Our love affair with tomatoes has never been stronger, it is only recently that their health – enhancing properties are being noticed. Tomato plants come in either determinate (bush) or indeterminate (vine) types. The botanical name for the tomato is Lycopersicon which translates from the Greeks as ‘wolf peach’. It comes originally from western South America, but it was first cultivated in Mexico & other parts of central America. The tomato reached Britain in the 1590s but we are not quite sure how it arrived or who brought it to our shores.
Tomatoes contain lycopene one of the most powerful antioxidants, they have good sources of vitamin A, & C, fresh tomatoes are rich in potassium Indoors- when first flowers appear transfer to pots, growing bags or greenhouse border. Outdoors – accustom them to outside conditions 2-3 weeks before planting, when last frost has passed. For indeterminate types which need supporting & side shooting whether grown in a greenhouse or outdoors. For determinate types which grow as bushes & do not need supporting or side shooting grow outdoors.
Always read sowing instructions on the seed packet
Blog & Research by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)
