our site  that women can grow tomatoes!!

XX Jeannine

Yes, that sounds right.  My digital camera has a cable with one USB end and a smaller connector.  The smaller connector fits into the side of the camera, the USB connector fits into the computer and when I switch the camera on when it is connected, the computer after a few seconds comes up with a screen asking me whether I want to download the pictures.  Seems pretty straightforward with our Fuji Finepix camera. 

I have managed to attach a few pictures that appeared in messages, took a bit of experimenting, but it worked without photobucket etc.  You'll figure it out.  We are really interested in seeing your biggie!

Manics, this looks great!  And they still have growing to do!  What do you feed them?

 ;D

Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on August 03, 2012, 06:05:07
Galina, thank you. I have new batteries in a new charger half way done so hopefully I should get a picture tomorrow.

The cable I have found has a tiny connector at one end, similar to the one in my Kindle about 1/4 inch wide  but on the other end it has a split end with two leads coming off, each connector is about 1/2 inch wide. I have no idea why it has two ends but I guess you only need to use one.

I hope the camara is OK, the regular batteries I bought earlier today didn't seem to work, they were very cheap though and the only ones in a department store I was in. I put them in and the camera lit up but told me to change the batteries!!

Oh the pressure!!

 I will have to learn how to use the new one I guess but  it won't be in time for the tomato.. LOL

Sometimes I feel really dumb :(

XX Jeannine


UPDATE. I tried the batteries half way through, it worked  and I got pictures, I am so chuffed with myself, it is showing as 24.3 so I guess it has a lost a tad in the fridge while waiting for me to educate myself, anyway I have three pictures, one on the scale showing the weight, a close up of the tomato and a close up of the weight.

Now I just have to figure out how to get it on the pooter but at least I have saved the picture for posterity.

This is the first picture I have taken in three decades so it may not be exactly lined up in the frame but it is there.

It was a mega bloom but if anyone wants seeds from it they are welcome.

XX Jeannine


 
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on August 03, 2012, 08:48:29
Hi Jeannine
Of course you are competing! theres nothing in the rules about country.

Well done on the photos. The lead doesnt seem quite right as you would normally expect to have a usb end to connect with this is flat and about 1cm wide. There was  probably a second lead as the one you have sounds like its for the tv.

Some computers have a reader for the little disc card thing so check that and also some printers have a slot for them to. So have a rummage to see what you can find.
I use an external card reader it was about £6 and i just connect it to computer and put the card in and hey presto.
Good luck
You can get that whopper eaten now at last!
x sunloving
x sunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on August 03, 2012, 09:59:44
Galina, they just get a weekly dose of comfrey and seeweed feed  :)
Jeannine, every time I download pics from my camera, I have to look at my written instructions (did them myself  ;D )
I lost my handbag toms last year , so glad I had given one to Tony and was able to get some seed from him
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on August 03, 2012, 17:10:55
Manics, your toms are looking smashing, well donem but have I missed something.What are handbag toms,

XX Jeannine

Hope you can read this, just out of bed bleary eyed and I can't find my reading glasses
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on August 03, 2012, 18:00:49
That's my nick name for them, Jeannine. Eric brought some seed back from South Africa a few years ago, supposedly oxhearts . This is what they turned out like
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on August 03, 2012, 19:08:04
Oh yes, I remember now, they look great, XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on August 08, 2012, 06:47:01
OK with bated breath and all fingers crossed here I go trying to put on a photo after my first attempt at loading from the cameras to the pooter...


My big tomato Rachel Sebastian's Ball Bag  24.3 ounces

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: galina on August 08, 2012, 06:57:57
Yes - you've cracked it  :) - congratulations on mastering the camera and computer.  And congratulations on a fine large tomato.  Looks very ripe and juicy and the shape is typical for a daisy type flower, like a couple or three tomatoes fused together.

Super pictures!  Thank you for showing us.   

