Garden Fresh Tomatoes, No Dig Required: Flourishing in Temperate Regions

[@DarthBalsamic]

I learn something new everytime I watch a video from here. I've seen alot of planting video and read my fair share as a new gardener, but I find his discussions and methodology far more calm yet instructive. I appreciate this.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear 💚

[@johnman559]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig PLEEEASE ..hide your feet away, it spoils it, I'm sorry and I won't be the only one.

[@ZappBrannigan88]

​@@johnman559what an odd thing to fixate on

[@real_wakawaka]

the joy on your face picking tomatoes!

[@hackiehackerson]

thank you sir. I've been watching for a decade and still going back for a refresher sometimes. congratulations on the channel growth since then!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Many thanks, happy these help

[@dwighthires3163]

Wow what a special gift to let us see and entire season in just ne video. Thank you sir.

[@delphinium5555]

This is what we all love about Charles Dowding. So honest in his growing and very happy to show any imperfections, just the way it is with vegetable gardening. Super video, thank you!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That's nice thanks

[@priayief]

I like these "long term" videos. Thanks,

[@jenniferspring8741]

Great camerawork, starting with the awe-inspiring flyover of the garden and proceeding to the incredible close-ups. And I learned a lot too. Thanks again, Team Homeacres!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Many thanks! Yes fine camera by @spicymoustache

[@lucyk4291]

Gosh this video was fantastic!! It’s so immensely helpful seeing a vegetable grown from start to finish, with the entire process and growing season in one video. It’s like watching a story unfold, so the info really sticks and makes so much sense! eg. seeing how and why you remove side shoots or when you remove tiny toms from trusses or pinch out the plant tip, all makes sense when you see it in the context of the entire growing cycle. Thank you for this!!!! Would you consider the same type of video (start to finish) for other veggies?? Could be like... “The Tomato/Zucchini/Corn Story” etc. 😊🙏🏼 Thank you, all the way from Australia!

[@lucyk4291]

Ps. So flipping excited that we can get your module trays here now!! They’re going on my Christmas list!

[@lucyk4291]

Pps. Any chance you’ll sell your dibber here too?! 😁

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Hi Lucy, This is lovely to see and I appreciate your enthusiasm! Over the years I have done a few of these and this is the playlist kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnSrep2umN6Wn7s. It has beetroot, onions and a few others. Enjoy the trays, and best make your own dibber from a tool handle, they are pricey to ship.

[@lucyk4291]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Oh thank you for linking the playlist!! Making a dibber is a good idea. Have a wonderful Christmas :)

[@diananixon7652]

@@lucyk4291 How do you get the module trays here in Australia please?

[@Lastcry4help]

The best advice anyone could give you, first class.

[@carolyncarlon9870]

Some gardeners (warmer climates/longer growing season) use the side shoots to start brand new plants during the season. Easily rooted. As I continued watching, I remembered my wooden trellis/cages I built as the tomato plants grew. Keep cages for future crops. Easy to place in garden each year. In San Diego we didn’t have blight…tomato hornworms were the ones I kept an eye open for. Usually the big poop was 1st evidence. So fascinating! Carolyn/Vermont Cat Lady (originally from San Diego)

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Carolyn, yes I do that sucker trick sometimes!

[@JayCaskey]

I live in MtSterling Ky USA and You have a awesome show. !!! Keep up the great work.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you very much

[@vickinz9335]

Perfect timing for us here in New Zealand with summer starting next week. The tomatoes have had 7 days of persistent rain but seem to be ok🤞. Thanks Charles. Always informative☺️🇳🇿

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I hope that the weather warms up for you, I hear that it's been a difficult spring so far. People are talking about emissions from the Tongan volcano and apparently they're crossing the equator now :(

[@vickinz9335]

Thank you ☺️

[@Constellado]

Yeah I heard there was lots of rain up north. Over here in Christchurch nz though it has been good so far! Apart from one day of heavy downpours, The mountains to the west has stopped the worst of it and it has been showers one day, sun the next for the past week. Perfect for my plants, no weed to water, while not getting waterlogged!

