| Tomatoes are enjoyed by more people than any other summer treat. That's why everybody tries to grow a plant or two, no matter how limited their garden space. So here are a few tips which can help to ensure plump, flavourful additions to the summertime table.
Choose a sunny, well-drained spot - six to eight hours of full sun is best. Good soil can be achieved by adding organic matter such as compost, shredded leaves, or grass clippings. Work the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, mixing it well.
Ideally, soil should be somewhat acid. A 5-10-10 fertiliser is recommended (sometimes sold as "tomato food"). Even better is well-rotted cow manure or compost. In any case, don't overdo nitrogen fertiliser as this results in lush growth, with few fruits. Synthetic fertiliser can be laid down in a thin band in your trench, organic material in a thick layer. Cover with 2-3 inches of soil.
There are two main types: determinate (growing to a certain height and producing over a shorter period) and indeterminate (vines, which will require support, producing fewer fruits but for a longer period).
Flavour, not size, is the objective in growing tomatoes. Usually, however, the largest and the smallest varieties are the best-tasting, so Beefsteak and cherry types are the good extremes. Typically, the varieties that take longest to mature have the right "tomato-ey" flavour. Select your tomato plants with a long-range goal in mind. Don't buy plants with small fruits or even blossoms on them; it is important to establish strong roots to get better tomatoes in the long run.
Wait until mid-May to plant, or you'll fret when early May nights turn too cold. Then plant late in the afternoon or on a cloudy day so bright sun won't scald the baby plants.
Many gardeners prefer a trench method of planting. After the fertiliser is laid down, the trench is 3-4 inches deep. Pick off the lower leaves of the tomato plant and wrap a thickness of newspaper around the stem to prevent cutworms. Then lay the plant down horizontally in the trench, with just the top cluster of leaves showing. Cover the stem with soil and pack down lightly. Give the plant a good drink of water. Additional plants should be placed 3ft. apart in every direction and not crowded.
Determinate varieties usually don't need to be staked. Indeterminates don't have to be staked, either; but most gardeners would rather have them growing upward than sprawling around. With staking, you also get cleaner and larger fruits and greater ease in picking. |
