August already!

I took pictures of this lovely Davisson Yellow Seedling yesterday in the rain.

Oh man. Here are some Yard LongBeans that stayed on the vine too long before I picked them. Pods all bumpy which means they are rubbery and not good tasting for eating. Threw them in the compost pile.



The red noodles are ok. I picked them in time!

A bunch of little Grape tomatoes wuth a Juliet Tomato and a quarter for scale. The Juliets are so much bigger than the other grape types.


And here are Juliets and Viva Italias.


Viva Italias on the vine.


And two BeefMasters. One pound six ounces and one pound one ounce.


Beefmasters on the vine.

Here is one of my China King Cukes growing. I just CAN NOT get over how ugly these cucumbers are.



Lovely Palace King Cukes.

backyard still has daylilies blooming.



dancing with sandra

The great tomato taste test challange!!!!!



So here are the results of my own tomato taste testing that I did for fun and to decide which tomatoes return next year and which do not. First I picked tomatoes from six hybrid varieties I am growing. Put post it notes on them so I could not get them confused!!!

Superfantastic is new to me this year and so was Beefmaster. Whoppers I have grown on and off for nearly 16 years. Skip some years but they always return. Big Boy was the tomato I grew up with as my mom grew these when I was a kid. Again I have some most years and lately have the Better Boys most years also. Early Girl is an old standby here.

Results are-

1- Beefmaster
2- Big Boy
3- Better Boy
4- Early Girl
5- Whopper
6 - Superfantastic

Those first three I can definately taste a difference on but really, really like the flavor of all three. Honestly on any given day you could scramble the order of the three but they are all winners. Early Girl is good and I am very dissapointed in the flavor of the Whoppers this year. I remember them being much better. So I don't know if my memory is wrong or they just don't have as much flavor this year. Superfantastic is not so super since it is deffinately, definately last in my taste tests.

I also have PATIO and BETTER BUSH new this year. Have already determined that neither has much flavor and neither of these two will be back next year. Also I have 4th Of JULY which I have had once before. Too bland for me and I do not like that the fruits are so small. The size of golf balls. Not coming back. Joining them on the not to return next year will be the Whoppers and Superfantastic.

Those first three, Beefmaster, Big Boy and Better Boy are the true winners to me. Early girl I want to grow but would like to cut back the number of plants in order to try another early variety. Not that I know what that will be.

So hybrids I am growing this year not to return as these all failed the tast tests are-
Whopper
Superfantastuc
4th Of July
Patio
Better Bush

Winners and to return will be
BEEFMASTER
BIG BOY
BETTER BOY
EARLY GIRL

Also to return will be the Cherokee Purple heirlooms. I don't know now if I want to grow paste type tomatoes next year but currently am pleased with the VIVA ITALIAs I put in this year. Much better than Romas!

Plus the cherry tomato Sungold and the grape types Sugery and Juliet will definately return next year.

Good information on the 'maters, Rita.

Thanks. I had fun doing my taste test!

Thanks Rita!!!

I found it very useful. First off I know what to bring back for next years tomato garden and what not to. Plus also since I can't eat all the tomatoes I grow I can now keep ones from my favorites for myself when I am picking.

hard times


hello helen


tree turtles

Really enjoyed that, Rita. A novel (but sensible) approach to tomato growing. This is my first year for trying to grow tomatoes and, like you, I leaned on my early years' experience when deciding what to grow. My dad always grew Big Boy so that's what I got. I planted them late and am still awaiting the first crop. Lots of greenies on the vines. I'm like an expectant mother ... I check them every day, waiting to see that first one changing colors. I did have one early one that didn't get very big before ripening. It was tasty but just barely two bites.

I had considered Better Boy also and, based on your findings, will probably add that to the garden next year. Thanks for sharing your taste test!

Judy

Thanks Judy. I really want to try some new to me varieties and I wanted to know what not to bring back in order to make room for new ones. But one still has to plant the really good ones just in case those new ones aren't that great!

Opps, cross posted with you Debra. You know that I am really obsessed with the tomatoes thus year, right?

The taste test is not scientific and only one persons opinion. But in my garden it is my opinion that counts!

Rita, I really love your DANCING WITH SANDRA. Is that a new one for you this year? Beautiful!

Thanks Betty. Not new, I have had it for years along with the other late blooming Dale Thomas intros I bought.

The view standing up on the porch looking thru the tomatoes to the daylilies and roses.



four o clocks

Rita, I think that is my favorite view of all you have posted.

Oh, thank you Debra. This is what it is like around here. Veggies and flowers all over the place and pretty mixed up together too.