GARD EN I N G
Oh, for the sake of
Tomatoes by Trena Cullins
American pioneers were hesitant to venture into eating our beloved tomato until around 1835. As a member of the nightshade family, it was thought to be poisonous. Weren’t they missing out! Today the cultivars of this prized fruit are truly remarkable. Hues of the rainbow—heirlooms and hybrids—bred to be resistant to disease, viruses, and heat give us a vast array of choices and tastes. Tomatoes need about six to eight hours of sun daily. Of course, they do appreciate a little shade in the hottest part of our good ole Texas summers. In early spring when the nighttime temp falls below 55 degrees, many varieties will not set fruit. The same applies when the temperatures exceed 76 at night or the daytime heat goes above 90.
The
Plant Haus 2
Tomatoes basically have two growth habits: determinate (bush types), growing three to four feet, producing a large one-time crop; indeterminate can continue growing and produce at various
times. They need a lot of phosphorousheavy fertilizer for blossoming. Water in the early morning and don’t worry if your plants wilt in the heat. Add calcium to avoid blossom-end rot. Be alert to pests that love your tomatoes as much as you—the famous tomato horn worm can consume an entire plant overnight. Short on space? Think container garden and simply follow the guidelines for inground tomatoes. If the sun is adequate you can grow them right by your kitchen door. Nothing tastes better than a homegrown tomato. Bring on the saltshaker! Texas Master Certified Nursery Professional Trena Cullins (#4985) has been with The Plant Haus 2 for twenty years. Trena and her experienced staff have the knowledge to serve your gardening needs. 604 Jefferson, Kerrville. 830-792-4444.
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We Also Do Aquatic Vegetation 16 | MAR-APR 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE
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