Cherokee Purple
It’s hot outside… And, as the mercury rises, my gardening enthusiasm drops.
However, we have an amazing array of six different tomato varieties all in various stages of ripeness. Here’s some proof:
Romas
Grape Tomatoes
Romas
Cherokee Purple
I’ve decided that this spring I’m going to plant cherry tomatoes. I’ve done some research and they are the easiest to grow because they are pest and fungus resistent. All my prior attempts at growing tomatoes have been heart-breakingly disappointing because after a great beginning, the plant is attacked by fruit flies and mould and I watch my yummy fruit and healthy plants wither and rot.
I’m glad you’re getting a good crop – what’s your secret?
Laura:
As with any plant, three things make or break your success:
1. soil
2. soil
3. soil
Add to those a bit of sunshine and some rain and you’re almost guaranteed success! pH is important to know if you need to add lime or calcium. We can take our soil to a local nursery and have the pH tested in about 15 minutes.
I know you have great sun in Sydney, you’re great about watering, I’m guessing it’s soil pH that’s holding you back.
Check it out!
Nope, my soil is great. Lots of compost, manure, we spread lime if needed, I even have my own pH kit and test my soil so I know it’s perfect. That good, organic soil combined with the good weather and appropriate watering (from my rainwater tank – which means the garden doesn’t even have to suffer from chemicals added via the water) cause sthe tomatoes flourish. And I’m guessing that because they flourish, all the pests flock from the surrounding area to enjoy the feast.
Maybe I need to ruin the soil a bit so my plants aren’t such pest traps and the fruit flies and caterpillars and…. leave my toms alone. :-)
Hilarious!
Well then, our soil is, no doubt, not as good as yours so maybe you should add some bad soil!
We never spray and we have no pests. Choice #2 – Move to North Carolina!