I have no actual interest in growing a competition size (5 - 7 lbs) tomato, but if anyone does, this is the book to have.

Meisner, a retired doctor, began growing giant pumpkins and segued to giant tomatoes. There are several books about the practicalities of growing 1000lb+ pumpkins, but nothing similar for tomatoes. Meisner decided to rectify this oversight and after several years of research produced Giant Tomatoes.

Giant Tomatoes serves as both a general primer on tomato growing and a guide to the specific tricks necessary to grow the misshapen, abnormally large fruits that win contests. Each section contains basic advice on a topic (soil prep, transplanting, mulching, pruning, etc.) followed by comments from growers on how they handle the matter. The grower comments are often extremely specific, allow the reader to see how s/he adapts the basic advice to meet his or her own needs.

The writing is adequate; the photos are quite good. Consider reading this book if you’re new to growing tomatoes, want to increase your total yield, desire to wow your friends and family with large tomatoes or covet the big prize at a tomato weigh off. If you’re interested learning about the folk who grow giant veggies, try Susan Warren's Backyard Giants about competitive pumpkin growers instead.