02.08.10 11:12 AM
Tomato growing is a favorite annual event for many Southern California home gardeners. And when you consider the great number of varieties available, it’s no wonder that tomato gourmands look forward to planting their tomato seedlings.
But what’s the best approach for preparing the soil and caring for plants? Do different varieties require special fertilizer blends or watering schedules? Scott Daigre, proprietor of Tomatomania!, will answer those questions and more at Cal State Northridge’s next CSUN-al Gardening Series, “Crazy for TOMATOES!,” scheduled for Saturday, March 6, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the university.
“Tomatoes are often the first food plant that children grow in school,” said Brenda Kanno, manager of CSUN’s Botanic Garden. “With the many varieties that are available in different colors, sizes and shapes, tomatoes offer tasty and nutritious rewards to the home gardener.”
Daigre is owner of PowerPlant Garden Design and the annual Tomatomania! event in Encino. His garden designs have been featured on DIY and HGTV programs.
Registration for the class began Saturday, Feb. 6. While the class is free, registration is required. To register, please e-mail
botanicgarden@csun.edu to request a space in the class.
Driving and parking instructions, as well the classroom location, will be sent with confirmation of registration. The same e-mail address may also be used for questions about the class.
The Cal State Northridge Botanic Garden is operated by the Department of Biology and serves as a field site for botany, entomology, photography, painting and other classes. In addition to geographically themed plantings and a butterfly garden, there are greenhouses where noteworthy botanical specimens are grown.
The garden is open to the community. Visit the Botanic Garden Web site at
www.csun.edu/botanicgarden for more information.
http://blogs.csun.edu/news/2010/02/08/tomatoes-2/ 
