Cherry Tomatoes

Looks like a good crop. You seem to have removed the lower leaves and spread straw underneath could you tell me your reason please?

I've started to remove the lower leaves too. Good Practice, as it lets the air circulate and the sun get to the fruit. It also makes it easier to get past the plant when watering! Lol!

I must try it.

Karen hit the nail on the head. I spread a thick layer of straw down for a few reasons; I'm lazy and don't like to pull weeds, good for air circulation, it prevents pathogens from splashing up onto the tomato plant, it holds moisture and prevents the ground from drying out too fast. It provides food and a good habitat for the earthworms living beneath. The earthworms bring fertilizer and air to the tomato roots.

I bet it smells good too! Warm straw has a lovely smell!

oh yes, almost like a real farm. It does smell nice and I like the clean tidy appearance. I'm really looking forward to these, they are so good! :)

Thanks for the information you two :))

:) this is my first year growing tomatoes with any real intent. In my old littler greenhouse I tried a couple of times with ' Gardener's Delight' but they were awful. Partly the weather and partly neglect. This year I am growing Five different and fairly unusual varieties, and i'm ever so excited. Just hope we get a bit more sun to ripen and sweeten them up!

Same here. I seem to have better luck with the cherry types, but I'm 'dying' to try the Cherokee Purple - I hope it gives me just a couple, fingers crossed.

Sounds nice...I am growing one that is very dark red, veering toward black. :) we will keep each other posted!

Those are the best ones and you can't find them at the market. Yes, let's hope all goes well.

It's my first 'proper ' year too, Karen although I only have a very small lean to green house. I thought I'd start with a tried and tested variety so I'm growing Moneymaker .

We are all tomatotastic this year Julia! ;) x

lol!

I'm growing some in pots outside this year so Riley can help me :o)

I like that word :))

It's nice to get them involved isn't it Annella? Freya has both peas and bean growing in large pots. She's checks on their growth each time she visits and is getting excited about the pods filling up :))

You cant beat a pea off the vine in the sunshine! :) a great childhood memory for many of us I bet.

Definitely! :))

Yes :o)