Cosimo Commisso, 93, of Bethpage, has been growing tomatoes for 64 years. The former Levittown ice cream man only grows beefsteaks, some from purchased transplants and others from seed, which he starts in a cold frame outdoors in early spring and treats to 10-10-10 fertilizer treatments throughout the season.

This year, he says his plants are the largest he's ever grown. We're hoping to see him at The Great Long Island Tomato Challenge with the biggest tomato he’s ever grown.

Are you in? Bring your largest tomato to Newsday (235 Pinelawn Rd., Melville) at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 27, for fun, facts and a weigh-in.

See more featured contestants from this year's challenge.

Send me your photo and tomato-growing story and tips, and you might be featured next.

 

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 5 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME