By Michelle Fabio

If you’re looking for something different to add to your tomatoes next growing season, you may need to look no further than your own head.

Human hair pressed into mats and imported from China and India are the latest trend in gardening.

The hair, marketed as SmartGrow, is effective not only in keeping out weeds but also in helping tomatoes grow, according to University of Florida researchers.

Although scientists aren’t yet sure exactly why the hair would increase plant yields, many growers in central Florida already Read the rest of this entry »

By Michelle Fabio

Even though the Chinese aren’t traditionally fond of eating tomatoes, growing and selling processed tomato products such as ketchup, paste, sauce, and salsa has become big business in China.

In fact, only California and perhaps Italy can claim to sell more tomatoes for processing than China. The boost given to the Chinese economy by the growth and sale of tomatoes—an industry that’s only taken hold in the last ten years or so—is nothing short of impressive, but not everyone is happy about it.

Especially competitors.
Read the rest of this entry »