Tomato plant trivia

Did you know:

* when planting, pinching off the shoots half way up the stem of tomato plants and burying the stem half way up will produce a stronger root system? Each "hair" on the stem is a potential root!

* a lot of tomato plant disease comes from the soil? Pinching shoots off about 6-10 inches up the bottom of the plant will keep soil from splashing on the leaves when it rains or you water. Or you can use landscape fabric around the base of the plant.

* tomato plants like calcium. This can be added by dissolving an antacid tablet in a cup of water and pouring it in the bottom of the hole you plant in.

* you can always spot the tomato farmer in the crowd: they have green skin and yellow arm pits ( from the leaves and pollen )