The hard cores and fiber streaks in the first 2 pics are caused by 3 different things either alone or interacting: stressful weather conditions such as big fluctuations in temps, excess fertilizer (primarily K), and variety (hybrids are less prone to the issue than open-pollinated varieties and beefsteaks slightly more prone than smaller fruit). The 3rd photo is stink bug damage, a common tomato pest whose proboscis penetrates the skin of the fruit to suck out moisture and can only be controlled with pesticides. Dave

Barrie, that's the definition I've read about on some occasions. I definitely think other nutrients are important, though, whether or not they're considered fertilizer, whatever that means. I'm just repeating what I've read. How did you find that P refers specifically to P2O5, and K specifically to K2O, rather than any form of phosphorus and potassium respectively? Wouldn't that make a lot of the NPK labels out there erroneous, since they use things like potassium sulfate, monopotassium phosphate, etc.? After looking it up a bit, it seems like they use K2O as a benchmark of sorts; so, the equivalent in K20 seems to be what's important (rather than the actual K2O content). Tell me if I'm wrong.

they are root nodules (aka root primordia) basically, it wants to send out more roots from the stem when there is present of moisture. nothing to worry about.

I have grown them for several years, they are a favorite of my Mother and my husband. They are relatively productive, the plants are large and the fruits are big and sweet. I do start my own seedlings from seed saved from year to year and I've found that they are a bit more fragile when starting then some others, and they particularly dislike being overwatered when they are small. Germination is good, though, 100% this year. Annie