Slow-Roasted Tomato Confit (Keeps in the Fridge, Elevates Everything)
Tomato confit turns modest tomatoes into silky, savory jewels that supercharge pasta, fish, toast, and salads. Ingredients (makes ~2 jars)1.2–1.5 kg small tomatoes (cherry/plum), 6–8 garlic cloves smashed, 1–2 tsp sea salt, black pepper, a pinch of sugar, 1 tsp dried thyme or a few rosemary sprigs, peel of ½ lemon (optional), 250–350 ml olive […]
String-Trellising Tomatoes: Pruning for Bigger, Cleaner Harvests
If you grow indeterminate (vining) tomatoes, a simple string system keeps plants upright, improves airflow, and concentrates energy into fruit. What you need Set upTie twine to the overhead support and drop one string per plant. Plant tomatoes 45–60 cm apart. Clip the main stem to the string 20–30 cm above the soil. Pruning rhythm […]
The Complete Guide to Storing & Ripening Tomatoes (Taste First, Waste Less)
Tomatoes are climacteric fruit, which means they continue to ripen after harvest thanks to ethylene. Use that to your advantage to get better flavor at home. Room temperature vs. fridge Ripening hacksPlace tomatoes with a ripe banana or apple in a loosely closed paper bag. Ethylene speeds color change. Check daily and remove any that […]
How to Start Tomato Seeds (and Harden Them Off) in a Cool Climate
Starting tomatoes early is the best way to get a reliable harvest in Nordic-ish weather. The trick is warm roots, steady light, and a gentle transition outdoors. When to sowCount backward 6–8 weeks from your usual last frost. In much of Sweden, that’s late March to mid-April for planting out late May–June. If you’re growing […]
The Secret to Stronger Tomato Plants: Pruning Made Simple
If you want your tomato plants to grow stronger and produce more fruit, pruning is one of the best habits to adopt. Start by removing the small shoots that grow between the main stem and the branches — these are called “suckers.” They take energy away from fruit production. By cutting them off early, your […]