Question
We've just installed a green house on our roof in the Mission district. We're particularly interested in raising delicious fragrant tomatoes, like I remember from my childhood, and haven't tasted in decades. What varieties do you recommend for our green house environment? Can you explain a little more about shaking plants in a green house to facilitate pollination?
Tricia
San Francisco
Answer
I would recommend the same varieties that do best out of doors in San Francisco. It is a good place to start. Any of the cherry types will do well. Medium sized fruits do best, Oregon Spring, Siletz, Black Krim, Early Girl, San Francisco Fog, Celebrity, Green Zebra, Nepal, Jetsetter and Carmelo.
Because pollinators do not have ready access to the greenhouse and the plants are not exposed to wind, you will have to gently shake the tomato plants. Shaking the plants dislodges the pollen from the flowers which then lands on other flowers. Shaking the plants in the morning and again in the afternoon will increase fruit set.
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