Tomato
Jennifer Hale, from Warrandyte in Victoria, emailed Don to say that last year she grew the Burke’s Backyard Italian Tomato and saved the seeds. Jennifer asked if the seed is likely to be viable. Don said that most things grown in the backyard produce viable seed, whether they be fruiting plants, flowering plants or vegetables. Seed from the Burke’s Backyard Italian Tomato is not only viable but it’s good quality. Burke’s Backyard Italian Tomato
Voted the Best Tasting Tomato by a 22-member panel of Australia’s leading gardening, horticultural and culinary experts, the ‘Burke’s Backyard Italian Tomato’ is a form of the Rouge de Marmande. It is a large-fruited, ribbed variety that will grow well in cool or warm districts. (Seeds are distributed by Yates and will be available in August. Cost: $3.95 per packet.)
Growing tomatoes
Tomatoes grow in frost free conditions in a warm, sunny spot. In warm, frost-free zones (for example the tropical and subtropical parts of the Northern Territory and coastal areas of north Queensland) tomatoes can be grown all year round. In temperate climates (coastal and near coastal districts of southern Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia) seed can be planted from August to December providing tomatoes through summer and into autumn. In cool to cold climates (southern Australia, mountain and frost-prone inland districts), delay planting until September and make last plantings by the end of November. Staggering plantings through spring and early summer will extend your harvest period.
Dog kennels
A few weeks ago we showed a dog by the name of Harley and the wonderful kennel that was built for him.
Karen Fitzgerald, who lives in Wollongong, sent us a photo of her dog Garfield lying in his designer kennel on the front verandah. Brian Rothery from North Perth doesn’t have a dog, so he built a fashionable kennel for his cat! Don also received a photo from Maggi Burchall, of Garfield in Victoria. It showed her son’s dog Titan (Rottweiler x Alaskan Malamute) in his fabulous kennel.
Don thanked everyone who sent in pictures. He concluded that the dogs and cats of Australia live very well!
Letter of the Week
Jennifer Hale wins this week’s Letter of the Week award for her smart question on tomato seed. Congratulations Jenny, you will receive a year’s free subscription to the Burke’s Backyard Magazine.