The deed is done, the race to that first home grown tomato sandwich has begun. Last year I got the plants in the ground on April 25. I detailed my planting tactics in "The Spring Tomato Ritual," "The Sock Tomatoes," "Stormy Weather," and a number of posts including "The Best Tomato Sandwich of the Year." It was in that post that I decided to switch back to Better Boy Tomato plants which I had grown for years until I got caught up in the idea that I had to have tomatoes by July 4th.
This year, I'm going for taste. Naturally the plant only plays a part in this drama, soil, climate, moisture, and luck seem to also have major roles. I'm gambling just a little planting my tomatoes this early (April 22- three days earlier than last year) since the weather forecast is for temperatures into the mid thirties at night later this week. However, this time of the year, it is normal for the cold air to drain into the valley so I think my plants will be safe.
I've also tried a little different spacing in the hopes of getting more sun to the fruits on a couple of the plants. We'll see how that works.
I still have hopes of giving my friend Mike, who lives in Lewisville, NC, a race for his money. Roanoke being in the mountains isn't exactly blessed with a lot of tomato growing benefits. Actually tomatoes seem to like two things, heat and humidity. We get our fair share in Roanoke. The problem is Lewisville is significantly warmer than us. Perhaps the current moisture advantage we have will at least force Mike to water more.
Well here's hoping for a July 4th homegrown tomato sandwich.
