Growing tomatoes in isles requires a bit of legwork

By Celeste Makrevis and Ty McDonald

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Mar 05, 2012

~~<p>Fresh, ripe-on-the-vine, plump and nutritious tomatoes are tempting to anyone planning a vegetable garden. As many a frustrated gardener has discovered, however, there are numerous challenges to successfully growing tomatoes in the islands.</p>
<p>Choosing a site with good drainage and at least six hours of sunlight is an essential starting point. So is soil fertility. Tomatoes grow best in acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. If you don't know the pH of your soil, you can have it analyzed through your local extension office or a commercial laboratory. Learning the levels of your soil's vital nutrients -- phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium -- also will be most helpful as you provide the best environment for your tomatoes to thrive.</p>
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Fresh, ripe-on-the-vine, plump and nutritious tomatoes are tempting to anyone planning a vegetable garden. As many a frustrated gardener has discovered, however, there are numerous challenges to successfully growing tomatoes in the islands.

Choosing a site with good drainage and at least six hours of sunlight is an essential starting point. So is soil fertility. Tomatoes grow best in acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. If you don't know the pH of your soil, you can have it analyzed through your local extension office or a commercial laboratory. Learning the levels of your soil's vital nutrients -- phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium -- also will be most helpful as you provide the best environment for your tomatoes to thrive. Login for more...