Has the nasty man seen this and turned green with envy yet?  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jayb on August 08, 2012, 07:58:08
What a monster beauty Jeannine, well done you  :)
How did it taste?
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on August 08, 2012, 09:27:07
Wow , well done, I'd wear it as a hat next time you see him :)
Onwards and upwards .
x sunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on August 08, 2012, 18:00:49
 Galina,the blowhole did not see it, he is in holiday in Italy but he will see the picture you can be sure.

Jay . the taste was good, not brilliant but good, with all the fuss with the camera etc it was overripe before we had the chance to taste it though.

I was surprised that it was seedless. I know that often first fruits are with some varieties but I wasn't expecting this one to be, however there are of course more fruit on the plant.

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on August 10, 2012, 17:55:01
He got knocked off and he was only 9 ozs  ::)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on August 10, 2012, 18:02:04
Manica whgat a shame, such a lovely fruit. I rather fancy some of those and have been researching on the net what they might be.

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on August 10, 2012, 19:04:45
I'll be saving some seed if you'd like some  :)
Poor Ray, he was so upset when he knocked it. Still, I've plenty more on there, not as big yet, and my oxhearts are shaping up nicely  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Nigel B on August 10, 2012, 22:10:09
I'll be saving some seed if you'd like some  :)
Poor Ray, he was so upset when he knocked it. Still, I've plenty more on there, not as big yet, and my oxhearts are shaping up nicely  ;D
;)
So! My mind-control machine is working! 8) Poor Ray you say? He's a good subject says I.
Unfortunately, I didn't finish it in time to make Jeannine knock hers off, but I did manage to get her to forget where the vital cable was.
It'll take a tin-foil hat to defeat this machine.  :P I'll win yet... Heeheehee..
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jayb on August 10, 2012, 22:13:34
Lol  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on August 11, 2012, 09:38:38
Ha ha

My big hope a burpees delicious has started to rot at the top so it will be back to square one in a few days drat!

x sunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on August 11, 2012, 10:06:46
o, NigelB..you are the dastardly mind behind Ray's clumsy hand . I'd better keep him away from the others  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on August 11, 2012, 18:10:32
Nigel, ha ha, don't forget I habe a greenhouse full of huge varieties of tomatoes, this was just the first ine, I have Big Zah, Behomoth and several others to come yet...

Manics, I woukld love to get a few of those seeds, I am fairly sure what they might be now but I would like to grow them next to the one I think it may be to see differences as many old tomatoes adapt themselves to local areas and it would be an interesting experiement.  Thank you

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: gazza1960 on August 11, 2012, 19:02:41
The one and only Zak thats left has 3 tommies on it Jeannine,providing Mr Blight dont sneak in and destroy my growing plans would you nip off 2 and just leave 1 to grow on,they are only about 5 oz each so nuffin to fear from me yet....?

Gazza
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on August 12, 2012, 12:45:59
Gazza, no  I wouldn't unless you have other tomatoes. If you have lots of others then it may be beneficial to restrict the vine to just one. My big Zac truthfully has done zilch. Today I picked an 18 oz Behemoth an 18 oz Belmont and a 19 oz Reif's Red Heart but my Big Zacs were a waste of space. We actually pulled all our tomatoes today ripe or otherwise as the temp in my greenhouse was 120  and that was with 2 roof vents and  a half door open. The plants were just drying out  and turning to straw so we pulled the plug and harvested them, no blight but useless nevertheless. I didn't even bother seperating the Big Zacs from the rest of the basket full, they are going into chutney probably.

It is interesting to note that it was only the first fruit on all 4 I have picked from different varieties that proved to  "big ones"

Today I just wanted to empty the greenhouse and draw the curtain on this years tomato growing.

So I am out, my Rachel Sebastian's Bull Bag is my biggest.

Good luck with your Big Zac, there is still lots of time if the weather remains stable for you.