[@vickinz9335]

@@Constellado I'm in Southland and we had rain for a solid week but it seems to be settling now to showers now and then so hopefully a great summer is on the way. Happy gardening ☺️

[@Im-just-Stardust]

This video was very helpful thank you. I struggled last summer with my tomatoes, 90% didnt have enough time to ripe. I will be applying those tips next summer. Cheers Charles it was a very well made video too, very relaxing.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You can do it I'm sure, and thankyou

[@kravgirl4]

I’m a new gardener in Texas where we’re in a crazy drought and I’ll still be wearing shorts today at the end of November. Even with the different climate I’m still learning so much from you and appreciate all your lessons.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Oh my goodness! That sounds so extreme, and I hope that it rains soon. Nice that you can see the underlying principles!

[@Goggelgoogler]

Thank you, very helpful from Woodend Victoria Australia. I gave up growing tomatoes some years back until I started growing in food forest/no dig. Using the principles from your experience I’ve managed abundant tomato crops the past few years and expect to in future. I am planting outside this time of year here now that the temperature is reaching 20 degrees Celsius.🍅

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I'm very happy to read this, and wish you an abundant harvest this year!

[@upontherooftopgarden]

It's almost Summer here in Aus! Timely info for me 🍅🍅 thank you!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Enjoy!

[@etiennelouw9244]

Thank you, I started my garden in August 2021, lot to learn. Paused half way to go and "doctor" my tomatoes.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

It's good to know that you don't know! I wish you fun and food, learning all the time

[@BlazeXak]

Love this tomato video. A lot of effort has been put into making this. Thank you. I love to see videos about what tomatoes varieties you are growing each year.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Our pleasure. And you are right!

[@lyndaturner6686]

I just watched this as I have my tomato seedlings indoors as it only mid March ,the outdoor ones I usually keep in the greenhouse until May and then plant the outdoor varieties in pots in the sunniest part of my garden . They did brilliantly last year in the hot summer , but it’s possible this year may not be so hot , so all the tips to speed up the ripening process were really useful , I’m in Cornwall so my last frost is usually late April . Thanks again Charles for all the advice you give .

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice to hear Linder, and I wish you a hot summer! However, the government looking for it to go in the other direction! www.gov.uk/government/publications/geo-engineering-research-the-government-s-view/uk-governments-view-on-greenhouse-gas-removal-technologies-and-solar-radiation-management

[@raymondo7796]

Great video as always. Did anyone else spot the small piece of glass that was in the compost at 4:07?

[@christophermee5214]

Watching this in feb 27 2024. So sunny and warm. Roll on this summer

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

😀

[@jamesrichey]

Lovely tomatoes 🍅, Charles. I managed to get a nice harvest of tomatoes for the 1st time this year. Your no-dig method has really helped me a lot.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice to hear James

[@tassiegirl1991]

Glad you mentioned spacing, last year i struggled here in Southern Tasmania getting all to ripen, necessitating picking many and putting in paper in a box to ripen. I though maybe they were too close but looking at yours that wasn’t the problem, must have been weather. This year I’m behind the 8 ball as overseas, hoping as weather awful ill get some to grow and ripen. All a learning game.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Your weather, this summer sounds awful and don't blame yourself if the tomatoes don't make it! I would pinch out the tops in late January, so the existing fruits have time hopefully to ripen

[@tedbastwock3810]

Charles, amazing advice. This year Im following an approach more in line with your own than I have in the past regarding tomato pruning. I want you to know that your whimsy is not missed on us and is much appreciated, admired, and entertaining. You probably dont hear that enough. In addition, your dexterity and bodily strength is a true marvel and a real motivation to take care of my own body. Thank you for ALL the ways in which you enrich our lives :-) Blessings friend.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So nice to hear Ted thanks

[@tobruz]

Brilliant again! Ate the last of my tomatoes last week, picked at the breaker point weeks ago. Near Toronto Ontario Canada

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice one!

[@nickhammersonrocks]

GREAT TO SEE A VIDEO SHOT IN MAY !!!! IT HELPS TO KEEP CERTAIN PEOPLE FROM SPIRALING INTO A DEEP CATATONIC DEPRESSION DURING THE WINTER MONTHS DUE TO THE TREMENDOUS DECREASE IN COMPOSTING MATERIAL AVAILABLE FOR OUR ENTERTAINMENT !!!!!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Yes, and I find it amazing to be reminded of summer at this time of year!

