Tomatos

By: John Degroot

February 28 2009

Tomatos - Garden Clippings for Feb 28, 2009

The most popular of vegetables for home gardeners is the tomato.  Those who grow even a few tomatos in their backyard enjoy the finest of tastes because it doesn’t get any fresher than your own backyard.

Tomatos need a relatively long growing season, so it is best to get a head start by planting sprouted seedlings after the danger of frost is past, usually at the end of May.   Those who have the time and space might consider starting seeds indoors.  Tomatos are the easiest of seeds to sprout and starting your own seeds saves a few dollars and gives the ability to select exactly the varieties that suit your fancy. 

Seeds are best started in seeding trays or plastic growing flats.  Use a commercially prepared soilless growing medium such as Pro-Mix and sow the seeds about 6 to 8 weeks before the frost free date.  Give the seeds a little heat and moisture and they should sprout within two weeks.  Once the tiny seedlings have 3 or 4 true leaves, separate them to give each plant breathing space.

Use your imagination when selecting seeding trays and containers.  Used paper coffee cups, egg cartons, and last year’s flower pots will do the trick just fine.  Make sure the containers have drainage holes.

Don’t try to get a head start on the tomato seeding project by starting too early.  When it is time to transplant the seedlings outdoors, you are better off planting young vibrant seedlings than lanky stretched plants that have been waiting indoors too long. 

Selecting your favorite tomato seeds is fun but may be a daunting task because there are hundreds of varieties to choose from.  Burpee, one of America’s leading and oldest seed companies boasts over 200 tomatos in their catalogue.  They can be ordered through their colour catalogue or through their on line website.  Burpee has selected several cold climate and popular tomatos for seed display racks in selected garden retailers throughout Canada.

Ontario Seed Company, of nearby Waterloo carries a complete line of tomato, flower and vegetable seeds with a selection that will easily satisfy most gardeners.  Their seeds are widely available in box stores, nurseries, many retails outlets as well as their on line store.

One of Burpee’s customer favorites is Super Sweet 100 Cherry tomato.  It boasts cherry red sugary flavored fruit that is produced on long clusters right until frost.  If you don’t have garden space, Super Sweet 100 grows well in containers.

Early Girl Hybrid is a very early variety that can produce tomatos within 2 months of planting.  Fruit is bright red, with a lot of flavor and aroma.

Another Burpee customer favorite is Steak Sandwich Hybrid.  Meat is firm even after ripe, and flavor is superb for burgers, BLTs and salads.  The plant will continue producing into early fall. 

Big Mama is a plum shaped tomato with firm flesh and large fruit.  Big Mama is a favorite for making pasta and its large size saves time with peeling and coring.

For more information on tomato varieties visit www.burpee.com or www.oscseeds.com.