Happy 4th
When I was younger, I remember my mom always trying to have a ripe tomato by July 4th. She used wall of waters, started planted early, and did all sorts of things to have tomatoes extra early. This year, I started ‘Glacier’ and ‘Stupice’ in early April. I planted some in the garden and some in pots. The ones in pots produced lovely ripe tomatoes on the 4th of July.
This isn’t too bad for Maine with no greenhouse. Next year I may try growing some in a low tunnel to see if that hastens ripening.
If you live in a colder climate, consider starting a few cold tolerant varieties and grow them in pots in a sunny location. The warmth of the soil in a container will help them grow and fruit faster.
I also realized that I haven’t yet published my list of the tomato varieties I’m growing this year, it includes a few old favorites and some new and exciting ones as well. I think I might wait until I start getting a few ripe ones so I can show you what they look like.
What’s the earliest you have harvested a tomato in your garden?
Last year I enjoyed the first “Sun Sugar” on July 12. I have planted and harvested “Fourth of July” by July 4 in the past, but honestly, the (lack of) flavor wasn’t worth the effort of growing them. I’ll wait a week or two longer for a tasty tomato. This year it could be a really long wait because it has been so wet and cold. July 9 in mid-Michigan and I’m wearing a sweater!
to Tonya's comment
This has been the warmest, driest Puget Sound spring and summer on record. It has been in the low to mid 80’s for weeks and some days in the low 90’s. Nice for us, not nice for the plants…except of course the ones that get tons of water, which we are reluctant to use. There have even been some water restrictions in some counties…Hard to believe that here but true.
I am already getting some potted tomatoes with some color and that doesn’t usually happen till August sometime. Crazy!
Love your photos of your tomatoes today! :)
to Chris's comment
Wow, I’m not sure when I got my first tomato – maybe early may? But my plants have been cut out and composted for a couple weeks now… Too hot.
to Sarah's comment