Dear Helen: I have planted tomatoes in the open garden again, and want to avoid problems I had last year. One was blossom end rot in some of the fruit. And the plants, which were 鈥渟taked鈥� types, developed into crowded bushes instead of one main, straight stem with tomato clusters growing from it.
T.P.
To keep a neat, single-stem form, snap off all side shoots as soon as they develop. These side shoots, called 鈥渟uckers,鈥� grow from the crevices where leaf stems meet the main stem. As that main stem lengthens, keep it secured to its support.
Blossom end rot causes dark blotches at the bottom (blossom) end of the fruit, where the cells collapse first. This is usually attributed solely to a calcium deficiency in the plant, but even if a soil has been well supplied with calcium from an earlier application of lime, inadequate or uneven soil moisture levels will prevent the transport of calcium through the plant and to all parts of the fruit.
The remedy, as well as providing adequate supplies of lime in the soil, is to keep the soil evenly and deeply watered. As air and soil temperatures warm, follow a deep watering with a compost mulch. Last summer I laid loose piles of straw around the plants as well.
Two more points come to mind: Tomatoes with blossom end rot are still usable, once the spoiled parts are cut away. And after last year鈥檚 super-hot summer, some gardeners who usually grow tomatoes in greenhouses have opted for planting in the open garden this year. In a greenhouse, it鈥檚 very difficult in a hot summer to keep temperatures from rising to heights that sterilize the pollen and prevent fruit formation.
Dear Helen: I鈥檝e noticed curiously curled stems arising from聽my garlic plants. This is my聽first garlic planting, made early last October. Is garlic meant聽to flower?A.W.
The stems you describe are flower stems. They need to be removed so that the plant鈥檚 energies will be devoted entirely to bulb development rather than diverted to flowering.
Garlic flower stems (scapes) are a gourmet delicacy, especially when harvested at the young, succulent stage. Mince them for adding to salads, or add short pieces to stir-fries and soups.
Dear Helen: One of my water-saving routines is to use dish-washing water on my garden plants. Now I鈥檓 wondering whether this might be unwise. Can dish detergent harm flowers and vegetable plants?
B.R.
That depends on the product you use, its dilution rate and the聽amount of greasy material in聽the used water. Some detergents are more caustic than others. The safest ones will note on their labels that the product is聽certified as biodegradable and聽that the contents include no toxic solvents. Most supermarkets stock environmentally benign cleaning products, and almost all health food stores sell them.
Dish water is most safely used on well established plants such as shrubs, trees, and hefty food plants like rhubarb rather than on annual flowers and vegetable plantings. I鈥檇 avoid its use especially on leafy greens.
GARDEN EVENTS
Government House plant sales. The聽Plant Nursery at Government House聽will be open every Tuesday and聽Thursday morning, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., in June, July and August. The聽nursery is located next to the tea room. Parking is free. Choice perenials not easily found elsewhere will be sold to fund development of the gardens. Payment by cash or credit card.
Cowichan Valley tour. I鈥檓 looking forward to meeting gardeners participating in a tour of six lovely Cowichan Valley gardens next Sunday, June 5, 10聽a.m. to 4:30 p.m. I鈥檒l be meeting visitors in one of the gardens from 12 to 3 p.m., and as usual I鈥檒l be keen to hear your experiences, tips, and questions, especially in light of currently changing growing conditions. Numerous outlets have tickets ($20) for sale. To find the outlet nearest you call 250-748-8281 or visit cowichanfamilylife.org. The tour is a major fundraiser for Cowichan Family Life, which provides support and counselling services (since 1970) to individuals, children and families who might not otherwise be able to access such needed services. This local, ground-level work to improve the lives of citizens is well worthwhile supporting.
