Labour Weekend is the traditional time Waikato folk roll up their sleeves and get down to a bit of outdoor tomato planting. There are so many different types and varieties around these days and it can all get a bit confusing, so we've put together some top tomato tips from the experts and our readers to guide you.

There are many more varieties available including heritage ones with interesting names but nonetheless, they are tried and true. If planting in the ground put in some good quality compost as well and if planting in a container use a good quality potting mix.

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Plant seedlings about 40cm apart and water in. Tomatoes need support, so they need to be staked well, do this before you plant then there is less risk of damaging the roots.

An old pair of women's pantyhose, cut up, make for good tommy ties. Tomatoes need pruning to aid air circulation which helps prevent disease and remove all lateral growth as the plants grow. Tomatoes are gross feeders, so fertilise regularly.

Reader Debbie-Jo Moltzen recommends worm juice. Control with Yates Liquid Copper or Greenguard, spraying at the recommended rate. Pick just before ripe and allow to fully ripen inside on a windowsill.

Never store your tomatoes in the fridge - it kills the flavour - so pop them in a bowl in a dark cupboard. And use a tomato dust to keep the caterpillars and diseases away.

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The best tips for tomato planting this Labour Weekend. The Labour Day long weekend is the traditional time to plant outdoor tomatoes in the Waikato. Saved Stories Saved Stories. Off The Beaten Track accommodation growing Matamata artist paints for the joy of giving it away Vintage Read: The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne Miniature farm toys a hit at Fieldays Carver, boat builder create gems at Summerset down the Lane Experience as St John paramedic provides inspiration for author's book Waikato velodrome scoops another national award A day in the life of a St John paramedic in the Waikato Review: New Zealand Symphony Orchestra - Schumann and Barber Best eats at the Fieldays Tourist tent accommodation sparks interest at Fieldays Brigade's search for Commer Fire Engine moves to the Waikato More to Waikato than farming, music comes to the streets GreyPower prompts Matamata-Piako council to install Morrinsville's first traffic lights.

Man dies in Hamilton warehouse accident Stakes raised in mining stoush Fire performer injured during Lions pre-match act Crashed helicopter found near Lake Taupo after catching fire in mid-air Keep 'em coming: Off The Beaten Track accommodation growing University of California's closer ties with Waikato Couple hospitalised after car hits power pole Firearms targeted in rural burglaries Transforming Hamilton: Steve Hart has his say School holds special place for principal Funds squeeze hurts cancer patients Top five things to do this weekend Who are these women?

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Viewed Shared Commented Man dies in Hamilton warehouse accident Crashed helicopter found near Lake Taupo after catching fire in mid-air Father calls for police to wear body cameras after son's shooting 'justified' Lions coach Warren Gatland beats the Chiefs but comes up short of a second midweek victory at the races Witnesses in human trafficking trial claim Immigration NZ has hung them out to dry Nick Marshall shooting justified - IPCA Fire performer injured during Lions pre-match act Two accused of gang killing cover up appear in court Full time school a no go for student with rare syndrome Waikato-BOP Magic just miss their target, so the Northern Mystics make the playoffs Stakes raised in mining stoush Waikato schools warn of strangers offering sweets and a ride to children.

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