Many people go mad planting tomatoes when Labour weekend arrives each year. But planting later is even better for growing the juicy red vegetables, according to one Pāpāmoa greenfinger, who got their patch going in December.

Being a warm weather crop, there was no frosts around to harm the plants, and it means she can stretch her harvest right into May – or later – if the weather plays ball.

“You also miss that late-January-early-February produce glut and extend your fresh-eating season into autumn. And you could freeze the next lot of tomatoes for winter recipes, such as soups, stews, lasagnes etc.”

To plant tomatoes, the Pāpāmoa greenfinger said once you’ve cleared the garden weeds, grab a couple of bags of Tomato Mix to mix into the soil to help renew the nutrients.

“I like to select a few different types of tomatoes and then stagger the timing of planting, so you don’t have the entire crop ripening at the same time.”

Personal favourites

Her favourite varieties are: Money Maker – they look like a store-bought tomatoes, Beefsteak – nice big fleshy tomatoes with loads of flavour, and Sweet 100s – they produce lots of little sweet and juicy tomatoes.

“Dig in sheep pellets around the plants, and plant Basil in between plants to help with pesky bugs. Basil also helps add more flavour to tomatoes and, of course, is a perfect addition for meals like pizza or omelette etc.”

Water plants daily around the base if it hasn’t rained, either first thing in the morning or later at night once the sun is off the leaves.

“Try not to water plants in the sun, as they don’t like getting wet and more likely to get blight early if they do.

“I found seaweed liquid fertiliser was easy to add to a watering can – so try to remember to do this every second weekend. Plus, the odd dose of Epsom Salts in water here and there can help give them some magnesium if you notice yellowing of leaves.”

Remember to pinch off side-shoots/laterals that try to grow between the main stem and side leaves, because those make it hard to keep tomatoes growing straight up and staked and aerated for good results. “To secure growing plants to the stake, always use a ball of soft elastic tie that you can cut to length and doesn’t damage the stems.”

Deterring the birds

There’s nothing worse than having your bountiful crop being sampled by the birds first, said the Pāpāmoa greenfinger.

“Use a combination of reflective tape secured to the top of stakes, but also place fruit protection bags around groups of tomatoes that are starting to ripen.

“Check your crop every few days and enjoy harvesting some delicious tomatoes!”