Your comments and tips

30 Mar 16, Mike (New Zealand - temperate climate)

For best results, 6 - 8 hrs of direct sunlight per day. Calculate every hour before midday as being only a 1/2 hr. For instance, if your plants are sheltered from the morning sun until 10:00am, calculate that as only 1 hr, therefore you require another 5 - 7 hours of afternoon sun.

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02 Oct 13, Peter (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)

Liz, what would be the best mulch to apply to the soil under tomato plants and vines? I'm growing them in a raised bed for the first time. The soil is very dark, whether wet or dry and I'd like to keep their roots cool until they can supply their own shade. I'm in Hawkes Bay. Thanks.

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25 Dec 12, rob (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)

have you had any experience with siberrian tomatoes?

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01 Feb 17, Karen (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)

I live on the North Shore, Auckland and have done container growing for several years now, This is the third year of growing tomatoes on a large scale - predominantly determinate varieties. I source my seeds from Kings Seeds who supply a determinate variety called Sub Arctic Plenty which I have experimented with variable results. All plants raised indoors, gently hardened off then potted out into 15L tubs. I use 50/50 new compost/previously used container soil from a non-tomato pot mixed well with added slow release fertiliser and half a cup of powdered eggshell.. The top is mulched with straw and 4 marigolds to attract the bees. They also need a 5ft stake. Generally the plants like the morning and late sun and need shade from the glaring hot midday temperatures. Each year I am growing them earlier to avoid the heat of summer. The pots on the decking facing North fully exposed struggled, the pots that were shaded midday grew much better. Next year I plan to plant out in July/August and see how they get on then. They have a mild taste, personally I prefer the richer flavours of the dark toms but they are good for dehydrating. I also found that they prefer dryer soil than some of my other varieties. I liquid feed them once a week using a litre of water. Don't let them stand in trays, they need full drainage. Any run off from the trays I use on something else (the pineapple sage is very grateful). Spay every part of the plant with a brew of bicarsoda to pre-empt and control powdery mildew weekly. Please let me know if you want any other info - happy to share. Let me know how you get on.

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15 May 17, Derek (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)

Hi. Thanks for the info which was informative. I tried last year to grow tomatoes and failed miserably. The bottom of the fruit was black and I have been advised this was overwatering and lack of calcium. They were in 15L pots outside and exposed to a fairly windy area. This year I have a geeenhouse and a bit more knowledge thanks to the likes of you:). I am just deciding what to grow in the greenhouse and in my small vege patch but definately have tomatoes on the list a bit later in the year, although I might try growing some now and keep in the greenhouse. Appreciate your comments and advice thanks. I live in Somerville near Howick. Cheers Derek

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23 Nov 19, Lee (New Zealand - temperate climate)

Your Blossom end rot could be caused by the small pot. Try a 30L minimum for a tomato of up to 1m, and 50L+ tubs for anything taller. The problem in Northern NZ (Auckland upwards) in the intense heat, humidity, and constant winds on clear days that dry the soil. The soil seesaws from dry to wet, with us trying to compensate the loss three times a day, in small pots. You'll get excellent plants, but blossom end rot, and no useful fruit. I buy seeds from Southern suppliers who have clearly defined seasons in their districts. Here in West Auckland, the sun mid-spring onward is almost too strong for tomatoes (as noted in the comment from The Shore above), and the humidity is oppressive. They are part shade plants here, and 30L is absolute minimum for varieties that suppliers claim can be grown in 18L, or less. This year I'm using no less than 54L each plant, plus grass clipping mulch. So far so good. It's the only way to maintain soil a consistent moisture.

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16 Oct 11, graham michelle (New Zealand - temperate climate)

Am wondering which is the best tomato plant to grow in glasshouse on the coast in southern new zealand

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11 Dec 08, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)

Tony, check that your potting mix is not too soggy. Although tomatoes like plenty of water, they also need good drainage. Have you got your bag slightly raised off the ground so that excess water can drain away?

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24 Aug 08, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)

Gareth, you can use chook poo but it is very strong and can damage plants if used fresh. Make a 'tea' with it by putting in a bucket of water and leaving it for a few weeks or else use chook poo mixed with compost and broken down.

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