Tomatoes might be the gateway drug to vegetable gardening — but are we making life harder than it needs to be?

In this episode of Roots and All, I'm joined by Frank Hyman to talk about the origins of the tomato, why it struggles in our wet climates, and how small shifts in the way we grow can make a huge difference. From myth-busting pruning advice to clever ways of keeping plants dry and productive, this is a practical, good-humoured deep dive into growing better tomatoes.

Benny's Insect of the Week: Hairy-footed Flower Bee

Links

Ripe Tomato Revolution: Planting and Growing Every Type of Tomato - Beefsteaks, Cherries, Plums, Dwarfs, and Heirlooms by Frank Hyman

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If you liked this week's episode with Frank you might also enjoy this episode from the archives:

Episode 142: Growing Under Cover with Niki Jabbour
Canadian gardener and author Niki Jabbour joins Sarah to share her deep‑dive wisdom on using crop covers, season‑extending techniques and protected structures to grow productive, weather‑resilient vegetable gardens — even in challenging climates. From practical crop‑cover strategies to prolonging your growing year, this episode is full of hands‑on insight for gardeners looking to get more from their space.

Episode 324: Kitchen Garden Living with Bailey Van Tassel
Bailey Van Tassel joins Sarah to discuss cultivating a thriving kitchen garden, exploring seasonal growing practices, companion planting and strategies for turning a small space into a productive, food-focused garden. This conversation complements Frank's tomato insights, offering practical tips and inspiration for anyone looking to grow vegetables beautifully and successfully.