Your comments and tips

20 Nov 16, Wayne (Australia - temperate climate)

I have two different varieties of tomato growing and both are very bitter. What could be causing this? I have grown several crops over the years & this is the first time this has happened

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18 Nov 16, Ross (Australia - temperate climate)

Hi, i have some tomato plants which are doing really well, but the white moths and small insects are attacking them, can you tell me how to stop these pests please

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18 Nov 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)

Hello Ross, The white moths will most likely be White Fly which rise in a cloud when disturbed and lnd again fairly soon. A piece of bright yellow plastic or card smeared with petroleum jelly will sort them out. They are attracted to the bright colour and will stick to the greasy surface. it depends on what the small insects are, what to do. If they are a very small fly that can fly forwards, backwards and sideways they will be hover flies. They are beneficial and will be feeding on the white fly or aphids so don't try and get rid of them! If the insects or grubs are chewing the leaves or fruit you could use Yates 'Natures Way'. This is a bacterial spray and is harmless to anything but chewing pests. It is organically approved and is 'safe'. Trust this helps

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26 Oct 16, Felicity (Australia - cool/mountain climate)

Would love your Tips for growing tomatoes in the cooler climate of the Strathbogie ranges in Victoria. Approx 300 m above sea level We are wondering if we need plastic "igloos" to protect ? And any varieties that would be better suited to this climate Thanks !

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18 Nov 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)

You could try starting off seeds inside in the base of an egg carton in September. That will give you a head start. The soil temperature needs to be 15-17 degrees for them to thrive, usually end of October or early November. Alternatively plant seed of short season varieties like Stupice (60 days). Most varieties that originated in the northern states of America, Canada or Europe will be suitable for a short growing season. Planting them in a sheltered position on a North, North-East or East situation will also help.

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15 Oct 16, Di (Australia - temperate climate)

I always choose small, sweet Salerno cherry tomatoes at the shops and would like to grow that variety at home but have been unable to find it anywhere. Do you know if they are available in South Australia? Cheers, Di

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21 Oct 16, Margaret (Australia - temperate climate)

Di, you can save some seed from one or two of the better tomatoes that you buy and grow from them?

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24 Oct 16, Dee (Australia - arid climate)

Hi Di. If you try and grow tomatoes from the fruit, just squeeze the whole tomato into the soil and cover. I believe that tomatoes have an enzyme around the seed that stops it from sprouting and growing the whole tomatoe it will rot under the soil and sprout.

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17 Sep 16, Robert (Australia - tropical climate)

How do you control green stink bugs?

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19 Oct 16, Michael (Australia - temperate climate)

Hi, The best way is to squash them by hand in the evenings (or use gloves if you're squeamish), they are easier to catch later in the day. You end up decimating the population and at the same time you inspect the plant (when you are looking for the bugs). It takes 3 or 4 nights, then they are gone.

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