• About tomatoes
  

This warm season fruiting vegetable is popular both in salads and cooked dishes. Fresh tomatoes are best eaten at room temperature. Tomatoes originate from South and Central America. They are loaded with: vitamin A, vitamin C, fibre and protein.
What variety of tomatoes should I plant?
There is a huge variety of tomatoes available, but in general choose between a tall growing variety like , or a bush variety like. Bush varieties can be planted in pots and hanging baskets, while the tall variety will require staking so bear this in mind when choosing where you are going to plant.
 

• Where should I plant my tomatoes? And how do I do it?

Tomatoes love sunny spots that get a minimum of 8 hours sun. These plants are best planted from seedlings. Prior to planting, add some good quality compost or soil improver to increase the soil fertility. When planting two or more plants ensure there is approximately 1 metre between plants. Depending on the variety you choose, stakes may be required.

• How do I care for my tomatoes?
  

Once the seedlings have been planted they will require a good watering. To help keep the moisture in a thin layer of organic sugar cane mulch will be perfect. Tomatoes need constant watering during the summer months, so keep an eye on the plant to make sure it does not dry out. Lack of water will reduce the quality and quantity of fruit produced.

With all thirsty plants, additional fertilising is essential. Every month add a handful of slow release organic based fertiliser around the plants. If the weather warms up and watering is required more often, reduce the time between fertilising to every 3 weeks.
When do I know when to pick my tomatoes?

Tomatoes ripened on the vine are full of flavour, keep a close eye on tomatoes turning red.
 

• What are the common problems with tomatoes? And what are the organic solutions?
  

Caterpillars and grubs will eat holes in the leaves and green fruit, while fruit fly will lay eggs in the ripe fruit. The best control of these pests is to use tomato dust.
White flies and aphids will suck the sap from the leaves, leaving plant disease. These are best controlled with a low toxicity pyrethrum spray.
Yellowing of the leaves could be a problem. It is very normal for the lower leaves to go yellow and die, but if the entire plant starts to show yellow signs along with unhealthy looking blotches and spots, the plant has more than likely contracted a bacterial, fungal or viral disease. Spraying with a copper-based fungicide may help, but this usually means the plant is dead, and should be removed. It is not advisable to grow tomatoes in this spot again for 2 years.
 

• Recipes
  

Greek Salad
 

Ingredients
 

• 6 firm ripe tomatoes, coarsely chopped
• 3 Lebanese cucumbers, coarsely chopped
• 1 red onion, sliced into rings
• 1 red capsicum, halved, deseeded, coarsely chopped
• 200g marinated Greek olives
• 220g marinated feta, coarsely chopped
• 1 tsp dried Greek oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 125ml (1/2 cup) olive oil
• 60ml (1/4 cup) white vinegar
 

Method
1. Combine tomato, cucumber, onion, capsicum, olives and feta in a salad bowl. Sprinkle with oregano and salt.
2. Whisk together the oil and vinegar in a jug. Drizzle the salad with dressing and toss to combine. Serve immediately.