Saturday, February 14, 2009

The tomatoes are ruined

Well with all this very humid weather we've had this week the poor old tomatoes have really taken a hammering and are now looking very sad indeed. Many are rotten and coupled with all the caterpillar damage it's been a pretty disappointing outcome to a much looked forward to harvest. I guess that's just the way things go. We are hoping to get a green house or grow tunnel in the not too distant future, so that next year we'll get a much better head start and hopefully a better crop.
I have managed to bag up a few tomatoes, mainly Roma, and freeze them but it's no where near as many as we had last year. I'm keeping a close eye on the Black Krim plant as there are a few reasonable (unripe) fruit on this one and it's my favourite for taste, while the Roma are best for cooking.

7 comments:

Liz said...

Hello Bridget,

Sorry it's been so so long since I've been over. A shame about your tomatoes. No this weather has been diabolical. I spray mine only if I have to. For some reason I've never had trouble with pests on them but on the broccoli it was a different matter. In the end I had to spray them because of the caterpillers being so bad. I think for tomatoes the weather has been too hot and usually you get splitting or burn patches. Mind are pathetic and small so I concur there on bad tomato crops. Just a warning on plastic houses - fungal diseases are really common and a fungicide may have to be in order- only as a last resort. Love love your recipes! Hope you and the family are well and not suffering too much from this dreadful summer we've had.

All the best
Liz

Cabbage Tree Farm said...

Hi Liz
Thanks for your comment. We don't use sprays so will just have to take pot luck with the weather conditions! Though I can understand why people do. Probably won't grow tomatoes in the grow house, just means I can get seedlings going in good time.
Sounds as though you've been pretty busy, esp. with all your animals about the place!
Bridget

Liz said...

I was just thinking neems oil is good and that's organic. I've used it before and found it was really good. Koanga may have something for fungus that is organic rather than artificial. Yes the animals have been a little out of hand lately. Never mind we'll get there. Putting in 12g wire to replace the temporary fencing we had here.

Take care
Liz

Cabbage Tree Farm said...

Hi again Liz
I'd forgotten about Neem, we do actually have some! Thanks for that, probably would be good for controlling the caterpillars. Koanga is a good resource eh.
Happy fencing!
Bridget

Jacqui said...

Hi Bridget,

I'm comforted and relieved to know I'm not alone in my wars with bugs and fungi. The summer heat and humidity is causing a little battle fatigue though. I've found that a cold beer in the shade with my feet in the river is the best cure.

Cheers,
Jacqui

Cabbage Tree Farm said...

Hi Jacqui
Yes as you said on your last post it's certainly not easy to successfully grow your own produce and I agree! A lot of hard work required and hopefully luck with the weather conditions. One has to keep persevering I guess!
Bridget

Lou said...

Hi Aunty B, you should get some DUCKS! They will sort out your cabbage white caterpillar problem for sure! And you already have a pond! Perfect!! Hope you're well. Lou xx