Thanks so much Andrea. I'm always so surprised at how many varieties the nurseries will sell with such a slim likelihood of producing good tomatoes. I'll probably stick with cherries this year and maybe try again next year if the spring isn't so cold.

You are welcome. I'm always annoyed when I start seeing tender vegetables and annuals displayed in nurseries and garden centers weeks before they should be planted. I think I'd stick with cherries this year, too. I have it on pretty good authority--one of the other tomato experts from the Master Gardener program--who said not to expect miracles this year!

Tell me about it! I'm primarily a landscape gardener and can easily adapt to the changing weather patterns (So what if my bulbs come up a little later than usual). But I'm new to vegetable gardening and get way more bummed out when I can't yield a nice crop. Thanks for your advice. I'm definitely going to cloche my beds next year.

Molbaks closed their U Village store some time ago.

Not sure why someone gave your answer a thumbs down. I just want to grow a plant or two starting from a good sized plant. Heading over to molbaks for a Beefsteak (best Jersey tomato BTW) is my choice. Thanks for the heads up for which I give a thumbs up to counter the thumbs down meanie. :)

ahhh...that's OK...I'll go to the other Molbaks or get a beefsteak elsewhere. Still good advice I think. I'll let you know after I have some tomatoes.

Holden's answer was perfectly fine, especially in the world of seeking the perfect tomato for Seattle gardeners! Besides, part of the fun of gardening is experimenting with all plants:-) Plant that "beefsteak" in the hottest spot in the garden and go for it:-)!

Thanks Andrea. I've been in Search of a tomato that doesn't taste like cardboard since I left the Philly-Jersey area. I'm going to grow mine in pots as I think the trouble may be the dirt? Do you have a suggestion as to what to plant the tomato in as to the right type of soil mix?

Tomatoes like slightly acid soil (6.0 to 6.8 pH). So, here are some ideas.
1. Buy a good quality potting soil. If in doubt, ask the nursery for a recommendation. Before planting, dig in a balanced organic fertilizer (5-10-10 or 10-10-10)--read the label for the recommended amount to apply. If you plant in a container, think BIG. Something like an old-fashioned whiskey barrel. I saw them at Fred Meyer last week.

2. Try Mel Bartholomew's "All New Square Foot Gardening" soil mix. Mel says his mix "has all the nutrients, minerals, and trace elements that plants need." Here's his recipe: 1/3 Blended Compost, 1/3 Peat Moss, 1/3 Coarse Vermiculite. Mix equal parts of each, measured by volume, not by weight." If you try it, let me know what you think.

Yes, most tomatoes around here are pretty tasteless. Years ago I heard a retired King Co. Extension Agent laugh about how we try to grow tomatoes here. He was from New Jersey and said he hadn't had a good tomato since leaving. As he pointed out, our soil is different and, most importantly, we lack heat. Still, there are tomatoes geared toward the PNW and you should be able to find a variety--heirloom or otherwise--that will appeal to you. And, by all means, try to grow your "beefsteak."