Re: growing for canning/preserving

johnp 1/21/2014, 8:55 am

I have planted my tomatoes in the same boxes for three years with no problems other than blossom end rot that was my fault. I grow Viva Italia's for freezing, usually 6 plants will produce enough for the following year. They are really big producers, really large plants too. We also plant 24 regular tom's plus two cherries in pots by the back door. I am trying a new variety this year from a local organic farm (Hobbs) that is known for their organic garlic which I use. It is drought tolerant for our dry area and high altitude. Of course I can't remember the name, but the seeds have shipped so I'll know soon enough.

plantoid 1/21/2014, 11:37 am

Wow ! that's like playing Russian roulette with a pistol for most of us..

I wonder if it is the high plains atmosphere that has prevented you getting blight on/in your toms .

I live in the green , green grass area of Wales UK ( 40 plus inches of rain per year ). To even think of putting tomatoes or potatoes in the same bed would invite disaster let a lone actually doing it

johnp 1/21/2014, 12:00 pm

What is rain? Does it come from the sky? We have been so dry I can't remember what it's like to feel humidity. In I think Mel's first book they had a design for flying tomato boxes. They were 2x4 boxes with angled trellis's on each side .I made three of them and that's what I use. I do mix up the soil a lot every year and move soil around to different boxes so that may help but so far so good. Hey Plantoid I flew into England five or six times many years ago, Lakenheath I think. I remember cold, overcast, and room temp. beer. Smile

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