By Kira Hamman

Here’s a trick I learned from my Mennonite neighbors, who always seem to have ripe tomatoes practically before I even have peas and strawberries.

It works at the end of season, too, keeping tomato plants alive and thriving long after Mother Nature would have them in the compost heap.

You will need:
• Four to eight sturdy wooden tomato stakes
• A large, heavy, clear plastic dropcloth (sold at paint stores)
• A heavy duty staple gun and staples
• Scissors
• An established bed of tomato plants

Here’s what you do:

1. Drive a tomato stake at each corner of your bed, with an extra at the middle of each side if it’s Read the rest of this entry »
   
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By Michelle Fabio

One British tomato-growing company has received great praise for using cutting-edge technology in greenhouses in order to combat climate change all while turning out delicious produce year-round—a first for Britain’s tomato industry.

“John Baarda is a great example to others in the agri-food industry to show how technology can help tackle climate change and save money,” said Richard Ellis, chairman of the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) at the Agricultural Industries Confederation’s annual conference recently.
Read the rest of this entry »