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Deb P on August 12, 2012, 15:14:39
My Jeannines lucky dip  are still the biggest fruits by a long chalk, but I have a cluster of three, thinking of culling the two smallest? As I don't have many other contenders not sure what is wisest thing to do?!
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: cleo on August 12, 2012, 16:10:28
I was hoping to sneak in but no chance now-blight everywhere.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Hell4leather2 on August 12, 2012, 17:22:26
I was hoping to sneak in but no chance now-blight everywhere.
I know the feeling i've just got back from the plot had to pull up all the tom's ( it's a bad year ) still next year i'll grow the biggest ever tom ever lol
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on August 18, 2012, 09:57:52
Morning all
Well what mixed bag we are all having this year trying to coax these babys into actually growing to ripe! This is my first attempt with a rotting burpees delicious that looks like a perfect bottom. Its exactly a pound.
(http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m592/Kathryn300/IMGP2869.jpg)
Nowhere nears Jeannines first entry though. Still have a few green ones still alive so onwards and upwards .
x sunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on August 18, 2012, 19:15:03
Oh a smasher there, well done.

Come on UK,don't use mine as a benchmark, don't forget my growing conditions are a bit different to yours.

By the way where is Plainleaf, he was going to join in and I havenm't seen his name recently. He should be able to beat me easily as he has grown biggies fort a long time and knows all the tricks.

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Squash64 on August 22, 2012, 15:43:31
This is the best I have done, a Novikova grown from seed kindly sent to me by an A4Aer.

[attachment=1]

[attachment=2]


It weighs 455g or 1lb

Sunloving, yours is a very exotic shape!
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on August 23, 2012, 00:44:52
Thats a great looking tomato, mine was ugly andnot very nice, that one looks very delice.

Well done

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Squash64 on August 23, 2012, 04:54:31
Thats a great looking tomato, mine was ugly andnot very nice, that one looks very delice.

Well done

XX Jeannine

Thank you Jeannine, can't wait to taste it now!
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on August 23, 2012, 08:59:05
Yes it looks lovely, how funny that its a pound to.
I love the distinctive shape.
x sunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on August 23, 2012, 09:22:30
I'm having to hold my hands up in the air and head down...my tomatoes are totally failed this year..and so have I..
Even with the ground preparation that I did for the earlier on the year..my plants have been sulking. They look green and happy enough..they have even provided some flowers which most have failed to set. Odd fruit have set..I have thinned those to bare minimum hoping to give those a change to grow..but NO.. :( all of them managed to get to golf ball size and since nothing..they are just green, don't grow, don't change colour..nothing is happening. Its like the whole green house is frozen in time.. ::)

So although my plants are alive..I'm not expecting any miracles happening anymore this autumn.

Shame..I did fancy that pot..not for the 'victory' but it looks really nice.. ;) ;D I just have to settle drooling after those beauties in your photos.  Just wait untill next year.... ;)!!!
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on August 24, 2012, 18:34:49
How strange goodlife, it has seemed to take ages for things to ripen up this year, maybe you'll sweep in first week in october with the winner!

x sunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Ninnyscrops. on August 25, 2012, 22:18:53
(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t87/ninnyscrops/IMG_1473.jpg)

Throwing in the towel, sad to say, but the only flowers on the Brandywines seem to want to reach for the sky!

My half a growbag didn't work but we all learn  ::)

Ninny
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Duke Ellington on August 25, 2012, 22:28:19
Mine did the same Ninnys.  I grew lovely tall plants but my brandywine seems to be trying to get out of the greenhouse with about five tomatoes. I weighed one yesterday and it was 8oz. I was so fed up that I cleared out my greenhouse (blight took hold)  leaving only  the chillies and sweet peppers.
I must say that the brandywine toms that I harvested were delicious.