[@eadjh98]

Brilliant Charles! After watching this I’m now really looking forward to next seasons growing! Thanks for sharing! and I’m liking the new 2023 calendar that I received a few days ago! 👍👍

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thankyou 🌱

[@juliankent4805]

A brilliant video about the life of a tomato plant. I usually take my tops out after 6 trusses but your idea of pricking out earlier to beat blight is very sensible, as is the suggestion to prick out the small tomatoes at the end of the trusses. It would be helpful if the camera could zoom in more often, when you are describing what you are doing, especially for beginners. Saying that, it's still a very informative video and the sound seems to have improved a lot, theres no loss of quality when you bend down, or in; to carry out some work.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Julian, glad to help

[@neilanscombe7348]

What a fantastic video Charles, Thank you for such an informative video. Have a great week!!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

😀 cheers Neil

[@waynesell3681]

Will be trying sungold tomatoes this year for the first time. Really appreciate the full season videos as the plants and fruit develop.. Thanks to your camera and editing crew..

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Best of luck, and that is @spicymoustache for this one

[@waynesell3681]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig thanks for the encouragement!

[@hp-cs7mx]

I am planting out my 8 inch tall seed started tomatos today in Albury NSW Australia, because it has finally finished raining buckets and the soil may be warm enough. Because of no dig I barely even buy tinned veg at all any more, this year had winter soups three times a week from the garden. Spent the money I saved on good steak! Thank you Charles, I hope King Charles knights you soon!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That's so nice to hear, I love the sort of people eating better and being more healthy. I worry about your weather because I'm hearing a lot about it, and New Zealand too. I'm afraid that it might come here and some say that it's from the Tongan volcano, whose debris is crossing the equator. Thanks for your suggestion to HM and I'm not interested in that!

[@carlmclean3886]

Lovely video, Charles! Thank you - Diolch (thank you in Welsh)

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Many thanks Carl

[@kmorrell8502]

It never occurred to me to take the ends off the trusses to help the fruits develop. So obvious once you point it out! Thank you.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@Debbieanne51]

Thank you so much, you have answered questions i had. Love your channel xx

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Happy to help!

[@stevenbp101]

Hi Charles, this has been a good video for me. We love our tomatoes here in Arkansas Lots of good tips. Thanks (Old guy from Arkansas)🇺🇸

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you enjoyed it Stephen!

[@TashasTattoos]

Best tomato video ever- the progress over time is what I crave😂 it really helps me I've grown tomatoes for a few years but I got a few new tips today. I'll be staking them more securely with thick wood instead of singular bamboo sticks or wigwams, I'm brave enough now to do the topping, & under planting for fall

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

N nice thanks Tasha

[@LuisGodoy-r4x]

Muy bueno son sus videos nos dejan una enseñanza vale la pena mirar sus videos yo no me pierdo ninguno un sa ludo de argentina

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

¡Muchas gracias, estoy feliz de ver esto! Espero que tu invierno esté bien.

[@icecreamsam2222]

Lovely progression. You are an amazing teacher! Thank you!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ausfoodgarden]

Do people really comment on digging a hole for new plants? Maybe call it "minimal dig" for the pedants. Strangely down here in Melbourne AUS, I've just planted some more tomato seedlings. I'm very space limited and just couldn't bear to pull out the lettuce that were still in good shape. Normally they've gone to seed before now. Lovely video as always, thanks for sharing your knowledge with us all.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Gerry!! 😀

[@Pausereflectandbreathe]

Wow! Nice explanation about growing tomatoes. Thanks!

[@smas3256]

Thanks Charles. You are so reassuring. I don't freak out anymore. lol. The time lapse is so helpful. USA. zone 6a. 50 feet above sea level gives us a little more time to grow and harvest. Wonderful videos. Thank you again.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad to help 💚

[@JamesBrooksco]

Thanks, Charles. Fabulous video as always. Makes me really excited for the season next year!

[@TransdermalCelebrate]

I was very fortunate with my crop, they grew up and along the trellis on the wall

[@martabuk6306]

Dziękuję, dokładnie pokazana uprawa pomidorów. Pozdrawiam

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Our pleasure Marta

[@Stilgar74]

Great video showing the planting growing journey Charles! Love that you mention Calcium uptake! Also worth mentioning the key role Boron plays in relationship to Calcium: Increases and guides sugar translocation to sugar sinks Increases Calcium absorption and mobility Increases plant resistance to Rhizoctonia, Verticillium, Fusarium and some viruses.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers and that's kudos to boron!

