Tomatoes are classified as:
Determinate: These are compact yet
fairly bushy, grow to a certain point
and then stop. These types of
tomatoes set all their fruit at once,
require little pruning and will require
simple staking or a cage.
Terrific
Tomatoes
By far the most popular plant in the
vegetable garden, tomatoes reward
the home gardener with flavourful fruit
that is much superior to those found
in the supermarket. Here are some tips
to ensure your tomatoes harvest is
terrific.
Choosing Tomatoes
Do you want handfuls of cherry
tomatoes for snacking, medium types
for salads or fresh eating or bushels of
meaty Roma types for canning and
preserving? There are a bounty of
varieties within each of those categories
and the staff at Greenland will be
happy to share their favourites. Knowing
your ‘type’ of tomato will also help you
choose.
Indeterminate: These are tall tomatoes
and require sturdy staking or a trellis.
They keep on growing and will require
regular pruning for higher yields and
larger fruit.
Planting
Tomatoes require a warm, sunny spot
as well as a rich, well-drained soil (add
in Sea Soil or Hop compost) and sprinkle
a slow release,
granulated
fertilizer such as
Off the Vine into
the planting hole.
Tomatoes are
heavy feeders
and this granular
plant food
ensures a slow
steady stream of nutrients. When
planting, bury tomato plants slightly
deeper than they come in the pot,
about 2-4”. Tomatoes are able to
develop roots all along their stems, so
planting deeper encourages strong
root growth. Water plants in well at
time of planting, and stake or cage
any that require it.
Water Regularly
Water deep and regularly while the
plants are developing. Irregular watering,
(allowing root zone to dry out
completely, then soaking plants) leads