Red/Pink Tomatoes
- A Description of Tomatoes
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History: Native to South and Central America and Mexico, the tomato traveled to Spain with Columbus and quickly spread throughout Europe. As popular as it was, it was only used as an ornamental for the garden as it was considered a poisonous plant. One writer in 1602 cautioned that "Tomatoes should never be eaten raw as death will be instantaneous.". Gradually, saner heads prevailed, first in Italy followed by Spain and England, and the tomato moved to its rightful place as a worthy garden vegetable. Cultivation: Tomato seeds need to be started indoors 6-7 weeks before the last frost. Sow 1/4" deep in soil-less mix; harden off & plant out 24 - 48" apart, in not too rich a soil, after all danger of frost is over. Companions: basil and borage repel tomato hornworms; onions, leeks and chives all deter pests, especially red spiders; marigolds encourage growth.