[@thehealingpathway]

Thank you so much Charles for your videos. With a bit more land I would be trying to grow more too. For several years in a South facing spot under the window I have been growing tomatoes in pots outside and the last two years cucumbers too. It has been a very slow year due to a colder july, where here people were wearing coats. My elderly neighbour grows tomatoes in greenhouse and usually mine begin to ripen three weeks afterwards. Am just getting ripe ones now - all grown from seed mid September. Last year picking the remaining green ones before frost hit, they were slowly ripening in the kitchen - eating these tomatoes until first week November. Store bought do not taste the same. I live North West not far from Manchester, UK and encourage everyone to try.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you for sharing, and you are a model of perseverance in difficult conditions. Very inspiring.

[@thehealingpathway]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Thank you very much Charles - it is a learning experience and once achieving something, setting out to try something else. I love seeing food grow and evolve ...as nature too. I am sure that you have achieved all you have with many trials and challenges too but that you share so openly, especially now, the value of growing food, even planting a fruit tree must never be underestimated. Thank you for everything and sharing your expertise.

[@nickthegardener.1120]

Hi Charles I noticed that my sungolds didn't split on the truss. When I picked them, if the stem came away with the tomato it was ok, but if the tomato came away without the stem they mostly split. Also some sungolds had pointed bottoms and tough skins even on the same truss as round soft skins, probably the heat waves. 😁👍💚🙏

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

We see the same!

[@itsmewende]

Just when I think you've taught me everything about growing and harvesting tomatoes, I find out...nope, here's some more knowledge. Thanks Charles, years ago you talked about sun gold and I bought seeds, best tasting tomato ever, they've been in garden every yr since.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That's nice thanks

[@mandyc1276]

Nice to see a start to finish all in one video. Also what to plant next. I struggle to make the most of my growing spaces and tend to have one crop in a bed. I will try to be better next year. Thank you!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Sounds good Mandy

[@jonathancorbyn8203]

Crimson Crush looks to be a good variety for blight resistance.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Yes :)

[@lukeg2091]

Really enjoyed seeing the time progression, great video.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Luke

[@tedbastwock3810]

What an amazing video. MOST undervalued channel on YT. KZbin WAKE UP !!!! Set your algo to promote this channel more !!!!!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you so much. I wish!

[@BumblebeeAdventure]

🐝Thanks for the great video🌻 just watching old vids for inspiration

[@corkion]

love your vids you are so calm doing the jobs

[@didanz100]

I collect green tomatoes and use them in stir-fries and make a variety of preserves.

[@rondacorkhill1654]

You could put in a large olla pot for a grouping like this and it'll help keeping them watered with little effort.

[@craigmetcalfe1749]

Hey Charles! I really liked this format even if it meant that your wardrobe department was working overtime. I learned and relearned so much and it actually answered some of my unasked questions which, although I pose the question to myself, as my wife says "Just because you ask the voices in your head doesn't mean that you actually asked anyone". The question that you covered the best was when you were cutting up the old tomato plant to put into the compost. I did the same thing with my corn stalks early this morning which I cut down low enough to leave the roots in the ground but unfortunately did not see this video in time to do the angular cut to increase the surface area before putting the stalks on the compost pile. I actually put them on the bottom, so that when I turned the pile, they provided a nice air gap. I thought you were very responsive to the tomato's feelings when you apologized for speaking of how you were going to kill it off while it was still alive. I have been guilty of insensitivity towards vegetarians mostly (in my youth) when I asked them whether they knew that often, if you listen carefully, you can hear vegetables screaming as they are pulled from the ground ;-) Cheers!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Hi Craig, a lovely cheerful comment as ever! I'm intrigued that you have corn stalks already, before mid summer. And I hope your summer goes well with decent weather.

[@craigmetcalfe1749]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig This year I planted corn a little early in the season and as a result got cobs that had small but delicious kernels. I am hoping to plant another lot this week to see how they go. I think the secret is some well rotted manure which I didn't really have a lot of when I planted this last lot. This time I have a lot of well rotted cow manure, so I hope that this will be enough together with it being later in the season. My best results by far have been at my previous house where I grew corn in an old chicken run. Cheers!

