Dry spell finally over
for true tomato lovers

Geoff
‘Tobiasson

OVER THE GARDEN GATE

IT HAS been a long, dry
spell for us. tomato lovers

- who have been looking for
a new variety worthy of our
attention. The last introduc-
tion that managed to pick
up an A.A.S. Award was
-**Celebrity,’’ some nine
years ago. ©

Even this highly touted hybrid
left many of us wondering
whether or not there was enough
reason to switch from successful
old favorites such as “Early
Girl.’’ Well wonder no more. The
‘dry spell is over;- tomato lovers
have struck it rich with the in-
troduction of F1 ‘‘Husky Gold.’”

Husky Gold is a_ beautiful,
shiny, “golden-hued tomato with
excelient flavor and a nice ‘‘mea-
ty’? consistency.

All who have had the good for-
tune to sample this outstanding
variety have praised its flavor and
‘the reduced acidity found in other
gold tomatoes.

Another, less commonly con-
sidered quality of this plant is the
abundance of rich, dark green
foliage.

This is not just an ‘added asset

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT GIFT?
e have it!

LA

Exquisite line of accessories
Vases, lamps, statues, etc.

to its good looks. This good,
green cover also assists with the

production of better quality fruit

by shading it from the crack-
produving rays of the sun.

Like Celebrity and many other
noteworthy introductions in recent
years, Husky Gold is classed as a
dwarf indeterminate plant.
“Dwarf’’ because they seldom
reach heights exceeding four to
4% feet and ‘indeterminate’
because they can produce luscious
fruit all summer long, right up to
the first frost.

This dwarf indeterminate habit

produces other betiefits as well.
* These plants do not require the
pinching and pruning necessary
with such determinate varieties as
“Beef Steak.”* Just put them ina
cage to help keep the plants
reasonably upright, let them ripen
on the vine and harvest.

A considerable bonus presented
by the compact habit of Husky
Gold is the ability to grow it in
patio pots.

Plant one per 18-inch wooden
planier and surround it with a
spreading, sweet-scented annual
such as heliotrope or alyssum.
This will draw the insects and. aid
in pollination.

Wooden containers are better
than plastic pots for tomatoes
because they tend to keep the
roots cooler in hot weather. Ex-
cessively high temperatures in the
Toot zone can be a major cause of
problems such as blossom end rot.

Early and late blights caused by
too cool and damp a stretch of
weather in early summer or late in
August can be curtailed with ap-
plications of garden sulphur.

Sow seeds indoors or in the
greenhouse five to seven weeks
prior to transplanting outdoors.

As this should be well after any
danger of frost has passed, the
best time to start thinking about
seeding in our area is anytime
from March 20 to April 10.

Use a_ sterile, pre-moistened
seed-starting mix and place two

a
“Yq

‘eel en

¢
fee

fe
fos

44 Husky Gold is a
beautiful, shiny,
golden-hued tomato

with excellent
flavor... .¥99

seeds in a seeding flat. Cover the
seeds lightly and maintain even
moisture and steady temperatures
of 70° .to 75°F. Germination
should occur in seven to 10 days.

When seedlings are large
enough to handle safely, move
them into separate two- to three-
inch containers and grow them on
at 65° to 70°F.

Make sure you give them
enough light; a south or west-
facing window should do, but
keep them away from heat.

You might be able to get off to
an earlier start in the garden if
you use a cloche, hot cap or
Reemay lawn and garden covers
to keep them warm.

As you can only expect fruit 70
days after transplanting into the
garden, the earlier the better.

Friday, December 11, 1992 - North Shore News — 2

NEWS photo Teny Peters

PAPER WHITES grown indoors in bowls add a fresh touch to
any room. .

/EXCELLENT SELECTION *;
OF INDOOR PLANTS

Tillandsias Air Plants

Very exotic & easy to grow

Cactus

Many unusual varieties

Poinsettias

Many sizes & colours

Assorted Greens,
Garlands, Bows,

Wreaths & Swags,

live & cut
Many varieties
to choose from

North Van. 985-1784
1343 Lynn Valley Rd.

9:30am to 9:60pm Mon: - Fri. ia@umnastiee |
9:30am to 5:30pm Sat. - Sun. s |

NORTH VAN LOCATIGN ONLY

¢ Designed by Billy Moon
e As seen in the Street of Dreams

Sale ends Dec. 23/92

GOLDEN TOUCH INTERIORS
1099 Marine Drive,N.Van. 985-6112

SAE TS ST EN

aple
s —ieaf

td