Seed Guide 2007 pgs 01/41 - McKenzie Seeds

V E G E T A B L E S
pH 5.5-7.5. It is a deep rooting, heat
loving plant. Most tomatoes will thrive in
a greenhouse environment as long as
pollination occurs. To encourage
pollination of "hot-house" tomatoes,
gently shake the plants (ideally, around
noon) to simulate a breeze. The most
common problem with tomatoes is
known as blossom end rot. The cause of
blossom end rot is a calcium deficiency
and drought. The symptoms are light tan
lesions turning to dark brown sunken
areas at the blossom end of the fruit. The
lesions enlarge and become more sunken
accompanied by dry rot. Normally fruit
that are about half developed are the
first to show the symptoms. Blossom end
rot occurs during periods of luxuriant
growth and during periods of alternately
high and low soil moisture. Soil that is
affecting the uptake of calcium may
result in blossom end rot. Other causes
include excessive soil salinity and root
damage. To control blossom end rot use
an application of lime or calcium fertilizer
and irrigate during dry weather or apply
mulch to provide a constant moisture
supply. Do not give too much nitrogen
especially the nitrogen fertilizer in the
ammonium form since this increases the
demand for calcium by the plant and
reduces the availability of calcium in the
soil. Do not plant tomatoes on spots
which are difficult to irrigate. Plant near
asparagus, pepper, celery, onions, carrots,
cucumbers, basil, parsley, chives,
marigolds or nasturtiums but not near
dill, potatoes, cabbage or kohl rabi.
Tomatoes top the list of useful
vegetables. All varieties, particularly the
Cherry Tomatoes are great for tossed
salad. The big slicers like Beefsteak make
a great sandwich, toasted or plain.
Tomatoes are very important for sauces,
soups and meat dishes. They can be
preserved by canning and freezing and in
recent years, dehydrated tomatoes have
become very popular.
Nutritional Facts: Tomatoes are high in
Vitamin A and C. Although levels of both
are effected by environment vitamin C is
not as high in fruit from shaded plants as
those in strong sun light. Like carrots,
tomatoes are another good source of
beta carotene. They are a highly
nutritious low-calorie food.
Tomato Big Beef 101721
Bush Variety
High yielder. An indeterminant variety.
For all climates. Deep well drained soil is
best. Use borage as a companion plant to
attract bees for early pollination. Rich
flavor combined with large size. Start
seed indoors 8 weeks before planting
outside. Transplant when all danger of
frost is past. When transplanting out,
bury the stem of the tomato up to the
2nd or 3rd set of true leaves-this aids in
deep root development. Eliminate
blossom end rot problems by deep
watering the plants so that the root
system will be less effected by
fluctuations in soil moisture.
Tomato Brandywine Red 127514
A ‘Heirloom’ variety that is well known
for its size and excellent flavour! Deep
red, very large size fruits can weigh up to
900 grams (2 lbs )! Rich sweet flavour is
great for salads, canning, soups and
sandwiches. Plant seedlings outdoors
once all danger of frost has passed and
soil has warmed. Deep, well drained soil
is best. Inderterminate.
Tomato Bush Beefsteak 101681
Large! Bush Variety
12 oz. deep oblate fruit; a slightly
flattened globe shape. Red. Start seed
indoors 8 weeks before planting outside.
Transplant when all danger of frost is
past. When transplanting out, bury the
stem of the tomato up to the 2nd or 3rd
set of true leaves-this aids in deep root
development.
Tomato Christmas Grape 127515
Bright, scarlet, 2.5 cm (1") grape-like
fruits. Super productive plants bear loads
of huge clusters, 10-20 fruits per cluster!
Their sweet rich flavour is satisfying in
salads or straight from the vine.
Excellent keeper. Plant seedlings outdoors
112 W W W . M C K E N Z I E S E E D S . C O M