Duke
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Nigel B on August 25, 2012, 23:02:21
 :o

Blimey! Some of the very bestest growers here have done badly this year.
Mind you, its the quiet ones you have to watch....
Shirley we can't all be done at 1lb, can we?
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Toshofthe Wuffingas on August 26, 2012, 14:27:20
My other half (who does the tomato growing, not me) brought in a Brandywine from the greenhouse this morning. It was just short of one and a quarter pounds. 563 grams. Two of them together weighed over a kilo. We don't go in for competitive growing for size so this was without any flummery, just how they grew. The overall crop is fair though well attacked by slugs. I had a smaller Oxheart for lunch chopped up over chunks of homemade fennel seed bread with a scattering of warm cooked runner beans, garlic, herbs, and dressed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. It was quick and fit for a king.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: BarriedaleNick on August 26, 2012, 16:31:56
Welll nothing bigger than 280 grams for me but the harvest had really started

 (http://i.imgur.com/cBXFN.jpg) (http://imgur.com/cBXFN)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Debs on August 27, 2012, 14:17:58
(http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t453/female40ish/c15913e3.jpg)

My "Giant Belgium" tomatoes  not quite ripe so still on the vine & hoping they double in size  ;D!!
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on August 27, 2012, 16:07:31
Just as I wrote about my plants that they are not growing..WELL... I shut the GH windows for giving up with the plants and thought that if they do get damp and mouldy, nothing is lost anymore....and I suspect that little bit of warmth in the expence of ventilation have made the difference...MY PLANTS HAVE STARTED TO GROW!!  :o ::)(http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/bash.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)
They are not going to make any whoppers in this late date..but if I can get something to eat that will be bonus.
Oh dear..what a year..but once again..another lesson learned.. ::)

Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on August 27, 2012, 16:08:18
Code: [Select]
My "Giant Belgium" tomatoes  not quite ripe so still on the vine & hoping they double in size 

Looking good.. ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on August 28, 2012, 04:34:06
My greenhouse in all closed up now but I still have all my dwarf project varieties outside, they all have green fruit and have for some time but they are also frozen in time, frankly I ma getting sick of seeing them like this, the weather here has been in the 30s unbtil a few days ago , now a little rain and warm weather si here will come the blight to me I guess.

Maybe next year we should start earlier. I di wonder how it would be for an expoeriment if we all grew one plant of the same variety just for comparison.

I know one thing for sure, giant tomatoes aside for a minute,next year I am picking one varirty of tomato and sticking to it for general use, (apart from 1 biggie for fun) I just feel I can't be bothered keeping records and  having differnt sizes, colours, dates etc for a while.

All I have to do now is decide which one ;D

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on August 28, 2012, 07:56:28
Code: [Select]
All I have to do now is decide which one   ::) ;D

I started very early this year..earlier than I ever done before and with the help of the light plants were looking good and growing nicely..but the weather was so cool, particular those night time temps when it should not have...e had 8 to10 decrees in the middle of July  :o..like the temperature we have now....and then there was the rain..rain...rain.. ::)
Code: [Select]
I just feel I can't be bothered keeping records and  having differnt sizes, colours, dates etc for a while.Oh..I know exactly how you feel..next year I just want to pick varieties that I know are good yielders and just EAT!  ;D Though..your suggestion for growing same variety for comparison is good one...I'm on, if you are.. ;)

I'm not sure if I've already mention on any other post...but I invested to Quadgrow planters.. ;D..and next year half of my GH space is for them and they are going to be planted with chillies and peppers..so I'm going to HALF the amount of toms that I'm usually growing  :o ...or that is the plan so far.. :-X
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: peanuts on August 28, 2012, 16:33:32
Two photos of my biggest so far Délice de Burpée!  Weighing in at 1lb 14oz, or 860 gms.  Grown outdoors, and not fed with anything.  watered about four times since May.  It's not that we have had lots of rain this year (sorry!)  but I just let them get on with it and search further down for their water.

(http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l543/peanuts46/RIMG0001-2.jpg)
(http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l543/peanuts46/RIMG0002-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Squash64 on August 28, 2012, 17:58:38
Well done Peanuts, it's massive!

