Tomatoes

Tomatoes are available in 9cm pots in May with larger pots available later on for those not ready to plant so early.  These vegetables need no introduction as they are a staple in every garden.  We have selected varieties from heirloom to modern hybrids based on our climate, flavour and adaptability to city gardens.  Types come in various categories:

Cherry or Grape : small tomatoes held in grape like clusters, shape determines which type they are.   Usually sweet tasting, early to ripen and great for eating straight off the vine.  Kids love these!

Slicer or Beefstake: large classic tomatoes for fresh eating on sandwiches and in salads.

Canning or Roma or Paste:  these tend to be oval shaped with few seeds and more flesh than others, perfect for processing and cooking.

Trailing: A new concept with modern breeding involved, cherry types with sturdy stems that cascade over the sides of a pot or bed edge.

Determinate: These grow only so large and stop. They produces fruit over a shorter period of time.  Mostly modern varieties bred for container or city garden use and ideal for the outdoor garden.

Indeterminate: These continually grow and produce fruit over a long period of time.  Mostly heirloom varieties based on the original tomatoes from South America which were vine like plants.  Requires pruning, training and pinching throughout its growth period.  Staking or trellising is essential.  More varieties to choose from in this section.

Early: These set fruit in a shorter period of time from germination.  Many are cool season tomatoes that tolerate cooler temperatures early and late in the season, setting fruit well into the fall.

Mid-Season: Standard tomatoes that require a warm sunny site and will fruit late summer into early fall.

Late: Will require the longest period of sun/heat to set fruit, greenhouse or cold frame is ideal.

Cultural requirements are quite simple, they prefer full sun in a warm sheltered site for best production and ripening.  The soils should be fertile and fertilizing regularly with RainGrow 4-2-3  is recommended especially in pots.  Tomatoes do not like being dried out so keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.  Planting a few flowering plants such as marigolds between your tomato plants is a good idea to help attract pollinators to get good fruit set.  Staking is essential on all varieties except the trailing and dwarf ones that get no more than 30cm tall.  Intensity of the fruit colour depends on the amount of summer heat, the warmer and sunnier the richer the colour and the better the flavour.

If well maintained tomato plants should be pest free though there are a couple of problems you may run into.  In cool, damp summers the disease of blight is a problem in Metro Vancouver.  Keeping the plants protected from heavy dews and rains is essential in these condition.  Also the splitting of the fruit and blossom end rot is usually a sign of erratic watering.