Garden Detective

Meet our first contestant

Matthew Barcia of West Hempstead claims he has the secret to building a better tomato. Having grown the fruit in his backyard gardens for more than 20 years, Barcia believes he has perfected the process. I'm going to grow the biggest tomato on Long Island this summer," he says confidently.

"I've gotten insight on a tomato called a Belgian tomato. After talking to many different people, I learned there's no specific secret, but there are many many different techniques that could be used," says Barcia, 48, a case worker in foster care for the Department of Social Services in Nassau County.

One of those techniques is the "V" technique, he says. "Old-time Italians from the other side claim you should make a V out of the plant by pruning into a V shape so you have two stalks going up in a V formation. My father grew tomatoes that way, but I've learned it's not necessarily the best way to get the biggest tomato."

So what is? "Strong roots. I was informed recently that when you pruchase a plant, make sure you bury the plant to develop a strong root system, use a good top soil and plenty of water on a daily basis," he says. "Also use a solution of sulphur and nitrate -- I'm using a Miracle-Gro solution."

Barcia has planted 3 Belgian Giant plants, purchased at Hicks Nurseries in Westbury, and 20 Super Hybrid beefsteaks purchased at Garden World in Franklin Square and at an Ace Hardware store in Pennsylvania. Each plant is surrounded by either a 42-inch or a 54-inch wire cage, and they're planted about two feet apart. "I'm being very particular this year about making sure it's completely weed free so the plants can absorb as much water and nutrients as possible."

And now he waits for what he's certain will be a whopper.

Barcia, a single father raising three children alone, has passed along his love of gardening to his children, Jaclyn, 12, Julie, 13, and Kristin, 16. "They enjoy it tremendously," he says. "I taught them everything I know about watering the right way so you don't knock off the flowers, and keeping the garden weed free. They're all very motivated about working in the garden and helping out."

With the whole family involved, Barcia is sure he'll produce a killer of a tomato. And he believes some newly acquired sunlight will increase his odds. "My neighbor just removed a very large maple tree that was shading my yard, so for the first time in 20 years I believe I have not only the right technique and the right plant, but as much sun as possible."

TIPS FOR HEALTHY TOMATO PLANTS

The key to growing good tomatoes is planting them in warm soil, removing the lower leaves and burying them very deeply (don't worry, they'll grow roots along their stems,) regularly pinching off small stems that grow in the joints between branches, and making sure they get plenty of sunlight and regular watering. Irregular watering leads to blossom end rot, a disease caused by a calcium deficiency. Tomatoes need calcium, so some people add crushed egg shells to the soil for this purpose. Others bury a whole uncooked egg under the plant, while some water their plants with water in which they're boiled eggs. Dolomite is a good soil amendment.

ARE YOU IN?

Matthew Barcia believes he'll grow the biggest and best tomato on Long Island this year. Will he -- or will yours be bigger? I'm challenging my tomato-growing readers to join the quest for the biggest tomato.

To be considered as a contestant, you must be willing to be photographed and be available for periodic weigh-ins. No experience is necessary. The winner will be announced at the end of the season.

Tell me your story, your plan and your secret. Send an email to jessica.damiano@newsday.com. Be sure to include your name, town, tomato growing details and contact information. If you have photos of yourself in your garden, send them too.

Progress will be followed right here, on the Garden Detective blog.