ALWAYS Leave them wanting more,’ as the circus showman Barnum once said. Wise words… Hopefully ignored by anaesthetists, but essential for gardeners growing tomatoes.
And I should know, as getting tomatoes that hark from the warmer climes of Italy and the USA to fruit isn’t easy. This year, I’ve a colourful clutch of heritage varieties in my greenhouses, such as beefsteak ‘Golden Dixie’, the Russian ‘Black Plum’, plus yellow ‘Lemon Tree’ and the Italian ‘Grappoli d’Inverno’.
I’m particularly excited about this last one. The name translates as ‘winter grapes’ because the oval, cherry fruits store for four-six weeks after picking. This can be even longer if the vines are hung as the Italian farmers do it, in a sunny window for the tomatoes to dry.
My friend Gabby grew them with great success last year, and although their firm flesh isn’t good fresh, when roasted or reduced in a pan their flavour transforms.
Denne historien er fra June 19, 2021-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
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Denne historien er fra June 19, 2021-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters