Goodies from the Garden

As if world problems aren’t bad enough, now my tomatoes have issues. Just as the bacon and lettuce were in place on my sandwich the first red tomatoes on my beefsteak plant greeted me with a scowl.

The leathery scars near the blossom end caused me to wonder what I had done wrong.

Maybe it was the cold temperatures when the tomato blossoms were setting fruit. This disorder is referred to as Catfacing. Thank goodness my kittens are not that ugly but I sliced the tomato anyway and the condition didn’t seem to affect the taste.

There are other diseases and disorders that can effect the fruit and foliage of tomatoes. When purchasing or seeding tomatoes it is important to choose healthy, disease-free plants and seeds that are certified virus-free.

Growing tomatoes need plenty of room. Good air circulation between plants helps dry the foliage more quickly offering less opportunity for fungus and bacteria to develop.

Insects also spread viruses. Thrips, aphids, leafhoppers and stink bugs are notorious for damaging foliage and fruit.

The list of potential disorders is depressing. If you suspect unusual foliage or deformed or disfigured fruit contact the Spokane County Master Gardeners before you treat the condition. You can also email pictures or bring samples to the Extension Office at 222 N. Havana in Spokane.

Not too many of us appreciate the 90 to 100 degree temperatures and tomatoes are no exception.

We can’t expect tomatoes to set fruit when pollinators are too hot to do their job. A shade cloth over the tomato plants may offer relief for both the plant and the bees. Consistent watering is also important while tomatoes are forming.

There are Indeterminate and Determinate types of tomato plants. It makes a difference how to care for them.

Indeterminate tomato plants develop flowers and fruit all season whereas determinate types generate production all at once. The key to keep your tomatoes coming is to remove the little side shoots on indeterminate varieties that also want to grow. They, however, take energy from the tomatoes already on the vines. When the foliage begins to wither late in summer or early fall, hold back on watering as this is the signal to the plant to hurry up and ripen the fruit.

Watch for zucchinis. They may have been lurking under their shady leaves when the temperatures were above normal. If you still have friends or neighbors who haven’t enjoyed the bounty of your garden just leave one on their doorstep and run! Even those folks who say they don’t like them can be fooled into embracing delicious recipes using the nutritious vegetable.

I was all set for a strawberry smoothie but disappointed when there were no more sweet strawberries in my garden.The flush of blossoms, however, reminded me I had planted two varieties of strawberries. Everbearing and June-bearing: There will be more fruit in a few weeks from the everbearing. But the June bearing variety was definitely done.

This article seems to indicate all I do is eat. The truth is I do eat better from my garden.

—Margaret A. Swenson is a Spokane County Master Gardener. Contact her online @http://spokane-county.wsu.edu/spokane/ or call 509-477-2181.