Please let us know what it tastes like.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: peanuts on August 28, 2012, 18:36:42
Hi Betty
I know they are  a beautiful flavour.  I was given some seed two years ago by a French friend in our village, as I liked them so much.  They are all flesh, not hugely juicy, and a small amount of pips/seeds, so more like eating thick slices of meat!  Now they are starting to ripen, it is a toss-up between doing a salad of Sungold, or Délice.  Délice wins hand-down, and I either make a soup of the Sungold, or I gently roast them with garlic, herbs, salt, sugar and pepper, then I bottle them for using in winter.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on August 28, 2012, 18:53:12
Wow, that's a loely looking tomato. The best I've managed is 9 ozs so far , still, they all taste good  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on August 29, 2012, 08:51:02
Wow Peanuts thats a whopper! you've taken the top spot.

I love roast tomatoes to and already have 11 pots in the freezer for winter teas yum! Afew courgettes and french beans are good in it to!

Im definately not growing black russian again as its a blight magnet as is golden sunrise. But i love to have three colours in  my salads and cooking and so will keep my favorites.

For me thsi is the first year i have had a glass big greenhouse- always coped with plastic ones that had to be repaired after every gale and so despite the mildew and the blight its still been the best year ever for toms and melons and cucumbers and s i just cant wait for a good year! might have to have a new freezer!

Good luck all with the final ripening and show us your biggest anyway even if it doesnt beat the record.
x sunloving 
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: peanuts on September 01, 2012, 15:31:54
At the moment, feeling very bad that I posted my huge tomato, as I took no effort with it, it just happened. And no-one else has posted one since!  As we live in SW France where it is warmer from time to time, and usually wetter than UK, (although I think not this year!), I think it shouldn't really count.  So please  everyone  continue to post photos of your biggest tom, and I'll keep quiet.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on September 02, 2012, 18:19:14
Don't you dare..

I had already posted my biggie and you beat me,I also live in a warmer place and said that I had an unfair advantage so I am pleased to see you posting.

Geeat tomato, well done.

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Melbourne12 on September 02, 2012, 19:10:25
Sadly I don't think we're going to get ANY tomatoes, never mind a biggest one.  Very few unblighted plants left now.

But that's the way it goes.  Perhaps next year ...

And the apples are looking good  :) so it's not all negative!
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: peanuts on September 02, 2012, 19:49:37
Really sorry about your failed crop, Melbourne.  Five years ago we lost all our tomatoes, almost overnight.  It's a rotten thing to happen.  I did manage to salvage  a good number of green tomatoes, that got used for all sort of interesting recipes.
However, we have hardly any apples this year, and no plums.  We win some and we lose some!
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on September 03, 2012, 08:35:33
Sorry to hear that toms were a wash out this year melbourne. Its so disheartening.

Mine have fought off the mildew and blight and overcast wet weather and the 5 degree night on thursday! But not really producing what they should. But i have one last hope a late starter on the big zac , i'm sure it will beat my personal best this year of 1lb!
Peanut the competition was for a4a ers and we didn't specify country so your burpees delicious might just take the trophy.
I think we should watch out for the late snatchers now though!
x sunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Debs on September 04, 2012, 22:28:21
I got a whopper off my Neve's Azorean red - over 1lb  :o

Will post piccie in day or so

Debs  8)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: fitzsie on September 05, 2012, 16:59:31
This is not a winner but had to post a picture on behalf of my Dad.  He is in his 80s and doesn't do much in the garden anymore. This year he put a few tomato plants in his greenhouse just to see if anything would grow. One of them was a Marmande and he has been picking some whoppers. No real special treatment, just the occasion watering and tomato feed.  This is his biggest so far - 11ozs !!
Mine are slowly coming along but nothing like my Dads, and he doesn't even know about the competition !!!lol

  (http://i45.tinypic.com/1z3cllk.jpg)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Debs on September 06, 2012, 20:00:37
(http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t453/female40ish/12f2d18b.jpg)

Neve's Azorean Red
Weight: 1lb 1.5oz
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Debs on September 06, 2012, 20:11:59
. . . should add that it was grown in my greenhouse
location: tropical 8) (not!!) North East coast of Whitley Bay

Debs  ;D
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on September 07, 2012, 07:29:57
These are great photos , i harvested by big zac yesterday and it was only 1lb. So thats my personal best for the year. I think peanut is still in the top spot .
x sunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: peanuts on September 08, 2012, 05:35:05
None of my other Délice de Burpée has come near my biggest one.  But when comparing sizes with a French gardener friend yesterday, he has produced one at 940gms, or 2lbs 1oz, also grown outside - amazing!  But he isn't in A4A!
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Debs on September 08, 2012, 09:46:41
Hi Peanuts

Did it have good flavour?

