Tomato planting time near – try something different

on 15. Oct, 2010 in Gardening

BY GREG BELBIN*

WHEN it comes to planting tomatoes in Tasmania we say plant after Hobart Show Day although if you have a frost-free, warm sheltered spot you can plant beforehand. Tomatoes are planted from spring through to early summer.

If you are looking for something special why not try an heirloom tomato this year? We have in stock some delicious varieties includingBlack Russian, Green Zebra, Lemon Drop, Amish Paste, Red Fig, Tigerella, Tommy Toe and that big fatso of Heirloom tomatoes – Mortgage Lifter. This tomato is huge. The plant produces plenty of fruit which is pinky red in colour, very meaty with few seeds and has a sweet and juicy taste - and one slice will fill

What’s a grafted tomato?

Grafted tomatoes generally are more vigorous, they are larger growing plants, they produce more fruit and are more resistant to disease. Give them plenty of space and consider trellising them like a grape vine to really maximise their vigour.

Tomatoes love sun

For the best tomatoes, dig in lots of compost and manure into garden beds before planting. Fertilise with our organic all-purpose fertilisers. Stake at planting so you can tie the plant up as it grows. You can be as fiddly as you want with your tomatoes – however all you need to do is feed them, give them plenty of sun, keep the water up to them and they will pop out bright and tasty tomatoes ready for the salad bowl.

Tomato loves basil

Tomato and Basil complement each other deliciously and are used in combination in summer recipes. Did you know that they also love to grow together?  Under plant your tomatoes with basil or place pots close by each other, the Basil improves the flavour of the tomato and can help in repelling those pesky little white flies.  You can’t go wrong with this clever combination in the garden and in the kitchen.

Spring time is herb time!

Basil and all his friends are on the benches ready for potting into your garden beds and pots. What about giving family and friends a home grown pot of herbs this Christmas? Start now with a few plants in a large planter and by Christmas you’ll have a lush and tasty herb pot. Pop in and well kit you out with everything you need.