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Suggesting the "Size does matter" 2021 tomato challenge!

strelitzia32strelitzia32 Posts: 758
in Fruit & veg
In preparation for next year, I'd like to suggest the inaugural "Size does matter" tomato challenge:

https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/1045180/why-feed-tomatoes#latest

The aim is to grow the smallest tomato plant possible, that finishes with at least one ripe fruit. 

We should agree some rules.

Please like this post if you think you'll join in next year, to gauge numbers /level of interest.

I think the rules basis should be:

- Any pot, any technique allowed

- Any variety allowed, but NOT those called "micro"-something, to give everyone a sporting chance through luck or skill, and not just buying a 6" micro variety. Although perhaps stay away from beef toms too...

- the winner is scored by adding the maximum width and maximum height of their plant together, when at least one tomato is fully ripe. This means there's no implicit advantage to cordon or bush.

- progress photos must be posted once per month, mostly to psyche out other competitors. No Photoshop size editing allowed, as that would be both hilarious and mean.

This should hopefully give new growers as much chance as experienced folk, and not favor greenhouse over window ledge too much, so anyone could try.

Anyone interested in some friendly competition, or have any thoughts on the rules?

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Posts

  • BigladBiglad Posts: 3,265
    Love it. Looking forward to the Tiny Tom Tournament.
    East Lancs
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    If we're growing bonsai tomatoes will there be awards for aesthetics?
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • herbaceousherbaceous Posts: 2,318
    I really hope so, just to give me a chance!  Oh and we should have best loser (hedging my bets)  :D 
    "The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it."  Sir Terry Pratchett
  • strelitzia32strelitzia32 Posts: 758
    wild edges said:
    If we're growing bonsai tomatoes will there be awards for aesthetics?
    @wild edges @herbaceous yes that's a great idea, some points and award categories for aesthetics ("beautiful, and inedible") and best loser ("I failed but I did it with style") should definitely be included. Maybe a beginner ("it's my first time and I liked it") category as well.

    Hopefully we'll get a nice large group of entrants!
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    This kind won't qualify then?   The coin is a 1€/£1 size.


    One of last year's.  This year's crop is just getting there and even the self sown yellow pear and cherry toms have been stopped at 6' high.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • strelitzia32strelitzia32 Posts: 758
    @Obelixx haha that's a fantastic tomato, great job! But yes unfortunately that one won't qualify, unless you're claiming it came off a 6 inch plant instead of a 6 foot plant?

    In which case you'd win the "we all know you cheated but just can't prove it" category  ;)
  • SkylarksSkylarks Posts: 379
    Go on, I’ll play mini 🍅 🌱 if you remind me nearer the time. 
  • herbaceousherbaceous Posts: 2,318
    I think I might have to start now, bonsai takes for ever  :o 
    "The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it."  Sir Terry Pratchett
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    I wonder if you could over-winter one of this year's plants to bonsai next year?
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • herbaceousherbaceous Posts: 2,318
    That's the plan @wild edges several good looking cuttings that can be abused for several months  :D 
    "The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it."  Sir Terry Pratchett
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