May give this one a go next year. . .

Debs
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: peanuts on September 08, 2012, 16:42:39
I forgot to add that my French friend's enormous tomato was a Coeur de boeuf, certainly a good flavour.  But why we like that variety, and the Délice de Burpée, is that the flesh is almost solid, with few seeds, and you can cut thick slices like cutting beef fillet (not that I do that very often if at all now!)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on September 16, 2012, 22:29:22
Not one over 12 ozs  :happy7:
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Squash64 on September 17, 2012, 07:08:47
Not one over 12 ozs  :happy7:

Maybe not, but what a lot of lovely tomatoes!
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: gazza1960 on September 18, 2012, 10:04:46
(http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t22/skatenchips/CYPRUS2012027.jpg)

Just been admiring all your huge efforts,well,by my growing standards.

Big Thanks to Jeennine for sending us the "Big Zak" seeds to have a go at this fun comp.

This is our biggest Tomato albeit small by others and it tasted great I have to say.

1 plant only survived and when this one Tommy turned red I lopped his head off afore he fell off the stem.
There are 4 others still growing so ive only 9 oz to beat ....so hope I can beat that.

"God how ive muthered the bloomin thing",really enjoyed the fun element of growing Toms.!!!!!!

GazNjude..... :wave:
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: green lily on September 19, 2012, 19:37:37
I had a 1lb 5oz Delicious from the poly which I used yesterday for tom salad.  Don't have a phot coz I still haven't cracked this photo lark on A4A. Now I'm no longer a carer [John's funeral yest. :sad10:]perhaps I'll sit down and try harder..
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Deb P on September 21, 2012, 13:29:58
Weighed my largest heritage salad tom at last...a massive 249g! Fail........
Didn't bother taking a photo, just ate it for lunch!
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: green lily on September 22, 2012, 21:26:47
YEE-eS. We weighed another 1lb 5oz delicious today and took a photo!! Now maybe 2morrow I'll get my nephew to make me get a photo posted, [That's the challenge not the tomato! ]..
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on September 22, 2012, 21:29:41
Last chance,only 1lb ,never mind,they all taste great  :toothy10:
I guess I won the  comp for smallest though  :icon_cheers:
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on September 22, 2012, 22:53:25
Well..even my tiny one is not THAT small... :glasses9:
Did you eat it all in one go? :tongue3:
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: davyw1 on September 25, 2012, 07:46:35
A Pound is all i could manage

(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r111/stumpinsci/Picture.jpg)     
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on September 25, 2012, 10:22:10
Well..even my tiny one is not THAT small... :glasses9:
Did you eat it all in one go? :tongue3:
I didn't get a chance, my grandson ate it adwenyt yum, yum  :toothy10:
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on September 29, 2012, 08:25:37
Well after a totally jinxed year for growing the big uns im looking at the trophy now and thinking that we should have a cut of date of 1st October. So last call for photos on scales and tht last check of the gh for the hidden beauties.

x sunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on September 29, 2012, 19:06:59
Okey dokey, I still have a few plants in pots with some decent sizes on, one is threatening my first big one which has surprised me as I thought I was done a few weeks ago. I am waiting till it ripens though and as it is outside it is doing so but slowly. Our weather is still sunny so I did intend to leave it till the very last minute but I doubt it will be done by October 1st. There could be some others in the same boat perhaps?  I would be either inclined to wait till the end of October just in case or alternatively take a vote and if everyone thinks they are done then go for it..

 As a reminder to everyone my original post did say they had to be shown on digital scales and they could be green if need be .

Good luck everyone..

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: galina on September 29, 2012, 22:11:30

I dropped my big one just before weighing it.  Sorry about the split, but I don't think it affected the weight.