[@mikechar17]

7:21 you make the roots grow and go in search of the water instead of always having it on demand for them where they sit. with more mature plants you can do a 1-2 water cycle water one day off for 2 for example. cheers mate

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers

[@mikechar17]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Also why leaving water in the bottom of trays for watering will pull the roots down to the bottom and give a better root ball.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

In my experience it leads to airless, waterlogged compost

[@mikechar17]

That probably didn't come off how I wanted. I have the same experience with starting plants and smaller pots. That is just for mature plants. We grow some things in larger pots here. using a watering cycle and this method. Have you experimented with hydroponics at all? That will be your next endeavour if not, even better than no dig imo and right to aquaponics for the ultimate closed loop. Ive tried a few experiments but would love to make a large pvc hydroponic lettuce ladder for the backyard one of these years, months, weeks, days, hours. Get those ponds to work lol, cheers mate.

[@danvers-p7y]

Learnt so much from , this thank you Charles & team Got ten red alert cherrys , in my living room now, desperatly need potting on. Also 10 sun cherry premium , 12 quid for five seeds the latter, got two just incase , every single seed , germinated Tom & Morg cant fault the growth rate . they was all sown 5 weeks ago. Around .2.5ft high :) Hope everyone as a great summer, harvest . of everything...

[@danvers-p7y]

Give 6 to my mum , and 14 going on my high rise balcony :) The thick toughened reinforced glass , even though open air at the top. half don't half make a make shift green house :) Views not to bad this high up either :) It get's that hot on the outdoor balony when i water , steam comes off the concrete beneth my feet , , in recent years, have , not pinched the tops, out till September . Was still picking Bonfire night morning madness . They was a varitey i. bough from a supermarket, piccolo , i saved the seeds from. some fruit , they was absoloutly PROLIFIC ! Croppers, Best tomato i've ever had. Never seen , them since, and the seeds i, saved, on a bit of old .. posted envolope have dried to the point they uselese.. Sorry for my grammar i'm dyslexic .. Thank you for sharing your invaluble knowledge . my old China plate.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Lovely comments thanks! You are having great success with your propagation and I should grow some Red Alert again, I succeeded with it in the 1980s, and then kept trying new things. It's such a compact bush tomato without need for support, and a great flavour to the fruit.

[@Tawadeb]

Thanks so much Charles. Hoping to pop in more tomatoes here in New Zealand. Always learn so much from you

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Wonderful!

[@Tawadeb]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig 🙂

[@sandy-rr1by]

I put 3 or 4 generic tums in each tomato hole when planting to curb blossom end rot.

[@denisebrady6858]

Wow I am on my way down to the vegetable garden to use what I have just learnt about tomatoes. Thank you Charles & this will be interesting to put into practice here in Australia. Cheers Denise- Australia

[@daniellesunley4807]

I recently moved from Missouri back to England and getting used to growing in a very different climate. I am experimenting with overwintering peppers, tomatoes and okra in the conservatory. The tomatoes are doing very well and I am harvesting a few a week. I have found that if I prune out the top and allow side shoots to grow I get a manageable bush that produces enough fruit for our lunch each day. The peppers and okra are alive but sleeping, hopefully I get a head start in spring with them.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That's amazing, Danielle, you have a very green thumb I reckon

[@ximenaisabeljimenezgalindo9044]

Hola Charles,que lindo video una lección estupenda gracias Charles 🌷🌷🇨🇱

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

🍅 gracias

[@sunjoy6858]

beautiful! Your dedicated work and recording of all changes, comparisons in order to find regularity, legality and, ultimately, possibilities, is equal to scientific work, precious.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Many thanks

[@lynmcree9077]

You’ve done a magnificent job on that garden. The hay and wood chip have worked way better than I expected. I’m going to give it a go. I’m really impressed that you got a fine enough till to start carrots.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Lyn, enjoy that

[@turtle2212]

What a wonderful summary for growing tomatoes and again I've learned more Sir Charles 😊

[@turtle2212]

Oh, forgot to mention that last year I eventually managed to find an expensive seed pack sungold as you are so fond of this variety. Guess what: the sealed inner bag was EMPTY! I was so unhappy, but then found an heirloom called sungold select from deaflora (kind of a sibling) and it was plentiful and delicious and now I got my own seeds.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

😂 is funny! Nice outcome and thanks

[@frankbarnwell____]

I used a 2inch bulb planting auger to get beneath the 4+ inch crust I have here. Planted tomatoes about 6inches deep, in seed starter mix. Top dressed them with compost in a mound because rain comes in floods here. It worked well. Expanding on the plan next spring

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Sounds hard work, glad it works for you

[@roccoconte2960]

