1/21    I want to grow some tomatoes this summer but haven't done so before.
        The variety I want is 'Black Prince' which is '70 days, indeterminate'
        When should I plant the seeds in the little germination pots?  This is
        for growing in the SFBA.  Thanks.
        \_ In California you can grow tomatoes year-round. Start them
           indoors if you can. Heck, I have even grown them on a window
           sill. Digitalseed says plant seeds March-July, with April and May
           being optimal.
        \_ Ignore the above.  Plant any time you are sure nights wont get
           below 50.  Temperatures lower than that can really hurt a maturing
           plant.  Even one night can be bad for the plants.  They wont die
           but they will take longer to grow to maturity.  Longer than if you
           had just waited till the temperatures got warmer.  If you know
           what you are doing you can shelter them in a variety  of ways to
           get them to grow earlier but I'd stick with the basics.  Remember
           good tomatoes need insane amounts of sun and rich soil.  Also water
           them really well at first, but cut way back on the water once the
           tomatoes start getting ripe.  The secret to firm tomatoes is don't
           overwater.  Oh and may I suggest planting at least one Early Girl?
           \_ You're an idiot. -tom
           \_ Yes, ignore Digitalseed. What do they know over an anonymous
              motd poster? Plant April or May and the above is moot.
           \_ Why (besides faster gratification) the Early Girl?  Black Prince
              tastes like salami! -op
              \_ Dude, you can grow stuff that tastes like salami?  That's
                 awesome.  Do you know of any eggplant or lettuce variants
                 that taste like mozzarella or beer?  -John
                 \_ Well it basically tastes like tomato, but there's a strong
                    meaty-earthy-savory flavor that reminds me of salami.  All
                    ripe tomatoes contain glutamate (the 'savory' taste
                    chemical) but these probably have more than most.