This Large Barred Boar fruit was from a daisy type flower and weighs just a titch under a pound.  The other fruits on the plants are half that size or less.
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on September 30, 2012, 08:25:33
Oh okay lets make it 1st Novemebr then to let all the late bloomers do their stuff.
good luck x Sunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: peanuts on October 09, 2012, 14:09:51
I think I've beaten myself!  We've been away a week, and I've just been out to pick cherry and sungold tomatoes. I noticed this one, not yet red, but I wanted to pick most of the rest as many of the leaves are starting to get blight now.  It seemed really heavy so I brought it in to weigh it - and it certainly is!
(http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l543/peanuts46/RIMG0126.jpg)
(http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l543/peanuts46/RIMG0125.jpg)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: peanuts on October 09, 2012, 15:26:54
Sorry, should have  said - it is another Délice de Burpée!  Realised that what I posted might have made it look like it was a cherry or Sungold - not very likely!!!
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: saddad on October 11, 2012, 12:22:43
I've had a couple of Yellow Oxheart in the 1-1 1/2 lbs 550-600 grams ...
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on October 31, 2012, 09:02:54
Right last call for photos on scales. It looks like peanut has won both first and second place with burpees delicious :icon_cheers: unless someone is holding on to the winning photo. Well done. Most of the rest of us managed a pound which was pretty good going considering the season we had.

So last call for whoppers!
x Sunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on November 03, 2012, 08:41:27
Preliminary 2012 Allotments 4 all biggest tomato contest results (only photos on scales appear in the list)

1 Peanut 2lbs 1/8ozs Burpees delicious
2. Peanut 1lb 14oz Burpees delicious
3. Jeannine 1lb 8 oz Rachel Sebastians ball bag
4. Squash64 1lb Giant Navikova + Me (Sunloving) 1lb Burpees delicious
6. Gallina 15 3/4oz Large barred boar
7. Manics 9oz Oxheart?

So final call for challengers for the trophy-  xSunloving

(http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m592/Kathryn300/IMGP2705.jpg)
(http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m592/Kathryn300/IMGP2704.jpg)

Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: gazza1960 on November 03, 2012, 09:58:26
naaaaaaaaaaaaaaa    my 9oz  zak was me bestest effort but im still sitting here choked up with Jeannines ...........

sebastians ball bag.......is that a double fruit variety jeannine....and does it hang naturally are are they supported....... :tongue3:

Gazza
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on November 05, 2012, 09:53:34
I got a 1 lb one on page 17, still not big enough or as impressive as some of the others  :toothy10:
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Ninnyscrops. on November 06, 2012, 22:58:36
Well done Peanuts!

I think I peaked too early with my (Jeannine's) Brandywine last year.

For longevity though, and we've had a few frosts, still got a couple of dare I say .................Gardener's Delight on the vines that I'm still picking daily, not for much longer as the greenhouse isn't heated.
(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t87/ninnyscrops/th_IMG_2055.jpg) (http://s158.photobucket.com/albums/t87/ninnyscrops/?action=view&current=IMG_2055.jpg)     (http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t87/ninnyscrops/th_IMG_2056.jpg) (http://s158.photobucket.com/albums/t87/ninnyscrops/?action=view&current=IMG_2056.jpg)

Ninnys
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on November 09, 2012, 11:21:30

Final 2012 Allotments 4 all biggest tomato contest results (only photos on scales appear in the list) Updated list. Peanuts is the clear winner with first and second places going to her Burpees delicious well done, the trophy is parcelled up and ready to post tommorow.
What a year! What shall we jinx next?

1 Peanut 2lbs 1/8ozs Burpees delicious
2. Peanut 1lb 14oz Burpees delicious
3. Jeannine 1lb 8 oz Rachel Sebastians ball bag
4. Squash64 1lb Giant Navikova + Me (Sunloving) 1lb Burpees delicious +manics 1lb
7. Gallina 15 3/4oz Large barred boar
8.Fitzsies dad 11oz Marmande+Davyw 11oz
10. Gazza 9oz 3 Big Zak
11. Manics 9oz Oxheart?

