h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi Sea Change.

Actually, I know about gardening in my climate. But as I have never lived in California I would certainly defer to your judgment. The warmest place I have ever gardened was San Antonio, which is close to the dividing line between Zones 8 and 9. The reason I mentioned the tropical fruits was because I remember them being grown in Mexico. Of course Mexico is a big place and has many climate regions just like the US does.

The problem with doing a gardening column is that the information that is correct for one Zone is often incorrect for another. And we also have gardeners onsite from the UK and other locations worldwide.

Local nurseries are your best resource when you are uncertain which plants to grow in your area.

Every single tomato seed I put in has sprouted! I need to get rid of some, don't I?


When the plants reach a height of 5 cm, remove the smallest plants in order to keep one strong plant per peat-tablet



Allow only the main stem to grow, cut away any lateral stems


Oh-oh - more work than I realized to begin with! (I haven't grown any vegetables before - unless you count watercress)

I'm trying mixed salads in the tablets next! You've really gotten me inspired, Hyp!

Ooh, lucky!

This is your opportunity to drop by your neighbors and say hello and donate the extra plants. This also serves as their fair warning later in summer (when you yourself have more tomatoes than you can eat) that you will be trying to get rid of the extra fruits!