(12)Kiwi Phills gardening Corner - how to collect tomato seeds

[Kiwi Phil]

Success with growing tomatoes begins with the seeds.<br />A good tomato is one that fruits early and continues to yield over a long period.<br />Seed saving allows gardeners to be independent and self-sufficient, and it has been proven that heirloom tomatoes yield more fruit and have a preferred flavour to commercial hybrids. <br />Tomato seeds should be collected from ripe fruit by scraping or squeezing the pulp into a suitable container.<br />The seed is enclosed in a jelly-like sac, which requires a few days of fermentation to break down.<br />Fermentation also has the advantage of developing conditions that will kill some of the bacteria and fungi that are responsible for some diseases.<br />It is imperative that the brew is not allowed to dry out during fermentation and, a small volume of water can be added if necessary.<br />If the seed is allowed to ferment for too long, germination may take place. <br />After fermentation, the seed can be cleaned, dried and stored. Using your finger or a pair of tweezers, transfer each seed onto a square of absorbent paper, a few centimetres apart.<br />When the tissue is full, place another square on top and lightly spray the "sandwich" with water. This seals the seeds inside.<br />When dry, place the paper/seed packets in a sealed jar or container and store in a cool, dry place until ready to plant.<br />At planting time, cut the sheets of paper into tiny squares around each individual seed, and plant with paper and all. Another tip: should you come across the "perfect" tasting tomato (be it a freinds or one you bought), then produce your own seed for the future.<br /><br />Cherry tomatoes have few if any diseases or pets problems. They can come in a very small size to a meduium size, and the fruit for very long periods.<br /><br />If anyone wants to know details on pruning tomatoes etc, let me know.<br /><br />Cheers<br />Phillip

 

[Boomyal]

Re: (12)Kiwi Phills gardening Corner - how to collect tomato seeds

Originally posted by Kiwi Phil:<br /> If anyone wants to know details on pruning tomatoes etc, let me know.<br /><br />Cheers<br />Phillip

Not too interested in collecting seeds KP, but I am interested in pruning the plants. Especially if it would help the growth of the fruit.<br /><br />Here in the cool Pacific Northwest, we are lucky to get tomatoes by September (plant in June) The plants are huge and bushy, not seeming to put enough energy into the fruit.

 

[Kiwi Phil]

Re: (12)Kiwi Phills gardening Corner - how to collect tomato seeds

I used this site many years ago. The link has a bush you click on parts of, and it tells you if that part should be pruned. Very simple. Very effective learning device.<br /><br /> http://ag.arizona.edu/hydroponictomatoes/pruning.htm <br /><br />I have also found this info that may be of assistance.<br /><br />Department of Horticultural Science<br />College of Agriculture & Life Sciences<br />North Carolina State University<br /><br /><br />Tomato plants have two general growth habits. It is important to know what type of plants you have in order to space and train them properly.<br /><br />Indeterminate types are tall-growing plants, normally growing 5 to 8 ft tall, producing a fruit cluster on the stems between every third leaf. Plant terminals continue to grow as long as the plant is healthy. Most of our home garden varieties in North Carolina belong to this group. Some of the varieties in this group are Manapal, Better Boy, Big Boy, Fantastic, and Cherokee.<br /><br />(my note: I have seen these grown 6' vertically, on a stake, then trained to grow horrizontally like a grape vine along a wire)<br /><br />Determinate types are shorter growing plants,(often called bush tomatoes), normally growing 1 1/2 to 5 ft tall, producing a fruit cluster on stems between each leaf, and each stem terminates in a fruit cluster -- thus, they are often called "self-pruning" types. Some varieties in this group are Sun Start, Mountain Delight, Mountain Spring, Mountain Fresh, Florida 47, Floralina and Puebla (pear-shaped).<br /><br />Now as for your climate etc, the best advice I can offer is:<br />Contact your local Horticultural School/University and ask their advice as to <br />1.)type of tomato, by name etc<br />2.)where to place plant (sun, against sheltered wall etc etc)<br />3.)When to plant<br />4.)What to feed.<br />5.)Ask what else you need to know etc.<br />Local knowledge is the key here.<br /><br />I would try Cherry and Cocktail tomatoes too.<br /><br />Hope this has helped.<br /><br />Cheers<br />Phillip

 

[harkawy]

Re: (12)Kiwi Phills gardening Corner - how to collect tomato seeds

I tried growing tomatoes for a few years. The second year was the best. The third year was looking good; had fruit growing. Went away for the weekend and returned Sunday night. Monday morning I looked out the window and saw that the plants were 98% defoliated. Went out and saw the most ugly, green hook worms. Some the size if my middle finger. Same problem for year four and five.<br /><br />What do you do about these uggggglllly bugs?

 

[Kiwi Phil]

Re: (12)Kiwi Phills gardening Corner - how to collect tomato seeds

harkawy..<br />I will do an article on the basics of pest/fungi/weed control under a seperate heading. That may make it easier for all.<br />Cheers<br />Phillip

 

[18rabbit]

Re: (12)Kiwi Phills gardening Corner - how to collect tomato seeds

Best tomato cage I have found is made from a 10-ft long piece of 6-ft wide concrete reinforcing wire, the stuff with 6-in sqs that’s used for driveways. Just bend it around to make a cylinder about 3-ft in diameter. You can easily reach inside the 6-in squares to harvest the tomatoes.