Experience the highs & lows of Tomato Harvesting in Toronto this Dry Season
This year has been a dry season in Toronto, and I decided to pick my tomatoes from the garden. I planted seven varieties: Big Beef, Pink Berkeley Tie Dye, Big Rainbow, Cherokee Purple, Beefsteak, Opalka, and San Marzano. It has been a strange season this year; some rain is good for the crops as water has been a luxury this year.
Working with my tomato plants gives me so much joy and relaxation, but the heat is running me away with these dangerous high heat levels after about only four hours of work. Fortunately, I have been blessed to have a full harvest as many of my friends and family have lost their garden and farm harvest to the hot heat.
Toronto usually has a hot and humid summer, but fall season starts a little early here. If all goes well, I believe September will be the cut off time for my tomatoes as the cooler nights in Toronto seem to kill off my plants. I am going to collect more tomorrow and share my harvest with friends and family.
I also have some delicata, spaghetti squash, pumpkins and plan to grow some butternut squash as they keep long. Butternut squash, cushaw squash and crookneck squash are very long keepers while delicata squash will last up to the first winter with great flavor.
It's sad that people have lost this season to bad weather. In Connecticut, there was heat, humidity, drought and disease which caused many to lose their tomato crop - even cherries started out well but got hit with a heat wave early on during their first real bloom period and never quite recovered.
Garlic failed to grow this year too; I planted fifty cloves and only six survived. I believe I put the wrong fertilizer in the ground when I planted them. This is not typical as garlic normally grows well if timed correctly.
Some of the tomatoes harvested this year do not look or taste like what was labeled on the plant. Since no blossoms were bagged and seeds were not planted from the previous year's harvest, it could be due to unintended crosses between different species.
Overall, it has been an interesting season with highs and lows across Canada and other parts of North America. We can hope for better luck next season!
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What varieties of tomatoes did you plant this year?
This year I planted seven varieties: Big Beef, Pink Berkeley Tie Dye, Big Rainbow, Cherokee Purple, Beefsteak, Opalka, and San Marzano.
What is the weather like in Toronto?
Toronto usually has a hot and humid summer, but Fall season starts a little early here.
Are you growing any Winter Squash?
Yes, I have some delicata, spaghetti squash and some pumpkins growing. I do plan to grow some butternut squash as they keep long.
How many plants did you have in total?
In total I had 25 plants.
Is it possible for unintended crosses to occur when planting tomatoes?
Yes, it is possible for unintended crosses to occur when planting tomatoes if you don't bag your blossoms and plant your own harvested seeds from the previous year.
What kind of soil did you use?
I used a combination of potting soil, compost, and perlite for the best drainage. I also added some organic fertilizer to give the plants an extra boost.
How often do you water your plants?
I water my plants every other day in the morning, making sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Are there any pests that you have to watch out for?
Yes, there are some common pests that can affect tomatoes such as aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms. I make sure to check my plants regularly and take action if necessary.
What tips do you have for harvesting tomatoes?
When harvesting tomatoes, it's important to wait until they are fully ripe before picking them. You should also pick them carefully so as not to damage the plant or the fruit. Additionally, it's best to harvest in the morning when temperatures are cooler.