Its late July, and finally the tomatoes are coming in in a reliable manner. Serves me right for being tardy in sowing/planting them. Above are the Black Krim that I sowed from seed saved from last year's harvest. Below are some Green Zebra, also from home seed.
Today, I harvested 3.5 pounds of Yellow Brandywine, Green Grape, Druzba (large, but somewhat commercial tomatoes), Black Krim, Mr Stripey, Black from Tula and Green Zebra. In terms of quantity, the Brandywines and the Black from Tula are dissapointing so far, but the Red Brandywine is holding many large green fruit. The Green Zebra were the earliest, with Mr. Stripey, and the Black Krim are just really bearing crops now, a little later, but heavier. Its a little unfair to compare cropping times, however, as the Zebra and Stripey were my first plantings, together with the Red Brandywine.
I'd say that on balance, the Zebra, Krims and Yellow Brandywine of the second sowing are coming in together. Tastewise, I made good decisions. However, I'm not sure Black from Tula will be on my list next year. Druzba is likewise not at the top for taste, but it does have nice, large fruit, and by the looks of it, lots to come.
Japanese Black Trifele had only one fruit so far, but it looks like a good crop is forthcoming.
All the Cherry Tomatoes that I sowed late, are still to ripen, but are looking good at this stage. More anon.
Last years Topsy-Turvey is falling apart at this stage, so I dont think I'll be buying any more. $10 is too much to pay for one year's use, although I did buy two more on sale at half price. The idea is good, and they shade the patio nicely, but something sturdier and cheaper is needed. I'm thinking of painting buckets next year and hanging those. Something else worth trying is planting them upright, and letting the bushes fall over the edge, definitely for the Cherry Tomatoes, which dangle more easily.
