Florida Tomato question

[Avonnow]

I am just searching for any other FL or warm weather tomato growers for help. I did real good this year with my spring tomatoes, but I am horrible at timing and getting a fall crop in. I did some reading and alot of articles point to now for planting seeds. Any thoughts. I know it sometimes can be down right hot in October and Nov, it is always hit and miss. It really is like we do not have a FALL, am I too early. I have the seedlings growing in a semi-shaded area outside and they look pretty good, but I am afraid to transplant them into the ground - thinking of keeping them in larger pots so I can take them in the shade - I just get a bad feeling about the heat. I appreciate your help/experience in advance.

[applestar]

Spring and Fall tomatoes... What a concept!
Based on Marlingardener's recommendation, it sounds like you are right on schedule, Avonnow. Good luck!

My tomatoes are limping along... producing just enough for fresh eating but not enough to preserve -- perhaps too hot even here this year. I'll give them more compost -- just unearthed a new batch after turning the pile -- and hope they'll do better since our weather has cooled down some in the last couple of days (hovering between high 60's and low 70's overnight). Tough part is that THIS is when the harlequin and stink bugs usually start to explode (just starting to see juvies and ones and twos) so it is much better to have healthy plants that can withstand the onslaught.

[gixxerific]

I would think starting them now would be ideal. I just had a few fall tom's pop up the other day. It will be a stretch for me. But for you I think you will be fine. Just think it will take a few day's germinate than you can keep them inside under lights for probably another 2-4 weeks after that while they are getting the true leaves and getting bigger. By than it will be somewhat cooler. Or at least it should be.

I hope this helps and good luck.

[Garf]

I am in Miami. I am getting ready to start seed now. By the time the heat breaks, they will be ready. Any seedlings that survive the starting process should be plenty strong.

[hardland]

I'm in fort Lauderdale. Going to start first seeds inside on Aug 20. I start in a seed tray, then re pot into 6 inch plastic pots after about 10 days, the seedlings grow to about 18 inches in 30-35 days, then go outside part time to harden off. Should be outside full time around Oct 10th. Still can be very hot here then, but should start to see a break in heat around halloween, by the time blossoms appear ( mid nov ) humidity should be much less than the 100% we have now!

[Garf]

I start my seeds completely exposed to the sun and rain. The few that survive are the strongest of the lot.