HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1985-04-24, Page 57V'
Tomatoes the gardener's
By Ian D. W Smith
Extension Horticulturist
,,Ont{wloMinistryof Agriculture andFood
Tomatoes are the most popular vegetable
grown in home gardens. 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
plants, entirely free from suspected disease
symptoms, such as mottled -green leaves, or
leases with black or brown spots. Remove any
small fruits or open blossoms before
planting, otherwise, plant vigor and fruit
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 (a new variety from
Vineland), and Jetfire.
Where space is limited, plant staking
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.
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Some varieties produce small fruit, paste -
type fruit, and pink tomatoes. Try to select
varieties adapted to. your growing 4(?nditiona,,
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 5-1(1-10, at
about 12 to 15 ldlograms 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 warm, 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. W hen
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 1412 to Alt jnchesl.
Get rid of weeds when they are sinall.
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 mulched
R
with clean straw, wood shavings, compost,, or
other suitable materials. Mulching helps to
control weeds, conserves moisture, and
keeps the soil "cooler during hot weather,
Since summer rains do not normally supplx
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,9fruit.
For home use, don't harvest tomatoes until
they are fully ripe. Artificiai.ripenling 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 plan% by providing adequate
spacing and sunlight; control . Needs; ari
spray or dust regularly using a recominende
fungicide to help prevent leaf blightand fruit
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.
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