Tomatoes
Garden clippings for March 12, 2022
A year ago, I would get excited when at the grocery store, I would find a 3.99 deal on tomatoes. This year, I am lucky to find them for 5.99.
Though not nearly as tasty as home grown, I have a weakness for fresh tomatoes, especially those grape-sized types for salads.
I really shouldn’t put them in the buggy. They are packaged in those environmentally sinful plastic clamshell containers. They are grown in the middle of winter in energy hungry greenhouses, then transported across miles in diesel thirsty transport trucks. Varieties are chosen for their good looks and long shelf life rather than taste.
All the more reason to look forward to spring when I can plant, grow and harvest tomatoes just a few steps from the back door.
Tomatoes are the number one most popular vegetable grown in home gardens. Tomatoes are gratifying to grow, give rewards from mid-summer to fall, and have taste that is hard to beat.
Fussy tomato growers will start their seeds indoors in the second half of March, about 6 to 8 weeks before the frost-free date of the May two-four weekend. Less fussy growers will take the shortcut and buy started plants in May or June.
For kids, starting seeds indoors a better biology lesson than any grade 6 teacher can provide. Start with a soil-less growing medium in a shallow dish such as a pie plate. Sow seeds, cover with a thin layer of soil, add water and cover with a damp cloth or paper towel. Keep soil damp but not waterlogged. In a short week or two the seeds will sprout and the covering can be removed. Give plenty light and continue watering.
Once the tiny seeds have 2 true leaves, they should be carefully lifted and transplanted into larger pots. If you are using last year’s leftover pots or plastic cell packs, clean them carefully to remove residue and potential disease carrying organisms. Styrofoam cups or egg cartons will also do the trick, but be sure to provide a drainage hole so excess water can drain away. Water as soon as soil feels dry to the touch.
Place your tray of pots in a spot with plenty light, preferably not in direct afternoon sun. If you keep tomato seedlings in a darkish location they will stretch for the sun, become weak, tall, and lanky.
If weather is warm enough, I recommend placing plants outdoors where the wind and sun will prove to strengthen the plant and prepare for life outdoors. Just remember to bring them back indoors to protect from frost.
For best selection, shop for tomato seeds as soon as they are available. McKenzie Seeds, Canada’s largest seed house, boasts 26 tomato varieties in their new on-line store. Many of the same varieties can be found in their ready-to-go seed packet displays found almost everywhere.
The two oldest and faithful tomato seeds are ‘Bonny Best’ and ‘Beefsteak’. ‘Bonny Best’ has oodles of globe shaped firm fruit with great taste. Expect fruit within two months of planting outdoors. ‘Bonny Best’ is an intermediate grower that likes to be supported with stakes or tomato cages.
‘Beefsteak’ is a flavourful tomato, larger and meatier than its main rival. Fruit will be ready to pick about 2 weeks later.
Also in McKenzie’s line-up is ‘Roma’, a favourite for pastes and sauces. For earlier picking, try ‘Manitoba’ or ‘Sub Arctic Plenty.’ For cherry type tomatoes, try ‘Tumbler’ or ‘Sweetie’ which will both produce an abundance of tasty fruit.
