Friday, August 22, 2025

Mid-Summer Tomato Report

In this episode, we talk with Don Shor from Redwood Barn Nursery about summer gardening -  specifically tomatoes - in the context of this year's mild weather. We share successes with tomato varieties like Dr. Wyche’s Yellow and Chef's Choice Orange, while addressing challenges like blossom end rot and effective watering techniques. Don offers insights on various tomato cultivars, including promising hybrid-heirloom crosses, including the one pictured - the Genuwine - a cross between the Costaluto Genovese and the Brandywine. We also discuss the growing trend of peppers as perennials, along with best practices for cultivating them and other crops like cucumbers and rhubarb in hot climates. The conversation blends practical gardening tips with personal experiences for all levels of gardeners. Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net (https://bit.ly/3tnEh9K) . Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629) .    (https://bit.ly/4gWOeBQ) Now on YouTube (https://bit.ly/40mPeZ3) (audio)  Pictured: The Genuwine tomato, a  new hybrid formed by two heirloom crosses - Costaluto Genovese and Brandywine. (Photo: Don Shor) Links: Help Support This Podcast with a monthly donation! (https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629/support) Farmer Fred's Ride for the Kids! (https://www.justgiving.com/page/fred-hoffman-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=EM) “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (https://gardenbasics.substack.com/)   By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You! Shop online at the Smart Pot store! For a limited time, use coupon code FRED at checkout to receive 10% off your Smart Pot order. Click here (https://smartpots.com/shop) to start shopping! Redwood Barn Nursery, Davis, CA (https://redwoodbarn.com) All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net (https://bit.ly/3tnEh9K) “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (https://gardenbasics.substack.com/) Farmer Fred website (https://bit.ly/3xLZ1KN) :  http://farmerfred.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog (https://bit.ly/3QoD10a) http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"  (https://bit.ly/3Ov2B1N) Instagram: farmerfredhoffman (https://bit.ly/3QoDfEy) https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social (https://bit.ly/3AIHU0W) Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube (https://gardenbasics.net/videos) As an Amazon Associate (https://amzn.to/36MhR9W) , I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Got a garden question?  • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe (https://bit.ly/3HiE11E) , at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964.  • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net (https://bit.ly/3tnEh9K) • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com  Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast (https://gardenbasics.net/) and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter (https://gardenbasics.substack.com/) . Support the show (https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629/support) Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast (https://gardenbasics.net/) and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter (https://gardenbasics.substack.com) .