Name to watch for year ahead

It's only September, but many gardeners are ordering their seeds and plants for next year and noting which excelled (or didn't) this year.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Sep 2010, 15:09 BST
Updated 21st Sep 2010, 15:09 BST

At the top of my list is the humble tomato; in this case, one going by the name of 'Rosada'. The precious few seeds came from Thompson & Morgan and have proved to be worthy of acclaim. The numerous fruits have exceptional flavour and have flourished in the greenhouse, although T&M say it will grow in a sunny spot outdoors to produce abundant crops throughout the summer.

Sow from February to April in pots or trays of good, free-draining, damp seed compost, and cover with a sprinkling of vermiculite or compost. Place containers in a propagator, or seal in a polythene bag, at a temperature of 18-21C (65-70F) until after germination, which usually takes a week or so.

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Transplant the seedlings when they large enough to handle – 3in pots are ideal.

This year, I have grown six plants in the greenhouse, each one in its own half of a growing bag (cut the bags in half and then stand them on their ends; this gives the tomato plants plenty of growing medium into which they can sink their roots).

As the plants grow, remove the sideshoots. Water regularly, and once the first flowers have set, start feeding with a high-potash fertiliser such as Tomorite or Gro More.

The fruits aren't big – they're a bit like a very large sweet torpedo (remember them?) but they are firm, redden easily and are absolutely delicious.

www.Thompson-Morgan.com

YP MAG 25/9/10