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Central NY

I know there’s at least a couple “newbies” to the big veggie/tomato game here this year...do you guys feel like your up to speed on the current techniques/products that are getting results? ...hoping you got in the team competition and that your teammates have brought you up to speed but if you still have questions, fire away...no such thing as a dumb question..(I used to be king of the dumb questions..)...

5/7/2019 3:01:10 PM

Central NY

There was also quite a few growers least tear that had huge leaps foward over their personal bests...maybe some of those guys will weigh-in on what they think made the difference for them..

5/7/2019 3:05:49 PM

New Berlin,NY

I almost double my personal best from 2 years ago. I'll chime in on a few things that I feel made a difference.

1st --> Get a mentor who will make you feel like they love the stupid questions. A mentor of mine has got hundreds of e-mails from me over the last few years always answers me, and never makes me feel like I am a trouble. It is great to know that I have a safety net from a great knowledgeable mentor.
2nd --> Less is more. It was and still is a hard concept for me to grasp, but daily pruning, and focused growth with limit foliage is important.

3rd --> wooden stakes, not cages. It kept the plants focuses, and me also. Daily work needed to be done to keep the plant tight to the stakes.

4th --> don't start to early

5th --> small amounts of ferts go a long way.

6th --> Porkchops NY state record is going down!!!

5/7/2019 11:49:58 PM

Eastern Shore of VA

Framac has hit the nail on the head.
I totally agree with all you have written(except maybe Porkchop’s state record)
Lol.
Having a mentor to help you along the way is a huge plus.
Research!
Lots of good posts on this message board with tons of good information.
Also,Marv Meisner’s book is a great starting point.
A little ferts DO go along way.

5/8/2019 7:47:18 AM

Savage, MN

Thanks for all the tips. What is considered a little fertilizer?

5/8/2019 2:25:22 PM

Lebanon, Oregon

Good question Reed. I've grown for a few years and still feel like a new grower most time. In my opinion an AG needs lots of ferts often since it is in a constant state of aggressive growing.
A tomato plant doesn't require as much and so often, especially if you start out with the basics of good loose fertile soil, sun, water, warmth, good seed, and knowing how to read your plants.
A light foliar feeding every two weeks at the right time of day. Alternate with a drench alternating weeks. Keep on the light side of your mixture. Watch how your plants react and learn for the following year. I'd throw a WOW starter pac or two (season long) into your planting holes. Go organic as much as possible. Walk on boards to not compact your soil. Again, this is me. You're good to go. Good luck...cuz you're on my team!

5/8/2019 4:12:47 PM

Team Canuckle Heads

I gained 1 1/2 lbs. on my PB last year. I bought Joe's guide to amending soil and followed it pretty close. Sure seemed to make a difference for me. We'll see this year.

5/8/2019 4:32:20 PM

Eastern Shore of VA

Reed you are in good hands with Rebel.
He will get you on track.

5/8/2019 9:21:09 PM

Morgantown, WV

Solid advice there Reb, lay it on us brother!

5/8/2019 9:24:25 PM

Wisconsin

Grow as many plants as you have time for, getting the right megabloom is key, more plants = more odds, and my own advice is dont worry too much on what height the blooms are, focus more on the bloom itself than height. Don't be afraid to never set one or just yank a plant. I grew 9 plants last year.......I weighed 2

5/12/2019 2:49:32 AM