Mushy Tomatoes! Lots of'em.

I am in Northern California, zone 9 - foothills. I started using raised beds this year because the soil here is so sandy and poor. Plus, I am a senior citizen and thought it would be easier for me to manage. I planted several varieties of tomatoes from the local nursery - little varieties to big ones. The Roma's in particular were prolific but mushy! Every single one of them. The little grape tomatoes were very good. (until the deer found them). Most of the other varieties were, no flavor and mushy right off the vine.
What did I do wrong? I have not experienced this problem before. I also have not used raised beds before.
I'm looking forward to tons of tomatoes. HELP!

What are the temps there? Still a bit chilly?

Could you have just left them on the plants too long and they were overripe? This has been a major issue for some of the friends I have given Brandywine plants to, since they're only pink when ripe and won't get red no matter how long you wait. (that shouldn't be the issue with the Romas, but still of course could be overripe). On the other hand, compared to what we get in the grocery store here nearly any garden tomato might seem "mushy."

;-)

Sandy

Tarheel - It is way too chilly. We shouldn't get down to freezing any more. Lows are low 40s to daytime highs of 50 - 60+.I planted mid-March last year because I was so anxious to try out my new raised beds. 4'X 8'. Mid-April is best. Planting too early is really a waste even if you don't get a freeze, which we didn't. I'm just planning for the upcoming season and hoping to avoid last year's disaster.
Weedwhacker (Sandy) - I fear the store bought tomatoes would have won out over mine. Luckily there are several sources of home grown produce around here.
All but the grape tomatoes were mushy no matter what stage of ripeness. My little grape tomatoes split almost immediately after picking. Do you think I could have been over watering? I did not use any fertilizer either.
I saved several different varieties of heirloom tomato seeds that I am anxious to try. I have never grown them before. Any pointers from you folks would be appreciated.
I planted onions (Stockton Reds) in mid-September. I also, know nothing about growing onions. When should I pull them and how do I harden them after I do?
Thanks for the input.
Lacey

Lacey, your temps and ours sound similar. I grow tomatoes in a small greenhouse every winter, with GH temps 45 to 50 overnight, 60s to 80s days depending on how sunny it is. As usual, many of the fruits are mushy, which I've always attributed to the tomatoes growing in temps lower than they really like. The mushiness will disappear in six weeks or so (same plants).

Frank

Lacey, that's puzzling to me - we certainly have cool temps here and I don't recall ever having the tomatoes seem mushy. I've read that over-fertilizing can cause poor texture to the tomatoes, but (1) you said you didn't fertilize, and (2) I fertilize my garden pretty heavily! Maybe try asking on the "tomatoes" forum, you'll probably get more insight there.

onions are pulled when the tops fall over... swhen they get to a good size and you can fold the tops over yourself.. at that point they can be left in the ground for a week or so to sweeten up a little while the tops dry up. when you pull them, don't wash them or bruise them and cut the tops off leaving about 1". place them in a cool dry and dark place to dry for about two weeks if you intend to store them.. onions are good anytime, the drying is critical for storage. I like to spread them out and turn them every few days. store in a mesh bag (hopefully you saved a few from the store bought onions.)