-  xSunloving

(http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m592/Kathryn300/IMGP2705.jpg)
(http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m592/Kathryn300/IMGP2704.jpg)
[/quote]
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: grawrc on November 09, 2012, 12:44:12
Well done the victors!! Looks like Burpees delicious gets results!!
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jayb on November 09, 2012, 12:52:41
Congratulations Peanut, two smashing tomatoes :icon_flower:
Well done all  (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/cool.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: peanuts on November 09, 2012, 12:58:07
Thank you!  We used to enjoy  entering  produce and cooking in our local village show when we lived in Hertfordshire.  Nothing like it here in our part of SW France - except really important cheese competitions for professional farming producers (mostly sheep's cheese from the mountains).
So to be able to enter by photos is great and fun.
Here is the  winning tomato sliced in vinaigrette, which we took with us ready-to-eat for a three-day trip to northern Spain.  It took three days to eat it all too, and it was delicious in fact as well as name!
(http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l543/peanuts46/RIMG0042-2.jpg)
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Squash64 on November 09, 2012, 13:24:30
Congratulations Peanut, a brilliant result!
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: galina on November 09, 2012, 13:28:38
Glad to see the winning tomato after it had turned red! MMMM!
Congratulations from me too   :blob7:
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: goodlife on November 09, 2012, 13:45:05
Well done you!  :icon_cheers: Worhy winner!
My growing season was totally 'peanuts'.. :tongue3: ..hardly any toms.
 
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Debs on November 10, 2012, 08:33:07
 :sad2:

I've been missed off the list (silently sobbing)

My tomato (p.17 Neve's Azorean Red) weighed 1lb 1.5 oz

Debs  :crybaby2:

Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: sunloving on November 10, 2012, 09:11:09
Sorry debs and anyone else i may have missed here we go re done.

1 Peanut 2lbs 1/8ozs Burpees delicious
2. Peanut 1lb 14oz Burpees delicious
3. Jeannine 1lb 8 oz Rachel Sebastians ball bag
4. Debs 1lb 1.5ozs Neves Azorean Red
5. Squash64 1lb Giant Navikova + Me (Sunloving) 1lb Burpees delicious +manics 1lb
8. Gallina 15 3/4oz Large barred boar
10.Fitzsies dad 11oz Marmande+Davyw 11oz
11. Gazza 9oz 3 Big Zak
12. Manics 9oz Oxheart?

-  xSunloving
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Debs on November 10, 2012, 11:23:01
 :sunny: - beaming with pride

Debs x
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on January 02, 2013, 02:47:52
Well done to us all and a round of applause for all the fun.

Peanuts a special well done to you of course, thats a biggie

An extra special thank you to Sunloving for her beautiful hand made trophy.

Debs a super special well done to you as the winner of the biggest UK one, that took some doing this last year over there, I definately had an advantage over you here so you did real good gal.

See you all back this year

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jayb on January 21, 2013, 08:50:35
I've un-stickied this in anticipation of a new competition later in the year?  :happy7:
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Debs on February 14, 2013, 12:22:00
Let the tomato seed sowing commence  :blob7:

Hopefully this year will bring lots of   :sunny: to help the little beauties grow!

Debs x
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Nigel B on February 14, 2013, 19:29:06
Right....

I'll be honest enough to tell you what mine weighed this year.... I'm going to try to grow just the one  or two on a plant.....
Good luck folks.....  :tongue3:
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: manicscousers on February 14, 2013, 20:10:36
Brilliant, we're away for the weekend so it'll be next weekend before I start the biggies  :toothy10: :icon_cheers:
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jeannine on February 14, 2013, 21:29:44
Should I start a 2013 post !!

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Tomato growing competition for 2012..biggest fruit, just for fun
Post by: Jayb on February 14, 2013, 21:48:48
 :blob7:

SimplePortal 2.3.5 © 2008-2012, SimplePortal