Welcome to the Melbourne Community Daily Discussion Thread.
and so it has come to pass that I have been gifted some tomato seedlings, cherished children of Italian colleague’s nonna…
How do I, who can kill even a money plant, look after these babies?
Don’t overwater them is all I can say. Fungal infection killed mine many years ago. They’re heavy feeders (I think), like full sun and acidic soil. Get some trellis or stakes to tie them to for support or pots that have that built in.
Definitely hit up some guides because I’m not too experienced with tomatoes
Oh yeah, by not overwatering I meant more allow good drainage. Really good drainage, not having pots sitting in water. Because mine hated that and died about it
Edit: Also try not to let them dry out too much between watering because if they get super thirsty then super hydrated heirlooms are more prone to the skin splitting. I heard that.
As for how to balance those water/drainage needs your guess is as good as mine?
Maybe check them often, regular watering, stick your finger in the soil to check it’s the comfortable level of damp. Here’s a better guide https://www.thespruce.com/why-do-tomatoes-split-2540002
Also ask a Bunnings worker about the right potting mix, grab one with tomatoes on the label, or if in-ground and you have heavier more clay soil ask about additives for digging in to help drainage (like sand or micah or something).
There’s also something about epsom salts for acid loving plants but I don’t know the right way to go about that and that seems advanced.
Personally I’d just use safe bets for fertiliser like a slow release fertiliser for vegetables or Seasol according to directions. Because tomatoes are hungry bois. Or manure if it’s been rotted down.
A more experienced person might have better tips.
…Damn. I wanted to do tomatoes one day but they seem like they take a bit of maintenance? 😥
Heading to Melbourne next week. Any good/big used books stores around? I can travel to where ever around the Melbourne area (staying near Greensborough for reference though)
I love the Book Grocer. They have cheap new, not popular books but they also have second hand books. Northcote would be the closest one to Greensborough.
The Robinsons bookshop in Greensborough Plaza is fairly decent. Not big, but a step up from those bullshit discount “books for less” shops.
The Savers at Greensborough (near station) usually has a pretty good selection - I’ve found some gems there. Like a 1st edition of Modesitt’s Fall of Angels. Salvos and Brotherhood and Vinnies also does 2nd hand books. Alice’s in Rathdowne St Carlton is niche, and pretty exxy. The absolute best is Craddocks in Collins St in the city - huge range but exxy plus. Glorious shop though - worth a visit even if you don’t buy.
With a return of the sunny weather comes the return of digging. Hopefully a couple of days of not-too-hard work and I will get the rest of the soil moved, then I can focus on planting (and putting out hard rubbish). Next week looks like it might be a bit dreary so I can focus on some cooking for the freezer & preserving. Unfortunately I have to go back to work after that. ☹️
Shout it to the late teen/early 20 something doing the walk of shame at 6am this morning. I saw you but I doubt you saw my smirk so I just wanted you to know I was proud.
After going through the process of ordering a replacement myki (due to the old one expiring soon), PTV have just emailed to say that myki’s expiry dates can be extended. Aaargh!
