Answer:
anthropic / claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929
Several tomato varieties grow well in fall, particularly determinate types that mature quickly before frost. Cold-tolerant options include 'Oregon Spring', 'Stupice', 'Glacier', and cherry varieties like 'Sungold' and 'Sweet 100'. These can handle cooler temperatures and shorter days better than heat-loving varieties. In warmer climates (USDA zones 9-10), you can grow many varieties through fall and winter. The key is selecting varieties with days-to-maturity that fit your first frost date—typically 60-70 day varieties work best. Start transplants in mid-to-late summer for fall harvest. In cooler regions, focus on cold-hardy varieties and consider using season extenders like row covers or cold frames to protect plants from early frosts.
gemini / gemini-2.5-flash
Score: 9.5
The answer is highly accurate, complete, and relevant. The suggested varieties ('Oregon Spring', 'Stupice', 'Glacier', 'Sungold', 'Sweet 100') are excellent choices for fall due to their early maturity and, in some cases, cold tolerance. The advice on determinate types, days-to-maturity, planting times, and season extenders is spot on. While 'Sungold' and 'Sweet 100' are indeterminate, their rapid and prolific fruiting makes them highly suitable for fall harvests, even if their "cold tolerance" isn't their primary defining characteristic compared to the other listed varieties. The answer effectively covers the key considerations for successful fall tomato growing across different climates. No significant errors or bad information are present.
openai / gpt-4o-mini
Score: 9
The answer accurately identifies suitable tomato varieties for fall planting, emphasizing determinate types and cold-hardy options. It also correctly advises on the importance of days-to-maturity and when to start transplants. However, while mentioning USDA zones 9-10 is relevant, it could provide a broader understanding by briefly noting that in cooler zones, particularly those below 9, fall planting may be more challenging. Additionally, the mention of 'Sungold' and 'Sweet 100' as cold-tolerant could be misleading, as these are generally considered heat-tolerant cherry tomatoes. Nevertheless, overall, the information provided is mostly correct and informative.
cohere / command-r-plus-08-2024
Score: 9.5
The answer is comprehensive and accurate, providing a range of tomato varieties suitable for fall planting. It offers a nuanced perspective by considering different climate zones and the importance of days-to-maturity in relation to frost dates. The advice to use season extenders in cooler regions is a valuable addition. However, a slight improvement could be made by mentioning that while 'Oregon Spring', 'Stupice', and 'Glacier' are indeed cold-tolerant, they are not determinate varieties, which might be a consideration for gardeners seeking a more compact plant. Additionally, while 'Sungold' and 'Sweet 100' are excellent choices, they are not necessarily more cold-tolerant than other cherry tomatoes, but their quick maturity makes them suitable for fall planting.
Scores are 0–10. The selected AI’s score is a self-rating.
