PLANTING:

Tomatoes need three months of warm frost-free weather. They can be planted once the weather has begun to warm up in early spring (September), and aren’t likely to be very successful if planted later than November. Glasshouse tomatoes may be planted earlier than outdoor tomatoes. You can either raise your own tomato seedlings from seeds, or purchase your seedlings at Kings. If planting grafted tomatoes, ensure that the graft is at least 12mm above the soil line. Place a stake next to your plants at planting time, as doing this later may cause damage to the roots. Stakes should be about 2m high.

POSITION:

Tomatoes need a warm, well drained planting site with full sun for most of the day. Keep tomatoes sheltered from the wind.

SOIL PREPARATION:

The soil needs to be rich and well drained. A built up bed of compost, supplemented with sheep pellets is ideal. Dig in some sand if the soil is heavy and wet. Tomatoes can also be planted in a container. Tomatoes prefer a large pot, as more moisture can be retained, roots are given plenty of space, and plants heavy with fruit can be supported. Use Kings Container Mix with water storage granules for best results.

What about laterals?

Lateral shoots form between the junction of a leaf and the stem. These should be removed (not necessary on grafted tomatoes) as they detract from the fruiting performance of the plant. Companion planting with basil is also a great idea, both in the garden and the kitchen.

Tomatoes need to be sprayed. Auckland’s humid summers assist the proliferation of fungal diseases and insect pests. Yates Tomato Dust takes care of fungal and insect problems. Copper sprays will control fungus, and should you have a whitelfy problem, try Neem Oil.

Because prevention is better than cure it is advisable to have a regular spray program. Other preventive measures include:

- Don’t plant in the same place year after year as diseases build up in the soil.

-Make sure air can circulate around the plants, especially in the glass house.

-Remove and burn any infected leaves

Don’t water the leaves.

Water your plants regularly, once or twice a day during hot weather. Use Debco Saturaid to channel water down to the roots.

FEEDING:

Tomatoes needs lot of food. They should be fed fortnightly with a liquid tomato food once fruit are the size of marbles. Tomato fertiliser is high in potash. It encourages more flowers and more fruit.

What so special about a grafted tomato?

Grafted tomatoes have been grafted on to rootstock which has been bred for its outstanding resistance to many of the wilt and fungal diseases that affect tomatoes. With increased vigour comes more flowers and fruit. Furthermore, the lateral side shoots do not need removal as the roots can supply the leaves, flowers and fruit with the water and nutrient required to sustain them. Of course, if you require the space, it is alright to remove the side shoots. When planting grafted tomatoes consider their increased vigour and size. They have high water and nutrient requirements as they are larger plants than ordinary tomatoes. If you are growing them in a pot, ensure there is plenty of water available to them.

When to plant grafted tomatoes?

Stagger planting for extended cropping. Plant first in September then again in October and lastly in November. You will have tomatoes all summer long.

Where to plant them?

All tomatoes require a warm, sunny, well drained soil. Shelter from the wind.

Soil preparation:

Deeply work Kings Compost and Kings Organic Sheep Pellets into the soil. If soil is dry use Debco Saturaid for added water absorption at watering time. If planting into the vege patch a top dressing with Garden Lime is recommended.

PLANTING:

When planting remember to give your grafted tomato plenty of room as they are vigorous. If planting in a pot be generous with the size and use Kings Container Mix to stop the plant drying out.

Stake plants and protect the graft (it will be covered with tape at the bottom of the stem). Don’t let the stake rub on the graft. Use a stake at least 2.5m long. For fruit setting the plant must have had plenty of sun, water and fertiliser. Excellent results will follow.

HARVESTING:

Harvest fruit as soon as you see colour (except cherry variety). Place fruit inside in a warm place out of the direct sunlight to ripen slowly, allowing full development of the sugars for the better taste. Never store in the fridge as this diminishes sugar and reduces flavour. As the fruit ripens on the vine, trim off the bottom leaves to improve air circulation thus preventing disease.

SPRAYING:

For protection against fungal diseases and harmful insects, spray fortnightly with Yates Tomato Spray. This is an insecticide and fungicide for keeping your tomato plants healthy.

Unfortunately Auckland’s humidity produces a disease called blight on tomatoes, if you spray regularly and water well you should be able to keep blight out of your garden.

NEVER WATER THE LEAVES ON YOUR PLANT DURING THE HEAT OF THE DAY.