Late tomato harvest pic

[kygreg]

A week or so ago at DG, I posted a pic of what I thought would be my last ripe one of the season. But since the weather has been much milder than usual this time of year and because I have been lazy, I have not removed all my plants from the ground yet; We left town for a week and upon return harvested the ones in the pic.

Cherokee Purple, Indian Stripe, Big Cheef are some of the varieties in the pic.

These were harvested on 10/21/2010;

At the back right are 4 Chinese chesnuts and a few fruits from a female Ginkgo tree.

[fortyonenorth]

Very nice - especially considering its almost November. We've had a very mild fall as well, but I'm afraid I can't match your late season take!

[kygreg]

It was a surprise to me also; its been so dry here and with the supposed oncoming of colder weather I stopped watering 6 weeks ago.

[fortyonenorth]

Originally Posted by kygreg

I stopped watering 6 weeks ago.

I did the same and, to be honest, I've had some of the best tasting tomatoes of the year. I'm fastidious about care throughout the year, but I think they really thrive on neglect.

[kygreg]

Have heard that plant and root dryness produces a sweeter tomato, but have no idea if there is any validity to that.

[RinTinTin]

One research project among some commercial growers includes ceasing all irrigation once fruit set. Some growers are noting improved flavor, some are not.

Another project involves using salty water. That project is getting a lot of attention in Israel because their overuse of irrigation has caused much of their groundwater to turn brackish as the Mediterranean Sea creeps in to fill the voids.

[piegirl]

We are also having a very late season. Last week I harvested about 30 lbs. of Jet Stars. And this evening or tomorrow am I should pick about 15-20 lbs. Temps were 29 and 30 at the airport - 10 miles away but I am somewhat sheltered here - very urban area. Temps should hold thru next Thursday or Friday. I have been watering lightly since we have not seen a drop of rain for five weeks - promises, promises but no rain. I have also noted a much better flavor and texture. Ground is too hard to dig so I decided what the heck - they look pretty good, keep pruning back the vines so they have optimum sun. Size is pretty decent. piegirl