Diversifying the varieties of tomatoes in the garden
TOMATOES used to be an expensive fruit vegetable because of local planting conditions and diseases preventing successful large-scale crops. However, the story of successful planting has developed as we’ve gone through changes in varieties and cultivation techniques, plus the introduction of climatecontrolled systems, which have brought us an abundant supply of tomatoes in Malaysia.
However, locally in Sarawak, the climatic conditions are still not favourable for large-scale planting, but can be done if corrective measures are taken. Still, as home gardeners, we can actually introduce a good mix of varieties to be able to enjoy tomatoes fresh from the garden.
Understanding tomatoes
Firstly, we must appreciate the advances in science that have given us better resistant varieties to plant. These can withstand the damaging bacteria present in our soil.
Secondly, we know the tomato is originally a temperate fruit vegetable crop – ambient temperature between day and night is necessary for growing and blooming.
Thirdly, we now have a better understanding of soil texture and the nutrient requirements of tomatoes. This means not just listening to fertiliser promoters, who push inorganic mineral fertilisers that would damage microbes living in the soil. Today, we use compost made of herbaceous matter in addition to organic fertilisers such as those made from chicken dung.
We have learnt the need for microbes living in the soil medium to break down herbaceous matter, that return fertiliser to the soil and make the whole growing medium environment a lively one.
As such, we’ve seen that the cultivation of vegetables has improved overall. All these efforts plus the availability of large netting or screening used by the industry for protection from several insect pests have reduced the need for chemical methods such as sprays for control.
We actually learnt an expensive lesson from Cameron Highlands vegetable planters in the early 80s, when insecticides were used to fight a losing war against the diamondback moth on vegetables — one brand after another was introduced for the never-ending battle because the insects built up a resistance against the active ingredient of the insecticides.
Fourthly, we need to be informed of the land area to be used for planting tomatoes successfully. It would be good to have roofing for shade to prevent the tropical noon sun blazing down on the tender leaves. The shade can also act as a defence against torrential rains, which have become more frequent in recent years. So if you are planting tomatoes in the garden, you should consider erecting a roof to protect the tender plants.
Growing tips
The Gardening Society of New Zealand conducted trials of 11 varieties of tomatoes, including cherry types and larger ones, as well as four traditional heirloom varieties. The test results showed the hybrid cherry tomato ranked at the top in terms of taste and yield.
Cherry tomato varieties include sungold, which are not ideal for cooking but great for salads and to snack on healthily. Other varieties like yellow pear, Riesentraube, and small fry are equally compatible for growing and produce good quality fruits.
Larger varieties that are good in terms of taste and yield include money-maker. However, the old heirloom varieties taste-wise lose out to new varieties now used for commercial planting. In the past, rough was the growers’ favourite as they are big and flat but with deep creases. Now growers choose Roma as it is an attractive variety that consumers are more attracted to. This is a good tomato for cooking.
Today we can get large-scale production tomatoes from the highlands in Peninsular Malaysia. These are comparatively cheap to those imported from overseas, although the size is less impressive and the texture is less comparable to the imported varieties. We are lucky to have the largest tomato production in Southeast Asia in the highlands for many years now – it has even overtaken the flower industry.
Hopefully you will try to introduce some tomatoes to your garden too. Do send me an email if you have questions, comments, or suggestions. Happy gardening.