I plant a variety called Marmande the best tomatoe I ever had.Lots of disease resistance and great flavor the seeds are a bit expensive at 1.00 each.Great video Charles.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks, and that's interesting because I used to grow Marmande but was not too impressed. Possibly the strain I grew was not as good as the one you have, they do very a lot

[@Antibolshevik1]

Hi I’m a big fan love your videos

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thankyou :)

[@michaelfoort2592]

Try using the back of the take for levelling...learned from Granny F.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚 thanks

[@walbiramurray5762]

Here in Central Australia I have been picking my tomatoes for two weeks, a mix of determinant and indeterminate, heritage and hybrids. I think I am looking at my best crop ever and I put it down to what I have learnt from your generous teaching Charles. Thanks

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I'm very happy to hear that! What a great prospect, so many harvests ahead of you

[@tombullard123]

What was that white cabbage with pink flecks at the very start? Stunning

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Chicory (radicchio) Variegata da Lusia

[@gardenonthemoors]

Really useful tips and great video. Looking forward to next season!

[@marlenei8611]

The variety sunviva is very suitable for outdoor growing, too. I’m testing it this year 😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Me too!!

[@jacoblenson40]

I'm always learning here, thank you! My tomatoes are still going and repening zone 9b Catalunya!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Wonderful to hear thanks

[@Ontheriver389]

I have saved sungold seeds and replanted for 5 yrs now with no problems

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That is amazing, and I wonder whether you are just lucky, or what!!

[@livus3787]

In my mom's veggie bed (which is dug) actually the tomato is the best & well producing plant (could be our warm summer), everything else is way nicer in my NoDig patch (some of her plants are just sad; yes it did became a competition between us xD), so I myself did not plant tomato but I shall next time tho, to see the difference 😏

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That is so interesting! I'm hoping that your mother notices, how you do not spend so much time weeding, as well as having mostly nice vegetables!

[@livus3787]

old habits die hard - but we shall see 😜 getting myself your Big Yellow Book for Christmas, can't wait 🌻🌻

[@Megbower6907]

My tomatoes got to 12 feet last year. But we just ran an experiment, I’m in the states zone 6B and it was a lot of work but tons of tomatoes. Love to see this method though! Although I do feel bad topping them.

[@nefraial]

How nice. I'm in the southern hemisphere so I've just come inside after planting my tomato seedlings into my no dig garden. I watered the area last night to be sure it would be nice and damp this morning, and it was. In went my little home sown and grown plants. I've hung string lines from a thick overhead wire, which will bend a bit later in the season but gives a bit of bounce for me to play with as they grow. I spread a generous inch of homemade compost over the surface around them after planting followed by a hand water to settle them in. Then came inside for a drink to see Charles has a video on tomatoes. How cool is that?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

It sounds really good, what are you doing! And I love it that so many people here are from the southern hemisphere, and can use the timings now. I hope your plants grow really well.

[@nickthegardener.1120]

Hi Charles would you ever consider an interview with Dr Elaine Ingham? I think the science behind no dig is fascinating, a new frontier in soil science. Thanks Nick 👍🙏💚😁

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Maybe one day, I know her and she has invited me to participate in her Regen summit next March 16th, I think

[@nickthegardener.1120]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig That would be awesome if it happens.!👍😊💚🙏

[@barryx23]

As an experiment, I kept my tomatoes growing well into November since we hadn't had a frost. Bizarrely, it then rained A LOT and temperatures didn't drop, so I got late blight at the END OF OCTOBER! Fortunately, by then, the majority of the fruit had been picked. I wanted to see how the anti-blight varieties did. Some survived the blight while others didn't. I live in Kent, which is one of the warmest parts of the UK, so our season is perhaps a month longer on average compared to more northern areas of the country.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That's an amazing result on many counts. I've never had blight in October because it's so much cooler normally! Nice that you've had such a long harvest.

