17 - Fridas, . Grow luscious tomatoes at home LUSCIOUS, PRIZE-winning, home-grown tomatoes — there’s nothing better. Tiny cherry and currant tomatoes, red, yellow, orange and green tomatoes, meaty plums or giant beefsteaks. Tomatoes abound for every garden and every taste. The secret to prize-winning tomatoes is rich, healthy soil, adequate sun and moisture, and regular nourishment with an all natural fertilizer. Tomatoes are warm weather plants and should be set out in the garden when night temperatures are consistently at least 55°F. While local garden supply retailers will have seedlings of the more popular varieties available at the proper planting time, those wishing to grow unusual varieties may start their own plants from seed about four to six weeks be- fore the garden is ready for plant- ing. To begin tomatoes from seed, start with individual peat pots fill- ed with a sterile sphagnum peat planting medium or compressed peat pellets which expand when moistened. Push a seed or two about half an inch into the potting mixture. Place the pots in a tray or large baking dish, cover with light plastic sheeting and place trays in a warm place for about seven to 10 days until tiny green seedlings have appeared. During the germi- Keep plants From page 15 to 6.6. Improve drainage by forking through the soil at the bottorn and sides of the trench and encourage root growth by spreading a one- to two-inch layer of peat. Shovel the soil mixture from the tarp into the planting arca, creating a mound about two inches above ground level. This makes a raised bed for the flowers and also aids drainage. Before removing perennials from their containers, soak the soil so the rootballs will be easier to break up if the flowers are pot Alaska Mor Bloom All organic high- phosphate fertilizer for lots of flowers 946 mL Our reg. 4.99 Prices in effect tii Sunday, August 5, 1990, while quantities last! the 3 ay Nelson Sprinkler | nation and early growth period, it is important to keep the planting mixture moist, but not soggy. After seedlings have appeared, transfer the trays to a sunny but cool place and keep the planting mixture moist. While the infant tomatoes are sprouting indoors, prepare their future home in the garden. Select an area of the garden that receives maximum sun. Mix garden soil thoroughly with) compost and sphagnum peat moss, which will lighten heavy clay soils and add organic matter to sandy soils. Then, spread two to three pounds of natural organic garden fertilizer for every 100 square feet of soil and work into the three to four inches of the garden soil. Plant the tomatoes. To protect vulnerable seedlings from bugs and critters, slip *‘collars’’ around the base of the plant. A foam cup with the bottom pushed out works well. Place it over the plant and at least one inch into the soil. Then, water well. For a decorative look, and to retain moisture and discourage weeds, use a_ bark mulch. Tomatoes need regular moisture to promote the strong root growth essential to high yield. A thorough watering is preferable to several brief ones. To stake or not to stake, to cage or not to cage will depend upon which tomatoes you are looking good bound. Set plants no deeper in the ground than they were ir the con- tainer, firm into place and water deeply. SOAK THE SOIL Ensure the roots will reach down into the soil by giving them a penetrating soaking. A light sprinkling will do no more harm than good because it will draw roots to the surface, where they can be scorched by the sun. Evaporation will be limited when water is applied at root level, preferably with a trickle or drip irrigation system. Green Cross R-T-U Killex Get rid of all those lawn weeds. Lawns love it! Weeds die for it! 900 mL Our reg. 7.99 SALE Non-puddling, oscillating Covers 2600 sq. ft. #1015 Our reg. 18.99 SALE 12.99 GARDEN CENTRES *Park Royal «Richmond *Lougheed | _*Champlain growing. Vigorous, large growing Varieties need support for increas- ed production aud large fruits. Compact, patio-type varieties can be planted and left to grow and sprawl without supports, pro- viding there is clean mulch cover- ing the soil. With a littl attention to the care and feeding of your tomatoes, you can enjoy them through a long and bountiful season. INTERFORM Europe’s Finest July 27, 1990 - North Shore News Furnishings 110-7771 Alderbridge Way Richmond, BC. V6X 2A4% Tel: (604) 276-9876 ‘THE ‘ORIGINAL LANDSCAPE SUPPLY £ cars in’ the business, so and shapes. ad 1 ay ‘more of-sour garden needs for personal insteuction. pot Come insane Do-ityoursell 4 rden tools; Stones Sale ends Aug 1/90 1d pace slabs of al’ garden Furgit re. _DEERWOOD GARDEN. & LANDSCAPE SePLIES | ‘825 Ww. AST. STREET, | N. 987-1221 Call us and Cor VAN COUVER Maple Leaf Self Storage SPECIAL FREE BOXES & up to 2 MONTHS FREE RENT* e STORE IT e LOCK IT e KEEP THE KEY VANCOUVER - near the PNE 3001 WALL ST. 251-1200 e Short & Long Term Rentals * Business & Residential Uses ¢ Prepayment Discounts e Modern, Well Maintained Facility * Fire Protection ¢ Professional On Site Resident Managers ® BIG or SMALL ... WE STORE IT ALL! * Ad MUST be presented at the time of rental to receive this special. Cail our on site manager today tor further details. Offer Expires Sept. 1/90.