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market-farming - Re: [Market-farming] High Tunnel Tomato Varieties

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  • From: "Beth Spaugh" <lists AT rhomestead.com>
  • To: "'Market Farming'" <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Market-farming] High Tunnel Tomato Varieties
  • Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 10:25:58 -0500

Early Cascade and Big Beef. Black Prince.

 

I asked Johnny’s for advice last year and the response was, unless you are going for early season extension (which you are), that heirlooms give more response to the protection than modern hybrids. Juliet is so disease resistant there isn’t much point to putting it inside. Varieties that crack can be more easily controlled in a hoophouse. So, I will put in a few Early Cascade and Big Beef for early farmers’ market. Then some heirlooms. I didn’t sell all my tomatoes last year so won’t devote as much space to them this year – will put more flowers in and keep salad going. Also got lengths of PVC and greenhouse plastic to make temporary field tunnels for tomatoes that won’t be so much early season extension as disease protection and accelerated growth from additional warmth. May plant some expendable plants in them three weeks early (avg frost free date rather than waiting for safe warm date).

 

I am going back to a key layout this year because when I do five long beds I have trouble disciplining myself to throw plants out and run out of space. With the key design (lots of short beds perpendicular to the length of the house), I can make myself just do 10 Early Cascade, etc.

 

Beth Spaugh
Rehoboth Homestead
Peru NY
http://rhomestead.com


From: market-farming-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:market-farming-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Christine & Marlin
Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2006 9:22 AM
To: 'Market Farming'
Subject: Re: [Market-farming] High Tunnel Tomato Varieties

 

 

 

 

Also, I am wondering what other varieties folks have had good luck with in tunnels?  We are seeking varieties under 75 days that do not sacrifice flavor.  Thanks for your input.

 

I have been having really good results with the varieties “Red Sun” and “Daybreak”.  They are both vigorous determinate improved “Celebrity” types that benefit from some trellising in the high tunnel environment.  They tend to produce much of the crop in one big burp.  Last summer I knelt beside a row of Daybreaks planted at a two foot within row spacing and picked a bushel within arm’s reach of ½ to ¾ lb fruits with a few reaching 1 lb.

 

Marlin Burkholder




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