Your comments and tips

12 Aug 20, colleen (USA - Zone 10b climate)

I suggest growing a legume you like--or a succession of them. You could start with beans and then peas when the days get very short. If you like fava beans, those are very useful--you can eat the tender shoots and leaves, and they make big beautiful plants with pretty flowers that look so cheerful in the coolest months (but they take a LONG time to make beans!). When the beans/peas are done, leave their roots behind in the soil. They'll add a little nitrogen, though not as much if you let them grow to maturity. You will still need to replenish other nutrients with compost or a good tomato-specific fertilizer in the spring. One thing to consider is that tomatoes catch a lot of diseases that accumulate in the soil year after year, so that might be why you have trouble when reusing the soil. You could try solarizing any infected soil by covering it with clear plastic in full sun for a few hot months (March through June minimum), but that's tough when garden space is precious!

Reply or Post a new comment

10 Feb 21, Kent (USA - Zone 10a climate)

Maybe consider an organic liquid fertilizer mix.

Reply or Post a new comment

11 Aug 20, Sally O'Neil (USA - Zone 10a climate)

Compost and/or Manure

Reply or Post a new comment

30 Jul 20, lisa johnson (USA - Zone 8b climate)

cannot get my tomatoes to form fruit - in large containers - dropping flowers before forming - all varieties - healthy plants but no fruit - extremely hot in Southern Alabama with humidity and good rain - what times of year are best to plant —please advise!

Reply or Post a new comment

10 Feb 21, Kent (USA - Zone 10a climate)

You are probably right about it being too hot. If they are in pots try moving them to get some shade earlier or later in the day. If they are in pots maybe try a bigger pot size. It might help to dissipate heat better with more evaporation longer water retention in the deepest part of the pot.

Reply or Post a new comment

10 Aug 20, Janelle (USA - Zone 9b climate)

I just pull mine for the same reason. Is too hot to fruit. When the flower form the sun burn it. And the rain doesn't help much. If you are able to move it under a roof and keep it with sunlight, you may hold on until it gets cooler. It will produce then. Also it is time to start sowing tomatoes seeds indoor or in shade. Good luck!

Reply or Post a new comment

22 Jul 19, Gerald Kent (USA - Zone 10a climate)

What is the best tasting tomato to grow in zone 10a in Westlake Village California, area code 91361

Reply or Post a new comment

10 Aug 20, Gina (USA - Zone 10b climate)

we had great success growing san marzano (redorta) tomatoes... great for homemade pasta sauces!

Reply or Post a new comment

18 Jul 20, Jessica (USA - Zone 10a climate)

The best tasting tomato depends on what you value in a tomato. There are thousands of tomato varieties and you just need to find one that you like. I suggest you start with indeterminate heirlooms first, unless you a beginner gardener, then I would go with Hybrids. Good luck with your harvests.

Reply or Post a new comment

13 Apr 19, Sandy (USA - Zone 6b climate)

Can I plant my tomatoes now and til April 24 without any damage to my plant. I plan on putting straw around them for added protection

Reply or Post a new comment