South Florida Tomatoes

-Behold, the South Florida Heirloom tomatoes – a true rarity.

Guess what time it is? Tomato time! Down here in South Florida, it’s that magical time of year when the rapid growth of those adolescent plants, thanks to the perfect conditions, decides to take a breather. And let me tell you, it’s a bit of a mixed bag.

The good stuff:

• Our tomato plants are the definition of large, luscious, and downright beautiful.
• It’s still pleasantly cool enough for our tomatoes to happily set their fruit.
• Florida’s tomato season? Oh, it’s strutting its peak right now.
• The delightful aroma of fresh tomato sandwiches is practically dancing through the house.

Now, onto the not-so-rosy side:

• Here’s the kicker – pathogens are gearing up to crash our tomato party and overpower those beautiful plants of ours.
• The duration of our tomato harvest? Well, it’s only half of what we enjoyed back in Wyoming.
• Fast forward six weeks, and it’ll be too darn hot to nurture any kind of temperate vegetable.

Let me tell you, this is our third rodeo with tomatoes, and boy, have we learned a thing or two.

The truth is, growing tomatoes in Florida is a tad trickier compared to our Wyoming days. Sure, Florida’s got that dreamy climate, an abundance of water, and a season that seems to go on forever – perfect for tomato growing. But, alas, it’s equally perfect for hosting tomato pests.

Unless you’ve got a tomato boasting specific disease resistance, chances are it’s going down. Even the seemingly resilient varieties throw in the towel about halfway through the growing season.

Now, heirloom varieties? Bless their hearts, they’re particularly susceptible. Most lack any kind of disease resistance, and more often than not, they leave you with nothing to show for your efforts.

But hold onto your gardening gloves, because this season is something special. Feast your eyes on those heirloom beauties – a true rarity in South Florida.

✨

Cheers, D 🌴🌊