SEQUIM — The short Olympic Peninsula growing season can frustrate efforts to grow vine-ripened tomatoes, leaving hard-working gardeners with grass-green tomatoes on tree-like bushes at the end of the summer.
Clallam County Master Gardeners Audreen Williams, Laurel Moulton, Jan Bartron and Jeanette Stehr-Green will discuss how to grow tomatoes successfully on the Peninsula at the next “Saturdays in the Garden” presentation, set for 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Woodcock Demonstration Garden, 2711 Woodcock Road.
“Saturdays in the Garden” presentations are free and open to the public and occur rain or shine.
The quartet will share tips on growing tomatoes in the short growing season. Participants will be told what varieties grow best in the region, how to plant tomatoes to optimize available heat and how to protect them from the cold.
They also will hear about how to care for tomato plants through the growing season to prevent diseases and encourage fruit production.
The training includes demonstrations on planting and pruning tomato bushes and displays on season extenders, trellises and common tomato problems.
The Demonstration Garden demonstrates a broad range of ornamental and edible plants, water-wise gardening, fire-safe landscaping, composting and garden design. The garden has a covered outdoor pavilion where educational programs are held from May through October.
For more information about the series or the presentation on growing tomatoes, call 360-565-2679.
