Blight & Growing Tomatoes in California

Harriet Ells is Good Food’s Supervising Producer.

Back at the end of March, I started this tomato odyssey. After two years of failed attempts, I decided to get serious. I bought the seedlings, planted them, watered them and now they are producing! I actually have tomatoes. Scott Daigre, my “tomato tutor” came over the other day and checked on my progress. Here are some notes from the master:

• Sun: 6 hours is good, 8 is optimal

• If you have blight (brown colored leaves): remove leaves and apply compost tea (if organic growing)

• If you’re in containers, fertilize every 10 days, on schedule.

• New growth at the base is good and means a long season.

• If bugs are a problem, use a low concentration soap spray

• Add more dirt and compost mix to the pots.

• Don’t be afraid to prune the plant.

Listen to all of Scott’s advice this Saturday on Good Food.

At a dinner party the other night, I mentioned that I had a Tomato Consultant, which got lots of eye rolls. It doesn’t matter what they think; I’m actually growing tomatoes!