Tom Hodgkinson of the Idler has a problem with his tomatoes. They can be tricky, it's true. Here's a few top tips for cordon - or indeterminate - plants (check on the packet which type you have - if they're bush tomatoes ignore point 3 and 6):
1. Sow early, in a heated propagator, but don't plant out too early (wait til the frost risk is completely over)
2. Add lots of comfrey water as they grow
3. Remove any shoots that appear between the main stem and leaves emerging from it (I'll add a pic eventually to show you what I mean). Why? These cause the plants to divide their fruiting energy between two stems, weakening the plant and stopping it from producing fruit.
4. As the fruit appears and the lower leaves start to crinkle, cut them away (for the same reasons as for no 3), until you're eventually left with a stem bare of leaves.
5. Water as often as possible, particularly if they are being grown in a growbag or container.
6. Tie the growing stem into a sturdy stick to stop it toppling over, adding new ties as it grows.
7. Pick the ripe tomatoes regularly
8. Take the time to rub the leaves between your fingers and suck in the delicious tomato plant smell. It's one of an allotmenteer's great pleasures (also applies to blackcurrant bushes).
If that sounds like way too much hard work, check out your local farmers' market and buy locally-grown tommies - they always taste far better.
Personally, I've never really liked the smell of tomato greens. Still grow plenty of tomatoes though! The greatest part is all the many many different kinds of heirlooms (and the colors!)!
Posted by: Josh | August 31, 2004 at 06:55 PM
I grew the most delicous tasting tomatoes last year, i accomplished this by growing them as close to organic as possible. Trust me, the effort it worth it!! I ll go through the steps briefly.
1) I sewed my own seeds
2)planted in sterilized, general potting soil wit vermiculite.
3) Applied Organic Iguana juice "grow" early in the season, and then switched to Organic Iguana juice "bloom" both products are made my advanced nutrients. Here is the link to their website: http://www.advancednutrients.com/organic_nutrients.htm, or you can click on my name to go directly there.
4) I watered very seldomly (we had a very wet year)
5) I picked the tomatoes as they ripened. They were so delicious, everyone asked me where I got them from. The secret really had to be in the organic fertilizer because I have simply never had tomatoes that tasted soooo good!!
I can't wait for this years crop!
Stephanie
Posted by: Organicfertilizer | March 23, 2006 at 10:52 PM
sorry guys about the bad link
here you go:
http://www.advancednutrients.com/organic_nutrients.html
Posted by: stephanie | March 23, 2006 at 11:09 PM