Ripe Tomato Revolution

Ahh, tomatoes! Every gardener loves growing them, but they sure can break your heart. But?such heartbreak is no longer inevitable with Ripe Tomato Revolution. Whether your favorite is a juicy beefsteak, a flavorful heirloom, or a sweet cherry, knowing how to grow tomatoes to near-perfection will save your gardening reputation and your sanity. Former organic tomato farmer and avid tomato home grower Frank Hyman has spent 40 years perfecting the art of 'mater cultivation and now he's ready to spill the proverbial beans with insight on everything from how to build the "World's Best Tomato Cage" to preventing common tomato buzz-killers, like late blight, hornworms, and blossom-end rot. In his classic folksy tone, Frank puts the fun back into tomato growing with advice overflowing with wit and wisdom. Grow your BEST tomatoes ever by learning how to: Create the perfect tomato-growing soil and site Construct multiple trellising options, including the Cat's Cradle and Florida Weave Select and use the best mulches for tomatoes Water tomatoes properly for healthier plants Overcome challenges such as pests, weeds, and diseases Choose the best tomato varieties for your region Start seeds at home for the best results Maximize your yields and really "bring home the bacon" for that BLT! (All gardeners know who the real star of a great BLT is?) Detailed illustrations throughout provide additional instruction on everything from growing tomatoes in straw bales and capturing rainwater for tomato irrigation to making a critter-proof composting system to help feed your plants. Use the detailed growing advice in RipeTomato Revolutionand fall in love with growing tomatoes all over again.