Your comments and tips

02 Oct 13, Peter (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)

Liz, what would be the best mulch to apply to the soil under tomato plants and vines? I'm growing them in a raised bed for the first time. The soil is very dark, whether wet or dry and I'd like to keep their roots cool until they can supply their own shade. I'm in Hawkes Bay. Thanks.

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28 Sep 13, allen lee (Australia - temperate climate)

In regards to those aphids under the leaves may actually be white fly these tend to scatter when disturbed if so I found that sticky traps yellow in colour work very well they are sold in most hardware and nurseries. Hung around plants with infested bugs you will be amazed how well they work and no need for spray.

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27 Sep 13, allen lee (Australia - temperate climate)

Just a reminder to all those having problems with fruit fly in their tomatoes capsicum etc please ensure if you do find them in your fruit or vegetables pick up the infected fruit destroy by sealing in plastic bag leave in sun to destroy maggots if you don't the grubs will multiply giving you a bigger job next season in ridding of them at extra cost to your pocket ! PS DON'T just throw in the bin seal first ' From little things big thing grow"....

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01 Sep 13, THOMAS LEEPILE (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)

ARE THE HEIRLOOMS SEEDS FOR TOMATOES GOOD FOR SOUTH AFRICA? THEY ARE OBTAINABLE IN NORTH AMERICA

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27 Jan 14, Sue (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)

You can buy heirloom seeds in South Africa from livingseeds or from gravel garden or seeds for africa. My livingseeds seeds are UP! ie they grow!

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30 Dec 13, Phil (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)

My second batch of heirloom tomatoes are ready to be transplanted. I bought the seeds over the internet on "Bid or Buy". I planted individual seeds in mini-containers and have had a 100% success rate.

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28 Jul 13, Jo (Australia - temperate climate)

Hi All, I have tried and tried to grow heirloom toms from seed. Brought a heat pad - think I cooked the plants, tried another lot - left them to their own devices, they didn't germinate. But SSSOOOOOO much more annoying was the ones I found in the crack of the path that had germinated...... Help - what am I doing wrong ?. thanks Jo

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09 Sep 13, Chris (Australia - temperate climate)

Hi Jo, Am guessing the issue was you left the heat pad in play after the emergence of the seeds at full heat. I have a heat pad which I am using for the first time and it says to space the plat tray above the heat pad as required to achieve the temp required. Not sure how to do this yet but this may be the issue. They say you need 16 to 35 degrees to germinate. Own devices may have been a bit cool. Guessing only

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19 Jun 13, Dean (Australia - temperate climate)

I have two tomato plants growing in Emerald QLD. One is a determinate plant with tomato's similar shape to a roma and the other is on a stake(nice round tomato's), they come up by themselves. They both have good big green tomato's on them but will not ripen. Can anyone suggest why they are not ripening?

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05 Aug 13, jess (Australia - temperate climate)

try giving them more shade and water them 2-3 times a day :-)

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