Topic Index
The font size for a topic word is sized by the number of articles that reference that topic. The more articles the bigger the font.
Click on a word to search for posts with that topic. This page will reload with the search results.
Martino’s Roma
Another in the ongoing series – Exploring Tomatoes
I love this tomato!
Smaller than the common Roma, with a stout bottom tapering up to narrow straight shoulders, this is one seriously productive plant. This heirloom variety plum tomato is direct from Italy and produces fruit of about 2 to 3 ounces in weight. It is a determinate tomato plant, also known a “bush tomato,” and as such all its fruit will ripen over a period of about two weeks, essentially all at once in tomato talk. For some uses, that is not desirable, but if you are looking for a deliciously mild tomato to make sauce or paste, this is just what you want – a plant that will yield a bountiful harvest over a short period of time. At about 75 days the fruit will begin to ripen, and remarkably, this plant is virtually “self-harvesting.” The wonderfully mild fruit, when ripe, comes off at a touch, or more often, just falls off of its own accord. The plant needs very little staking and sports a low, compact habit. The fruit holds well on and off the vine guaranteeing a generous supply for the kitchen. Martino’s Roma are a vibrant red, meaty and firm enough to stuff and bake. They are also wonderful for use on an antipasto plate. This is an all-around winner, and will be back in my garden next year.
Note: You can click the picture for a larger image.
I have no affiliation with any product, manufacturer, or site mentioned in this article.
Banana Legs Tomato
Another in the ongoing series – Exploring Tomatoes
This low acid novelty looks a bit like a banana, well, kinda sorta – a 4 inch long bright yellow banana with a point at one end and very pale green stripes running the length of the fruit. Like I said, kinda sorta. This is one dependable and remarkably disease resistant plant. It is a determinate variety, and as such all its fruit will ripen at once, beginning at about 75 days and continuing over a two week period. The plant will then be “finished.” Known as “bush tomatoes” because of their low compact habit, determinate plants stop growing once the fruit on the top (or “terminal”) bud has set. These are not plants that will reward you with fruit all season long. Keep the determinate vs. indeterminate factor in mind when planning your tomato garden. Read the remainder of this entry »