Rooted Ramblings: Partnering with nature to grow thriving tomatoes

By Jeff Cumberlidge, Portage County Master Gardener Volunteer

There is nothing quite like the taste of a home-grown tomato – vine ripened and bursting with flavor. This could be the reason that tomatoes are one of the most popular plants you will find in any backyard garden. A symbol of sunny summer days, eaten sliced with a little basil and balsamic vinegar drizzled over the top or simply sandwiched between two slices of white bread with extra mayo. Growing great tomatoes doesn’t mean that you need to outsmart nature. In fact, if you partner with nature and utilize the helpers already present in the ecosystem, you can grow healthy plants, reduce pest pressures, and improve your soil over time.