About that rain - uncle! uncle! let's have a few days to dry out (which may be all we get, since severe Thunderstorms are due Thursday). Perhaps tomorrow I hope to feed all of the plants, since with all of the wash-through, there is probably significant nutrient leach from the soil in the pots and bags....and the plants are at a point where I want to keep them happy, loading up with future harvest. A quick look today showed that most everything is setting fruit.
....and lots of water and humidity, and now heat, combined with rapidly growing plants, spell potential trouble. A few plants are showing early signs of Fusarium wilt; John Baer and Hugh's, especially, but a few others are struggling just a bit. Deaton's Dwarf, Lucky Swirl, Kangaroo Paw Yellow, an Ivalde potato leaf 12-142, Italian Heirloom, the Carrot-foliaged oddity from Dwarf Kelly Green all have me a bit concerned. I've pulled back ups for all of them and will be settling them into grow bags or pots tomorrow. Finally, Bisignano #2 looks a bit off - healthy, but showing nearly determinate growth. So, a back up for it will be readied as well. I ordinarily wouldn't fret so much, but between the Dwarf Project and photography/varieties for the book, I am being extra vigilant.
And finally, Tomatopalooza. We've had ten wonderful events....and it is time to take a year off. There are many reasons; unavailability of most of those who worked on it in the recent past, a need to reevaluate the event, what it means and how to take it forward, and the biggest issue of all - ensuring a reliable tomato supply without depending upon any single or very few people. And so, yes, Tomatopalooza 2013 is cancelled.