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Growing naturally since 1981
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AT DANCING BEAR FARM, we are tomato growers. The plants we offer for sale are the same ones we plant to supply tomatoes to some of the finest restaurants in the Boston area and the Pioneer Valley. Our farm is in northwestern Massachusetts, on the Vermont border at about 1200 feet altitude. In other words, we need a hardy plant with a good start on the season. We grow our tomatoes in a “cold” greenhouse, heating only enough to prevent a freeze. This makes for a short, stocky plant that is better able to take the wild swings of the weather outside. We have successfully grown all of the varieties we offer for sale.
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GROWING INSTRUCTIONS— Tomatoes want full sun and a rich, well-drained soil. Work plenty of compost in before planting, and set the plant slightly deeper than it was in the container. Staking and pruning will produce better quality, but fewer fruits, and will conserve garden space. Stop fertilizing once fruit production begins, and water well once a week, rather than lightly every day. Mulch to conserve water. Pick slightly under-ripe and ripen indoors at room temperature. If you have questions,
email us—we'll be glad to help you!
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Gold Sunray tomatoes growing in the greenhouse.
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FERTILIZING—Our plants are fed a “breakfast” of a small amount of organic fertilizer mixed with a compost/peat-based soil mix. This is a low nitrogen mix to promote root growth as opposed to excessive top growth. You should provide a “lunch” of your favorite organic blended fertilizer when you transplant into your garden or container. If needed, provide one more side dressing (“dinner”) before fruit set. Stop fertilizing altogether once plants begin to bear fruit.
Return to
heirloom tomatoes.
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