[@Pervydachny]

Hello Charles! I like your recommendations, I continue to learn growing constantly. I live in the south of Ukraine, we have a favorable climate for growing tomatoes. I hope to get back to work next year. Health and good luck to you👌🌻🐦

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I wish you a peaceful time in the garden! Such a healing place

[@Pervydachny]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig thank you

[@catfunksfabulousfinds]

I'm in Oregon USA zone 8B we are warmer in summer than you are. We broke a record and got up to 116°F a couple years ago with several days in the 80°'s & 90°'s and 100°'s. I've never gotten blight but I dont pick all the lower leaves off like I see many people on You Tube do. This year I've grown lots of varieties. I had over 150 plants come up volunteer last year. Mostly Brandywine and a cherry variety. Brandywine is my favorite. I'm just growing it this year sun gold and a Roma.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I hope it's not too hot for you going forward, and mostly it sounds like you have a good climate for outdoor tomatoes, more prolific than here! I like Brandywine varieties

[@karinmartinazimmer2463]

There is always green tomato chutney. 😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Yes 😊

[@shelly7017]

Thank you for sharing Charles. I love tomatoes and hope to grow a few varieties this year. I recently moved from Eastern Washington State to Essex NY. Zone 5 Learning to garden here will be a whole new learning curve. Our back and front yard are small and the whole 0.3 acre is lawn and surrounded in tress! Some maples, not certain on what the others trees are. All are deciduous. I'm assuming I'll have to make raised beds and keep them off the ground so they don't get full of tree roots. I've experienced that in Washington State with beds I had close to trees.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Yes, that is not easy, Shelly and I wish you well. I don't know in fact how you kept the tree roots out of your beds before because they pass through almost any barrier! I wish you success, and in a very different climate!

[@shelly7017]

@Charles Dowding thanks a bunch Charles, I love a challenge. Ive been exploring the permaculture way of geowing the past 10 years. Morage Gamble is one of my favorites to follow. I'm wishing you a fun and successful 2023 gardening season. 🫂

[@jude7321]

What is a wonderful watering can you have there?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks I use a few, think you mean the 12L one from Gardman, also this one from Crocus is good tidd.ly/44dwEUp

[@shuttlefish59]

Brilliant that. Thanks for sharing.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

🙂

[@theplumber4934]

Hello! are you able to clarify the spacing distance rather than "Around that high...... Thank you

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

From 16 to 20 in, 40-50cm

[@boansy1]

Very well described and will refer back to this throughout the season as its my first for tomatoes, peppers and cucumber so need as much advice as possible. Thanks Charles🖕

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad it was helpful!

very nice opening!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks @spicymoustache!

[@ThatBritishHomestead]

Miss summer already!

[@roadrunner_uk420]

F2 is when you cross an F1 with itself. You get lots of variation because it mixes genetics as far back as it's grandparents. It's a way to open up the gene pool and make interesting new selections.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Ah thanks!

[@whatsworthonearth8700]

Nice skills of an insider on outside tomatoes😶‍🌫Would you like to share tips and tricks of the sowing and potting of tomatoes? Sungold and the Sun Gold, orange are my favourite. I put the first shoots of Sun Gold in water and plant them when they get roots.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks and similar here, see this for side shoots kzbin.infoiXLLRRencwk?feature=share

[@heatherbower5539]

Do birds eat these lovely tomatoes much when they have turned color? Do you do anything to keep them away

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

It depends on your birds and here fortunately, they do not eat them. Sometimes blackbirds peck the first ripe fruits in July, when they are hot and thirsty

[@albertward9601]

Hi Charles. There is quite a lot of info available on growing determinate and undeterminate tomatoes. But there is not a lot available for growing cherry tomatoes. Do one treat them similar to undeterminate tomatoes and maybe some info regarding pruning? I grow my tomatoes outside as I do not have a tunnel.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Well, some cherry varieties are determinate, some indeterminate so it depends. They tolerate cooler conditions :)

[@jasonhatfield4747]

It's so interesting to me that your first and last frost dates are the same as mine here in Zone 6a/6b, but our extreme temperatures are VERY different. We can get very hot summer highs (mid-90 F is not unusual at all) and very cold winter lows (we hit -8 deg F this winter!)

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So right Jason. V glad not to have -8F!!

[@Sutho1973]

Charles Dowding = Legend

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@al9353]

Hello Charles...May I ask you how many trusses should I leave on my plants, before I take the tops off. Thank you

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Depends on variety and your weather, soi go by date, 10th August

[@al9353]

@CharlesDowding1nodig I live in the north-west, I've generally in the past, gone with 4 before they start to lean and get a bit top heavy.??

[@saschathinius7082]

I learned that I do it just like you, my timing a bit adjusted to german rhinelandian conditions... my season is a bit earlier & longer in ripening... but yes your way is kind of perfect

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Sascha, and you are well organised!