Tomato crazy

Had the wonderful opportunity to attend a tomato workshop at the Native Nursery. Native Nursery is a small nursery that offers many workshops, most of which are free. This was the first workshop I attended and I was very happy I did. Not only was the workshop free, but it was very informative. In addition to discussing the various heirloom tomatoes that have proven to perform well in this area, the person leading the workshop informed the participants on how to best grow tomatoes in the ground and in containers. The information session was then followed by a demonstration of planting in a garden and in a container.

Some of the tips and things in the workshop included:

Determinate and Indeterminate. Did you know that tomato plants can produce for a long time? Indeterminate tomatoes can produce throughout spring, summer, and into the fall. During he hottest months, such as August, are too hot for the tomato plant flowers, but once the peak heat has passed, the plants will produce fruit until the temperatures get too cold. Determinate tomato plants have a shorter fruiting season and will not produce into the fall.

Planting Deep. Because tomato plants are vines, the deeper the plant is planted, the more roots will grow to support and nourish the plant. A deeper root system will also help the plant during the hot summer days, allow the plant to soak up more water from the soil.

Mushroom Compost. In addition to being a good fertilizer, mushroom compost inhibits fungal growth. A few handfuls of mushroom compost tossed in around the roots, when planting the young tomato plant was suggested, in addition to a handful of natural fertilizer.


Meet Dr. Marvel and Farmer Herman's Little Yeller, two of the heirloom varieties carried at Native Nursery. Both varieties were cultivated at Turkey Hill Farm, a local wholesale nursery. The Little Yeller is a tart, yellow, cherry tomato and the Dr. Marvel is a beefsteak tomato. Both varieties are supposed to start producing within 90-100 days and are indeterminate. Can't wait to watch them grow!