Status Updates, everyone...

[Dr_Redwine]

I am curious as to what everyone's growing status is as of now. Here in central Alabama we have had beautiful weather until last weekend when highs have hit the low 90's everyday since.

Taking the advice I have gleaned here about planting early, my March 11 transplants have done well and several are about ready to ripen. I have two Sudduth's that are about 48 inches tall with 10-12 tomatoes each that set in late April. I believe my Cherokee Purple will be the first to ripen for me and they, as we say here, are 'absolutely loaded'. 8)

I have a couple of problem children: one Red Brandywine and one BW Sudduth. They do not look good at all due to early blight (I think) although the RB may have more than one ailment. The Sudduth may can be Daconil-ed back to health, but the RB is surely a goner. The crazy part is that I have identical types adjacent to these that are the best looking of all my plants. Nature, go figure. I have also noticed some yellowing of leaves on the lower portions of some of my others, but not bad yet.

Aphids have been a problem this year. Usually they don't show up this early for me and really wet periods seem to bring them on. Not this year; they are everywhere even though we had a dry spring. I had them in check for a while with Pyrethrin, but I need to get back on that regimen.

Anyhoo, enough ramblin'. I hope ya'll are percolatin' right along in your tomato patch. I'm having a blast...

DrR