By Jaime Chismar

My friend Karrie has a conundrum. Her cherry and grape tomatoes are marvelous, but her big, beefy slicers are mealy through and through.

"Hey J, what do I do? Too much water, not enough, leave them longer on the vine? Help!"

I have to admit, I have rotten luck with the bigger varieties. I lack the patience necessary to water and wait for the big fruits to ripen. So do my squirrels. Cherry tomatoes satisfy my needs for instant gratification -- and instant salsa.

So, all you top tomato growers, what causes tasty tomatoes to turn into mealy monsters? Cool summers? Inconsistent moisture? Lack of nutrients? Bad varietals?