Whatever you are growing be vigilant about the vine weevil. I gather that they have just stated to be active in the Scottish Border area and the cold does not seem to discourage the very much. I believe that the organic methods don't work till the soil warms up so I suppose the physical barriers are the only option for food crops. What does everybody else think?
Years ago when my father in law had a nursery and grew glass houses full of tomatoes, I sure I can remember him 'nipping the tops out' is this not done anymore, or did I dream it.
I always pinch the tops off my tomatoes when they reach the roof of my greenhouse, you have to be alert though because this stimulates new growth at the base and more between the leaf axles (I think that's what you call it) which need to be pinched out also.
Thanks for that Dahlia Lover, I will bear it in mind. I do not have a greenhouse but am going to try one of those mini tomato houses this year, so will probably need to nip out tops and will follow you advice about keeping an eye on base
Hi What are the top three tomato plants most resistant to Blight, as for the last 3 yrs I have had a terrible crop due to this problem, I want to give this years tomatoes a fighting chance to survive.
I lost several years tom crops to blight. Last year I tried something I'd seen in gardens in the Black Forest, where they know a thing or two about wet summers. They grow outdoor tomatoes under a "roof" - make a framework of poles, then fasten clear plastic over the top (not down the sides) or use a rigid sheet of plastic for the roof. Think one of those mini greenhouses, but with just a roof, no sides. This protects the toms from excess rain splashing down on them, which spreads the blight spores. I tried it last year, and it worked!
all I hope is that by saying this I don't put the mockers on things I grow tomato's in the green house and in the garden and never suffered blight, just luck I suppose.
Thanks for all your comments, really good tips Dahlia lover and Anne, thank you. A few people have been emailing in asking which tomato varieties Toby Buckland sowed in the Gardeners' World programme, including the blight resistant variety 'Koralik'. Here's the full list:
Posts
What are the top three tomato plants most resistant to Blight, as for the last 3 yrs I have had a terrible crop due to this problem, I want to give this years tomatoes a fighting chance to survive.
'Rosada'
'Koralik'
'Sungold'
'Black Russian'
'Apero'
Kate
Thanks for the list of toms, will try them all,