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To: Danie_2023; All

Yeah, I’m going to likely have that problem too, as I need to “rotate” my tomato garden out of it’s present location (gets partial shade which mitigates the heat), but the only other practical spot would be full sun in afternoons, and with a white building wall to the east of it...

My only other option is to somehow kill the fungi in the soil in the present spot, or, go to all pots and insulate / shade the pots themselves.

Have you tried Heatwave II tomato plants? They seem to resist heat better than other varieties. However, the fruits are pretty bland tasting.

How do the Mexicans grow tomatoes so well?


334 posted on 10/13/2025 5:26:07 AM PDT by Paul R. (Old Viking saying: "Never be more than 3 steps away from your weapon ... or a Uriah Heep song!" ;-))
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To: Paul R.

“”Have you tried Heatwave II tomato plants? They seem to resist heat better than other varieties. However, the fruits are pretty bland tasting.

How do the Mexicans grow tomatoes so well?””

The only tomatoes that seem to grow well for me are the beefsteak, Lemon Boy and a few others. I have tried a Heatwave type tomato, but it didn’t do much re: production. I’m hooked on growing the gold and yellow and beefsteak types now, with limited space.

I think the tomatoes grow well in Mexico due to different weather. They probably get more rain, more humidity and less extreme heat and drought, which is what happens here every year around mid-June through August... only this year the heat/drought extended through September-October. It’s like my house had a bubble over it with rain all around in other areas, but no joy in my garden. As it stands, my garden (while dead already) hasn’t received any rain at all for over a month now... with average temps of 90-95.

Usually, the peppers in-ground are still growing and producing, but not this year. This year they shriveled and died too, due to the high soil temperature and drought condition.

I dunno. It’s a small reward for a lot of work (a scant few dozen tomatoes). And the soil temperature just gets too hot, no matter how much shadecloth over the plants and how much watering the plants get. They simply need more rain and less heat.

I keep wondering... ie if it’s even worth it to plant the garden every year...and if I’ll even be able too do it in the future, still. But gardening is in my blood, like an addiction. So I’m afraid I’ll be out there doing the same ole planting...even if I have to be on a walker while doing it....lol.

Nevertheless... I’m planning to start four trays of tomato seedlings, 48 total, this February for next spring. The seedlings that do best by April will get planted in-ground in the raised beds. The rest will get potted or planted in other areas around the yard. And as always... the hope is... “maybe next year” it (the weather) will be better.


339 posted on 10/13/2025 8:48:40 AM PDT by Danie_2023
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To: Paul R.; MomwithHope
"How do the Mexicans grow tomatoes so well?"

I'm not from Mexico, but my secret is composted mule manure. You just need a mule and all of life's problems will be solved. :)


347 posted on 10/14/2025 5:55:21 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have, 'Hobbies.' I'm developing a robust Post-Apocalyptic skill set.)
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