HOME GARDENS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 20, 15 November 1948, Page 8

HOME GARDENS

(By J. W. Goodwin, N.D.H. (N.Z.),F.R.H.5., Massey Agricultural College.) /

CULTURE OF TOMATOES Another boisterous Labour Day has passed and warmer weather may be expected with the advent of November. Thd soil is now warmer and night temperatures are correspondingly higher. Now is the time to sow or plant most half-hardy crops. ' These plants are rather slow of growth during pooler weather and are easily damaged by frost, but it is necessary that they should have as long a growing period as possible during the warmer months of the year. Late plantings are frequently caught by early-autumn frosts just when they are producing flower or fruit. Tomatoes are popular appetising fruits , and are high in vitamin content. Fruit or vegetables? Yes, they are grown as vegetables, but the edible Prop is the fruit. When planning crop-rotation earlier in the season we decided to reserve a warm, sheltered corner for tomatoes. This should not be the same spot where this crop was grown last year. Even when warm, sheltered corners are advisable, it is wise to plan a rotation with such plants as runner beans, cucumbers or marrows and pumpkins. Should you desire to grow tomatoes in the main garden they should occupy plot 3 with the cabbage family, celery and leeks. Tomatoes belong to the potato family and are subject to similar diseases and deficiencies; hence they should neither precede nor follow that crop. Plot 3 was to be manured with well-rotted compost or farmyard manure. Similarly, the warm border, if available, should have a good dressing of the same material. If not already prepared, this should be carried out immediately. sfTims of planting will vary greatly with the district and the position the plants are to occupy. A few favourable situations may have the first flowers showing, but the majority will be planting out during November. . Health in Young Plants Buy good, sturdy, healthy-looking plants about eight inches in height. A purplish colouration of the stem at ground level is an indication that plants are well hardened-off. If you have raised your own, be sure to “harden them off” gradually and thoroughly before planting. Allow me to emphasise again that seeds and seedlings should be of dependable varieties and purchased from reliable sources. Market Favourite is a variety which I have

found will withstand cold and inclement weather better than most. The fruit may be ribbed and less uniform in shape, but is large and fleshy. Tatura dwarf is also hardy and prolific and is one of the best for windy districts and drier areas. Setting The First Fruit The setting of the first few clusters of fruit is usually the most difficult. Later, the weather is warmer and fruits set regularly. There are hormones under various trade names which may be used to ensure a good set. These are sprayed on the flowers and are a definite advantage, particularly in cool or inclement Weather. w . There are quite a number of diseases which may affect tomatoes. Some of them are incurable, so take every precaution. Firstly, plant clean, healthy plants and destroy any obviously-siek plants which may appear. Secondly, apply Bordeaux sprays every 10 or 14 days according to the weather. Proprietary sprays should be prepared according to makers’ instructions, and home-prepared Bordeaux as outlined in this column three weeks ago for potato blight. Caterpillars and sometimes stem borers and weevils require a - little arsenate of lead spray. This is suitable for the control of insects which chew the leaf or stem-surface of most plants. Mix 2 ounces of arsenate of lead powder, to a paste, in a small amount of water and make up to ‘four gallons. In the case of stem borer it is essential to cover the lower parts of the stem. Should it be necessary to use arsenate on the fruit, be sure to wash the fruit before eating.