Learn how to grow tomatoes on the peninsula

By Sequim Gazette Staff • May 17, 2023 1:30 am
Photo by Paul Green / Learn the tricks necessary to produce vine-ripened tomatoes in the backyard with the Digging Deeper Educational Series event set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 20 at the Woodcock Demonstration Garden. Presenting “Grow Tomatoes Well on the North Olympic Peninsula,” veteran Clallam County Master Gardeners (from left) Jeanette Stehr-Green, Laurel Moulton Jan Bartron and Audreen Williams will demonstrate a DIY cattle panel hoophouse to protect tomatoes in our area’s cool climate. Six-millimeter plastic sheeting will be placed over the top and sides to trap heat and protect the developing plants.
Photo by Paul Green / Learn the tricks necessary to produce vine-ripened tomatoes in the backyard with the Digging Deeper Educational Series event set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 20 at the Woodcock Demonstration Garden. Presenting “Grow Tomatoes Well on the North Olympic Peninsula,” veteran Clallam County Master Gardeners (from left) Jeanette Stehr-Green, Laurel Moulton Jan Bartron and Audreen Williams will demonstrate a DIY cattle panel hoophouse to protect tomatoes in our area’s cool climate. Six-millimeter plastic sheeting will be placed over the top and sides to trap heat and protect the developing plants.

The North Olympic Peninsula’s short growing season and cool temperatures can prevent tomato plants from setting fruit or keep fruit from ripening before the weather turns cold.

Tomato lovers do not need to despair, however: the Digging Deeper Saturdays team has you covered.

Join veteran Clallam County Master Gardeners Jan Bartron, Betsy Burlingame, Laurel Moulton, David Rambin, Jeanette Stehr-Green and Audreen Williams for “Growing Tomatoes Well on the North Olympic Peninsula,” a presentation set for 10:30 a.m.-noon on Saturday, May 20, at the Woodcock Demonstration Garden, 2711 Woodcock Road.

Participants will learn what tomato varieties grow best in our area and how to plant tomatoes to optimize available heat. They will learn how to care for tomato plants through the growing season and about the benefits and challenges of growing tomatoes in a greenhouse or hoop house.

The workshop will include demonstrations and displays on planting and pruning tomato bushes, the use of season extenders and trellises, and common tomato problems.

“Growing Tomatoes in the Pacific Northwest” is part of the Digging Deeper educational series which is free and open to the public.

In addition to the scheduled educational presentation, a team of Clallam County Master Gardeners will be available at the Woodcock Demonstration Garden from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. to answer all gardening questions. Digging Deeper attendees are encouraged to bring samples of garden problems or pests for diagnosis by Master Gardeners who can recommend control measures.

Digging Deeper presentations are held from 10:30 a.m.-noon on the third Saturday of selected months. Presentations cover basic gardening topics relevant to many home gardeners. Presentations are scheduled for 90 minutes to allow for demonstrations and questions from viewers.

Attendees are encouraged to check the Clallam County Master Gardener online calendar for updates about the location of the talk at extension.wsu.edu/clallam/master-gardener-calendar.

For more information about “Growing Tomatoes in the Pacific Northwest” or the Digging Deeper series, call 360-477-0116.