|
|
|
 |
Tomatoes are tender perennials, grown as
annuals.
Easily grown from seed following
the directions on the packets, but if only
a few plants are required, it is simpler
to buy the plants from a garden centre. |
|
|
|
|
Except for one or two varieties, like Tumbler,
and Totem see below most are cordon
varieties, which grow excellently in greenhouses,
and in very warm and sheltered sites outside.
|
|
|
|
Plant your seedling as soon as possible
in good multi-purpose compost and insert
a 6-7 stake next to it.
If planting in grow bags, 3 to a
bag is sufficient, and make sure the stakes
are fastened to something like a fence,
so if the wind catches them, they wont
blow over. If planting in pots, one to a pot only, and stake.
Make sure they never dry out.
|
|
|
|
With cordon tomatoes, remove the side shoots
as they appear, and when the plant gets
to the required height, pinch out the tip
at 2 leaves above the top truss.
Usually when they reach the greenhouse
roof, or when 7 trusses are set. If you wish to raise new plants from the parent, wait until the
side shoots are longer than about 3, remove
them with sharp Secateurs and root them
in gritty compost.
If the parent plant has a virus,
however, the new plants will have
it too. When the plants are about 4
tall, remove the leaves under the first
truss.
|
|
|
|
Tie the main
stem loosely to a cane, or wind up
a well-anchored vertical string.
Keep regularly watered, and use tomato
feed every time you water.
Mist plants, and tap supports occasionally
to aid pollination and fruit setting.
|
|
|
|
Tumbler:
Plant 2 or 3 to a hanging basket. No need to pinch out side shoots, and water and feed regularly.
Cherry sized fruits.
Totem:
Bush
variety.
Again, no need to pinch out side
shoots, but some support may be necessary.
Common
Problems:
Splitting caused by too much water.
Fruit still edible.
Blossom end rot black blotches on the
end of the fruit.
Common in grow-bag grown plants.
Make sure they never dry out.
Remove affected fruits.
Greenhouse whitefly spray with permethrin
(or Bug Clear) at 3 day intervals until infestation
has been cleared.
Flycatcher cards are a good preventative.
Brussels Sprouts
Cauliflower
Kale
Leeks
Garlic
What are Western Brassicas ?
Month by month diary on jobs to do
Allotment Preparation
<<Back to Vegetable Ward
|
|
|
|
