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Clinton News-Record, 1985-4-17, Page 58matoes the gardener's favorite By Tari 11).Vi' . Smith Extension Hoaticultaarist Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food Tomatoes are the most popular vegetable grown in home gat -delis. A few tomato plants grown even in small areas, such as fence corners or along a patio, can produce several ,pounds of fresh fruit, with proper care Unless your garden is large, and you have a small greenhouse for growing your own plants from seed, it is usually best to buy plants from a reputable grower or garden center. Look for healthy, well -colored, stocky Tants, entirely free from suspected disease 4111F;ymptoms, such as mottled -green leaves, or leaves with black or brown spots. Remove any small fruits or open blossoms fruit planting, otherwise, plantvigor production will suffer. There are many varieties from which to choose. If you do not intend to stake your plants, plant determinate (bush -type) vari- eties. Examples are Springset and Starfire (early), Basketvee la new variety from Vineland), and Jetfire. staking here space is limited, plant varieties. These require more attention, but can be planted closer. They usually produce larger, earlier, cleaner fruit when they are staked. There are many varieties, such as Vogue and Gardener (early), and hybrids, such as Ultra Girl, Better Boy, or Wonder Boy. L & A SOUTHWEST SATELLITE Soles And Service APRIL — -- SATELLITE SYSTEM SPECIAL 10' Flborglass dish 15 yr. warranty( l9 o Polar Mount S�allod Unlden 1000 Rocelvoy s75° per month 100 Degree L.N.A. or Polaraior for 10 months • Monthly Leasing Available On All Systems . Home Demenstr6tIorls Available SATELLITE TV GUIDES AVAILABLE LARRY FISHER 524-9595 *CALL DAY OR NIGHT* 11111 urn 111112122%.2.T,%2%._%1 Some varieties produce small fruit, paste - type fruit, and pink tomatoes. Try to seleyt varieties adapted to your growing conditions, with resistance to as many diseases as possible. Before planting, apply a complete fertilizer such as 15-15-15, at 10 kilograms per 100 square metres (20 pounds per 1000 square feet). If manure has been applied, use 5-10-10, at about 12 to 15 kilograms per 100 square metres (25 to 30 pounds per 1000 square feet). Apply half the amount before planting time, and work it thoroughly into the soil. The remainder can be used as a side -dressing around the plants, a few weeks after planting., Soils for tomatoes should also contain a good supply of organic matter. Set your plants in waren, well-prepared soil. Wait until all danger of frost is past before planting. Don't risk frost injury or slow growth just for the sake of earliness. When transplanting, be careful not to disturb the roots, and set the plants about 5 centimetres (a couple of inches) deeper than they were in the original container. Press the soil firmly around the roots, and then apply a cupful of liquid fertilizer or plant -starter solution around each plant. For staked tomatoes. space plants 30 to 45 centimetres apart (12 to 18 inches ), in rows 105 to 120 centimetres apart (42 to 48 inches ). Get rid of weeds when they are small. Practise shallow cultivation, because feeding roots develop near the soil surface. and can be damaged easily by hoeing or cultivating too deeply. After plants are well established (3 to 4 weeks after planting), they can be with clean straw, wood shavings, compost, or ether suitable materials. Mulching helps to control weeds, conserves moisture, and keeps the soil cooler during o Since summer rains do not normally supply all the water requirements of tomatoes, periodic watering is necessary. Apply enough water to wet the soil at least 12 to 15 centimetres deep (5 to 6 inches). Inadequate or fluctuating soil moisture is the main cause of blossom -end rot, characterized by a black, decayed area at the bottom of the fruit. For home use, don't harvest tomatoes until they are fully ripe. Artificial ripening results in loss of flavor. To reduce losses from diseases practise rotation, if possible; use disease -resistant varieties; plant healthy plants; promote fast drying of wet plants by providing adequate orspspray acing sunlight; dust regularly using a recommended fungicide to help prevent leaf blight and fi :tit rots. For detailed information, refer to Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food publication 64, Insect and Disease Control in the Home Garden. This booklet is available- free at county and district agricultural offices. GET IT DONE RIGHT WITH ALCAN R They cmn help you cul energy losses sa.e looney and make your home look better Ihuo n°e, Only Akan door and •window products bear the distinctive Alton symbol, your assurance of quality. Look for it. 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