I too find Roma's a more consistent tomatoe. I prefer a good juicy Beefsteak, yet the last good Beef-Steak came out of the Mississippi Valley of Louisiana, or Kansas' Savannah, as well as Fresno, CA. Tho' these Produce companies here want as much to ship those big tomatoes, down here, and they want as much for those red jumbo's, as they do for a Filet Mignon. I get it "Beef-Steak", but this State-CA., gets its commerce all turned around ass backwards.
...never been able to grow the larger varieties here for some reason and I've had my soil tested by the extension agency. Everything else does well in my garden, okra, smaller tomatoes, potatoes, radishes, cukes, and greens during the cooler months. One of the tricks I learned about growing tomatoes is to avoid watering them from above with a sprinkler. Instead, I use a cheap soaker hose that is buried in the soil next to the plants...also, though most people will plant tomatoes in direct sunlight I have found that it is best to plant them where they get some early morning and late afternoon shade. This helps in preventing the tomatoes from splitting open from the summer heat. ...as far as the bigger "maters", when I need one I simply buy it from the grocery store...but the Romas are perfect for eating right off the vine or salads...or better yet, they are perfect for making home made salsa. ...and when growing cukes, I have found that using a trellis is a must. ...and okra?...with the exception of water during dry spells, they are virtually maintenance free, although harvesting the pods and removal of sucker leaves actually promotes more fruit growth..
