knowledge so far and planning for next year

[WilburMartin]

I have researched and learned a ton of info so far about tomatoes and growing.

So far, this is what I have learned from container growing:
1) fertilize in layers as I build my buckets so as the roots grow and extend, they get nutrients all season
2) buying sets is immediate, but starting from seed is more satisfying
3) drip irrigation is super easy and useful
4) I cannot manage to plant anything in the center of the growing container
5) plants are very forgiving of stupid actions
6) cats that roam outside are good for keeping squirrels and birds off of plants
7) starting off with cherry tomatoes early and starting my full-sized seed later next year - in MS, the length of time between too cold and too hot seems to be short, while the post hot span of time will likely be 3+ months where I am
8) just wait - the plant will let you know when the fruit will be ready

Am I missing anything that a noob discovers after a half a season of tomato insanity?

[KC.Sun]

Suckers root like weeds.
You don't really need to prune your plant like many believe.
Fertilize fertilize fertilize, your container plant will run out of nutrients and you'll know when it stops growing.
Suckers can direct root in your containers.
The taste is all about what you feed it.
Start late season varieties from seed first and try to get a bigger plant by plant out
There isn't really a best time of the year to grow tomatoes anymore, just beware of the storms
Remember to bag your blossom for OP varieties if you want to save seeds.

Starting from seed is always more satisfying

[taboule]

Never too soon to start planning for next year.