Calhoun County, AL – Many gardeners grow several types of tomatoes. I do also. However, my favorite is German Queen. I buy the plants at my local Alabama Farmers Cooperative Store. Each of my plants will produce until frost at least 30 large tomatoes. A perfect slicing tomato. Low acid. The plant leaves resemble a potato leaf. The vine grows to 5-6 feet. Most gardeners also grow salad-type tomatoes, which are produced all season until frost. I save my German Queens for great southern-style tomato (Mater) sandwiches. If your canned tomatoes need a rich, robust flavor then German Queens are great. Another wonderful option about them is they are disease-resistant. I never get sunburnt damage on German Queen skins. Some heirloom tomatoes need a shade cloth in over 85-degree heat. My best advice in growing German Queens is to start your pots, raised beds, or in-ground areas with the richest organic compost. I spray once weekly Neem Oil (fungicide, miticide, pesticide). Above 85° heat, I deep water every 2 days. Giant tomatoes need water. And pots dry out quicker. To control tomato hornworms I use Dipel Dust. Once weekly I add fish fertilizer to my watering routine. The secret to successful tomatoes is the time you spend creating rich soil for their roots. Visit: Alabama Farmers Cooperative page link.
Betty Clark is a contributing writer. She has been an organic gardener since 1998. The signature flower she grows is Dahlias. She has a straw bale garden, a raised bed garden, and an in-ground garden. Both her surnames are agricultural farming families (8 generations). Her hobbies include ancestry research, antiques, continued education classes, and workshops. She also has a background in marketing & promotions including expos. To contact Betty Clark with gardening questions: bettyclark2151959@gmail.com
