The Basics: Enter the Mind of a Tomato
By Danny Thompson
How do you grow great tomatoes?
Well, in order to really get a feel for the perfect environment, let’s take a trip back in history, to the origins of the Tomato.
Because to grow a successful tomato, we must think like a tomato.
Our friend the tomato was born in Central and South America.
And what is the environment like there? It’s mostly rain forest: Hot. Humid A very steady supply of water (but it’s not too wet. The ground is often damp, but not typically soggy).
The soil tends to be slightly acidic. And there is a constant supply of dead matter littering the forest floor.
So, in order to grow a happy tomato, you have to provide the things tomatoes like.
Strains have been cultivated to survive in just about every corner of the globe, but the ideal mix for every tomato is ample sunshine, a little warmth, plenty of water and a bit compost or fertilizer.
And, if we’re honest, what more could any of us ask for, really?
