We try to grow a variety of things each year, and we are expanding our operation this year, and all this great advice has really got the wheels spinning. Great thread, for sure.

Washington is a great place to grow all kinds of stuff. If we had longer growing seasons, I don't think there would be much we couldn't grow here. As I said, we have grown a few different things over the years, and we have been more successful with some things than others. Tomatoes, peas, peppers, carrots, herbs, and squash seem to be our best producers. The most important crop for me has always been tomatoes, and I have learned a few of what seem to be "truths" regarding tomato horticulture in this region.

As has been mentioned, the small varieties (cherries and Early Girls) tend to be the most productive and the most resistant to rot, blight, etc. Slicers, especially beefsteaks, are generally a waste of your garden space around Western WA, in my experience. It seems the weather starts to turn before they can really get going, and the slugs seem to be especially fond of the bigger fruit. That said, we did have great success with a slicing variety from Oregon last year. I think the extra heat made for the best tomato growing I have experienced in my 11 years of living in WA, so we will have to see if those are as productive this year.

If you do try slicers and slugs seem to be getting at your fruit before you can, don't be afraid to harvest tomatoes while they are still green. Once they reach their mature size, just pick them and put them in a window sill. They ripen nicely every time.

Of course, those of us who have lived in or spent any time in the South will tell you that you need not ripen all those tomatoes either; fried green tomatoes are delicious any time of the day. Just slice some green tomatoes, marinate them in buttermilk overnight, season with salt and pepper, roll in corn meal, and fry in a light oil until golden brown (olive oil is great, but don't use extra virgin for frying/suateing - the low smoking point makes for bitterness and a waste of expensive deliciousness).

Here's wishing you all happy gardening in 2010!