How to go from 20 to 5 plants?

[tomatoguy]

I have had good luck with CPE during hot summers. Our summers are usually a little cooler but more humid than yours, I believe. CPE, being a determinate, usually produces three fruit sets for me, of descending size as the season progresses. The first set is usually 25-30, barring blossom-dropping cold snaps. The only other early I like as well would be Gregori's Altai. It might actually be a good choice for you since it does well in heat but splits after heavy rains.

Big Red is pretty much as described except that I would call it pink/red. They average about 14 oz. for me. Most years, if the blights aren't bad, Big Red is my best producer. Unlike some plants that can easily be called early, middle or late producers, BR just takes off and never stops in my garden. Your mileage, of course, may vary.

mater

[maryinoregon]

First, congratulations and best wishes on the new addition to your family.

If it were me, I would grow tomatoes that have grown tried and true in your area. No experimentation this year. Unless you can get some fanatic gardeners to help.

I like pretty much all the suggestions, whether growing in pots, earthtainers, getting family, friends, or church people in to help, especially if they get to take some of the goodies home.

Any veggies you can freeze, can or dry will be money in the bank later on. With the state of the economy, I would consider this.

Whatever you do, God bless you and all your family.

[arwmommy]

Hi there,
As we lived in Utah for several years while at BYU, I will offer you this advice (assuming you are LDS. If not LDS, then just ignore me )

Have your RS President announce that if there is anyone who would like to help in your garden in the latter part of your pregnancy/newborn stage they will not only learn how to garden from a well known tomato fiend , but they can get some of the produce as well. I am sure you will have more offers than you know what to do with! So many of our generation (I am mid 30's as well) would love to garden but just don't know how/*think* they don't have the space/don't know where to start.

You could have a couple of people come over before you get too big, and show them what you do, teach them a bit, show them what you will need help with in the future. If the right people show up, it will even count for visiting teaching! LOL

Good luck, and have a wonderful and safe pregnancy.

[jenn_sc]

Congratulations on the new little one!

Grow 5 plants? Why? Don't you have other free slave labor...er...ahem...KIDS..around?
From about first grade on my grandfather treated me like the two older grandkids...free labor in the garden. And saying no wasn't an option!

Plus, as a childless 30-something, I've always had the idea that that could be one of the compensations for the work involved in parenthood...free labor! Even a toddler could get in on the fun..."Go get mommy a Coke sweetie! That's right...in the kitchen...Good Boy!" (kidding) (mostly)

Jennifer

[brokenbar]

Originally Posted by jenn_sc

Congratulations on the new little one!

Grow 5 plants? Why? Don't you have other free slave labor...er...ahem...KIDS..around?
From about first grade on my grandfather treated me like the two older grandkids...free labor in the garden. And saying no wasn't an option!

Plus, as a childless 30-something, I've always had the idea that that could be one of the compensations for the work involved in parenthood...free labor! Even a toddler could get in on the fun..."Go get mommy a Coke sweetie! That's right...in the kitchen...Good Boy!" (kidding) (mostly)

Jennifer

I used to tell my kids that "The reason I had you was to do all the crummy jobs I don't want to do. That's one of the few perks in having kids" They failed to see the humor.