Its tomato time in Tasmania
Tomatoes are a favourite to grow and every region seems to have a local show day, race day or community event that is the green light to plant out your tomato plants. In Tasmania, it is show day!
Tomatoes love the warmth and grow best in Tasmania from mid spring into the summer. Waiting for the warmer weather ensures that the plants start growing quickly and are less prone to disease once the conditions are favourable.
Varieties:
There are many varieties of tomatoes. There are different sizes from cherry tomatoes such as the tommy toe and tiny Tim to the large fruits such as Tasmanian chocolate, beefsteak, granny’s throwing, grosse lisse or big red. One of our best sellers here is the locally bred Tasmanian chocolate variety. This determinant bush variety grows up to 1metre high and produces slightly flattened and ribbed beef steak tomatoes. Around 140 - 340gram each.
Whichever variety you select, the fruits are all filled with nutrients, antioxidants and home grown tomatoes are fresh, flavoursome and fun to grow.
Where to grow:Tomatoes love plenty of light and require at least 5 hours of direct sun each day. A nice sunny garden bed with lots of air circulation is ideal. Plant tomato seedlings once the soil temperature reaches approximately 15 degrees and the risk of frost has passed. Growing suitable varities in pots is very popular and gives the opportunity for an early start in a sheltered position before moving the potted plant out once conditions are right.
Prepare the soil if planting in garden beds by digging through some quality garden compost and animal manure. To avoid problems, do not grow tomatoes in the same garden bed for two years running or in the same bed as potatoes.
The need for support:
Other than a few smaller growing varieties and even some for hanging baskets, most tomatoes grow as a vine so need to be supported as they grow. Many homemade structures are created but there are stakes, trellis’ and tomato cages that tend to be much neater and easier.
Plant:
Plant your tomato seedlings with the soil well prepared. Tomato seedlings can be planted a little deeper than they are in the seedling punnet or pot. Where the stem comes into contact with the soil, roots will form so burying the stem a little deeper will create a deeper and stronger root system. Begin to fertilise the plants after about 2 weeks with a plant food high in potassium to encourage flower and fruit production. Too much nitrogen will result in massive plants with limited fruit.
Water:
Keep the soil moist — neither dry nor wet. Water the ground and avoid wetting the foliage as this may cause some fungal problems.
Pests and Diseases:Tomato plants are highly prone to fungal disease and as previously mentioned; ensuring the soil is warm, you have chosen a nice sunny location with good airflow all reduce the risk to your plants. As your tomato plants develop it is also beneficial to remove the lower leaves as fungal disease on tomatoes is often soil borne and removing the lower leaves reduces the risk.
Tomatoes grow quickly once the soil warms up. By ensuring a well drained, healthy organic enriched soil will help your plants do well. By adding calcium (or finely crushed up egg shells) while your plants are developing as well as watering regularly you will reduce the risk of serious disease problems.
Growing tomatoes is lots of fun. They grow quickly and supply an abundance of fresh, tasty, home-grown goodness that will delight the taste buds of the whole family.