tomatoes

[khunkeith]

I have been retired in Thailand for 7 years now.  I love American Beefsteak and Big Boy tomatoes and have been told by almost everyone I know, they don't grow here.  I beg to differ.  through trial and error, research and using different ideas, I have experienced both success and failure in growing US tomatoes.

 

My crop started coming in slowly a few weeks ago and is now reaching it's peek and I am harvesting 1.5-2 kilos twice a day with weights from 200-500g+ each.  One with a morning pick and again with an afternoon pick.  If you have tried and failed with tomatoes, I can give advice on what I have learned.

[Durio]

Damn fine looking tomatoes.  I am so surprised that you have fruit of that Quality at one of the hottest time of the year.  I would have thought that you would have had sunburn on those fruit.  How does the taste compare to the same varieties grown in the USofA?

[khunkeith]

15 minutes ago, Durio said:

Damn fine looking tomatoes.  I am so surprised that you have fruit of that Quality at one of the hottest time of the year.  I would have thought that you would have had sunburn on those fruit.  How does the taste compare to the same varieties grown in the USofA?

they taste exactly the same.  I have found it's not the heat but the suns intensity that can burn them.  the bigger ones are the ones under shade from the leaves most of the day.  the ones that get directly sunlight 10+ hours are day are about the same size as the Thai tomatoes.    In previous years, I have put the black plastic ventilated on bamboo poles to protect them from the mid day sun.  But this year, because of the long winter and cool nights for several weeks, I did not think it necessary to do so. 

[downtowneddie]

21 hours ago, khunkeith said:

they taste exactly the same.  I have found it's not the heat but the suns intensity that can burn them.  the bigger ones are the ones under shade from the leaves most of the day.  the ones that get directly sunlight 10+ hours are day are about the same size as the Thai tomatoes.    In previous years, I have put the black plastic ventilated on bamboo poles to protect them from the mid day sun.  But this year, because of the long winter and cool nights for several weeks, I did not think it necessary to do so. 

What variety of Tomato did you use?

[khunkeith]

20 hours ago, downtowneddie said:

What variety of Tomato did you use?

 dont remember the brand.  I used Better Boy and Beefsteak I think.