Did you grow the new Rodeo tomatoes when you got Thunderbird in February or early March? We know of at least 80 gardeners who have participated in 'Potting Up' events at Milliburgers and Dreamhill Estates Education Centre. Well, it's time to start planting in the garden or in large containers (10 liters or more). They are the last choice, so they focus on growing to a full size plant and then on producing fruit so they can survive the heat. Thunderbirds are large, bright red, slightly flattened fruits that are described as particularly sweet.
I haven't tried Thunderbird yet, but two of my favorite flavored tomatoes are on sale and ready to plant. BHN 968 is a round cherry tomato that has been a favorite of mine for many years. It has a strong interior and good taste. If your favorite nursery has them for sale, invest in one or more transplants. BHN 968 is a semi-specific variety that produces fast and long-lasting crops.
More on gardening: Here's what you need to know about purple martin habitat.
My second favorite tomato flavor is a variety called Ruby Crush. Ruby Crush is another specific variety that fruits very quickly and is very sweet. Ruby Crush seems to be getting special recognition for its fruit and breeding ability. Our Bexar County Horticulture Development Agent, David Rodriguez, expects Ruby Crush to be recognized as one of the easiest-to-grow and most prolific tomato plants in the state that produces delicious fruit. Ruby Crush produces high quality fruit in the garden and in the pot; Definitely give it a try.
It's not entirely clear what tomato varieties will ultimately be available in the retail nursery market, but if your soil has nematodes, look for Famous, BHN 968, Tycoon, and Valley Cat. Other tomato varieties that have achieved rodeo tomato status include Red Snapper, Red Deuce, HM8849, Phoenix, and HM 1823. 100 sq. ft. bed will be released slowly.
Growing tomatoes is a big topic right now, but monarch butterflies are getting attention recently. If you want to learn more about Kings, join me at two upcoming events.
On April 22 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. I will be presenting "Attracting Butterflies, Bringing Monarchs to Paradise" at the Dreamhill Estate Educational Resource Center, 3802 Dorothy Louise Drive, San Antonio Medical Center. For more information, call 210-382-4455.
On April 29, I will cover the same topic from 10:00 to 11:15. during the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Open House, 325 Resource Drive, New Braunfels. Visit https://comal.agrilife.org/ or call 830-620-3440 for more information.
Calvin Finch is a former Texas A&M outfielder. calvinfinch@gmail.com
- Purple Swallows come to San Antonio from their Amazon winter grounds. Get ready to move through the air to collect houses.
- The lusses are now blooming as they recover from the Christmas cold. At the same time, it is warm enough to plant zinnia, so be prepared to cut solutions in the flower garden.
- This is a good time to plant shade trees if you use the recommended options and are prepared to water enough to meet a certain amount of rainfall.
- Use Cut Vine and Stump Killer product to prevent cut stems from growing new shoots. Follow the instructions on the label.
