Tomatoes
Tomatoes are planted in May and June. The traditional way of planting them in Le Marche is in a grid, approx 50cm apart, each with one cane which then is secured at the top by horizontal canes. They are best planted in a deep hole with earth mixed with fresh compost (directly from the cow if you have a farm nearby) so that when the earth is replaced there is a basin around the plant to collect water. Afterwards lay strips of black plastic to prevent the water from evaporating and cover with grass cuttings.
Each plant needs 7,5litres of water a week, and the easiest way of dealing with watering is to give this to the plant at the beginning of the week. The black plastic will keep the moisture in and ensure that it doesn’t dry out during the wait for the next watering.
Treatment for bugs is advised, and can be bought at any agricultural supplier.
Varieties: there is a huge range in varieties of tomatoes, from tiny tasty pachino or cherry tomatoes to the large deep red ones best cooked over coals, but the best approach is to buy a selection that you like from the local fruit and vegetable shop and take them over to the agricultural supplier, and ask for those specific kinds - the ones on sale will be the ones grown locally and therefore easily available.