Consider a variety of tomatoes for their variety of uses

Steve Kawaratani

“Look, we’re all the same; ... in the library he’s paying his taxes,

in the yard he’s raising tomatoes ...”

-- Arthur Miller

“The fact [is] that you can’t buy a decent tomato anymore.”

-- Calvin Trillin

I knew it was time to plant tomatoes when I visited Jan’s garden

yesterday. Her new plants were already flourishing. Thus inspired,

Catharine and I selected a six pack at the local garden center, which

included the following:

Early Girl and Celebrity, the best Laguna varieties. Better Boy, a

good choice for large fruit. Super 100, a fine cherry tomato, the

yellow-fruited Lemon Boy and La Roma, famous for tomato paste. All

that was missing was Patio, the easiest tomato to grow in containers.

Once at the nursery, select plants that are bushy, not leggy.

Although they beckon with the promise of early harvest, avoid plants

already in bloom or bearing fruit, as they may not transplant well.

Plant tomatoes deep -- roots will develop where the soil touches

the stem. This makes for a bushier, stronger plant. Finally, choose a

location that receives at least six hours of sunlight. Pinch off the

bottom leaves and reserve a minimum of three pair at the top.

Tomatoes appreciate well-prepared soil, so begin by using plenty

of planter’s mix to ensure good soil structure and add a few ounces

of 5-2-1 Gro-power and Gypsite per plant. This initial fertilizer

application will be sufficient for the plant until it sets fruit,

then it will be time to reapply the Gro-power. Feed once a month

while the fruit develops and then discontinue once they near

maturity.

Tomatoes require regular watering after the fruit has set, about

two inches a week. One can stimulate earlier fruit production by

placing the plant under a little water stress early, however, be

careful not to over do it.

As harvest time approaches, cut back on watering, to get less

watery fruit and increase flavor.

Left to its own design (but not review), a tomato likes to sprawl.

Most home growers prefer to save space by staking their tomatoes two

feet apart.

Another option is to plant tomatoes in cages, allowing them to

grow upright over the structure. Count on a yield of 20 to 40

tomatoes per plant, depending on conditions and care.

Most of the diseases and problems associated with tomato root

systems are in the past, thanks to the introduction of disease

resistant plants. Hornworms must still be dealt with, either by hand

picking or eliminated by BT, Bacillus thuringiensis. The occasional

aphids are easily managed using an insecticidal soap.

Sunken black areas at the distal part of the fruit are caused by

not maintaining uniform soil moisture after fruit has set, and/or a

deficiency in calcium. This problem is called blossom-end rot and

cannot be controlled with a pesticide. A white scald on the cheek of

the fruit indicates sunburn and is prevented through good cultural

practices.

I hold a true culinary affection for the tomato, because it can be

served in so many ways. You see, it is used in submarine sandwiches,

club sandwiches, BLT’s, sloppy joes and Catharine’s green salads.

It’s the ingredient that makes Bloody Marys, chicken Marengo,

gazpacho, manicotti, and lasagna so delicious. And how would you make

marinara sauce, ketchup, chili sauce, and salsa without the tomato?

Without this versatile vegetable, one couldn’t possibly eat a pizza,

huevos rancheros, shish kebab, guacamole, ratatouille, Spanish rice,

Manhattan clam chowder ...

See you next time.

* STEVE KAWARATANI is the owner of Landscapes by Laguna Nursery,

1278 Glenneyre in Laguna Beach. He is married to local artist,

Catharine Cooper, and has two cats. He can be reached at (949) 497

2438 or e-mail to [email protected].