Growing Tomatoes
Transplanting:
Transplant after all danger of frost has passed. When transplanting, space 24-36” apart with rows at least 36-48” apart. Protect from late frosts using inverted paper or plastic shopping bags (Remove these before the sun gets up). As a rule of thumb, tomatoes should not be planted in the same location in the garden – this is to prevent possible transmission of diseases from year to year. However good garden hygiene will minimize this risk, if moving to another location is not possible.
Growing:
Full sun
location, preferably with good air circulation. Soil pH of 6.0-6.5. is ideal.
Heavy feeders, prefer a warm, well drained soil of good fertility and
cultivation. Prior to planting, add some compost and well rotted manure, if you
have it. Manure must be free from weeds and hay seeds. Do not use fresh
manure.
Feed regularly
during the growing season with a well balanced fertilizer (e.g. 20-20-20 or
Miracle-Gro). Water evenly during fruit setting and development. Avoid leaving the
plants without water through a drought season.
Also, excessive watering can increase fruit size but decrease flavour
Harvest:
When the fruit
ripens, strip off the excess leaves to encourage food supply into the still
ripening fruit. Pick when fruit is firm and turning red. Overripe tomatoes rot
quickly. At the end of the season, and when frost threatens, pick all well
developed green fruit and bring indoors for ripening in a South-facing window.
Remove the old vine and burn or add to compost pile. (This reduces pests for
next year).
AVOCA GARDENS
4587
Highway #511, LANARK HIGHLANDS
Tomato
Diseases and Pests:
Protect from cutworms
by using protective collars around the plant stem or place cornmeal around
plant base.
Blossom end
rot (a
brownish-black, sunken dead area that forms on the bottom of the fruit) is a
condition caused by a calcium deficiency due to uneven watering. Yellow
tomatoes appear to be particularly susceptible to Blossom end rot.
Blight, another disease common
to tomatoes is caused by warm, humid conditions particularly if plants have not
been given some support to keep foliage off the ground. Good air circulation
along with proper rotation will help to prevent onset of this harmful disease.
At transplanting, keep plants well spaced, to prevent blight.
Deer can be dissuaded from
destroying the tomato harvest, by the installation of a motion detector/ water
spray device connected to a garden hose. This has worked well for us for
several years now. A tethered dog will do this even better.
Groundhogs are a different kind of pest – they aren’t bothered by the water spray. Sometimes more drastic measures have to be taken.
Companion
plants are
asparagus, basil, bush bean, cabbage family, carrot, celery, chives, cucumber,
pumpkin, garlic, lettuce, onion and peppers.
A popular
flower, that many of our customers use to keep the deer away is the Marigold.
We can’t say one way or the other, but it sure makes a pretty sight.
AVOCA GARDENS
4587
Highway #511, LANARK HIGHLANDS
Call the Tomato Man at 613-259-2290
WEB: www.lanarkontario.com/flowers
SEASON OPENS FULLY ON FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2006
But please come earlier to discuss your special
orders
Hours: Monday - Saturday 9 to 6;
Sunday 10 to 4