HAWLEY, PA — Growing tomatoes can be a challenge, no matter how long you have been gardening.

To make it an easier task, Diane Diffenderfer discussed problems with and remedies for tomato gardening at the County Gardeners Club (TCG) in May.

Diffenderfer, the master gardener coordinator for Penn State Extension in Wayne County, went through the basics, especially testing your soil periodically, because the soil changes.

That means you need to make sure the pH is around 6.5, because that is when nutrients will be taken up well, the TCG reported. This is especially important for tomatoes because they are heavy feeders and need a lot of nutrients.

If you have ever wondered which plants are good company for tomatoes, Diffenderfer said that basil and carrots grow nicely with them. When it comes to fertilizers, she recommends those listed as OMRI (the Organic Materials Review Institute), since it certifies the organic suitability of the components.

Diseases are another challenge of growing tomatoes, so controlling moisture retention and keeping produce clean will reduce transmission of diseases. Once you see insect pests, the best control is integrated pest management by purchasing beneficial insects that will control the unwanted visitors.

The Country Gardeners meet the first Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. in the Brookfield Environmental Learning Center, which is located at 126 Lamberton Ln. in Hawley, near the dam.

On Thursday, June 2, the guest speaker will be Katherine Brown, director of floral design at the Georgeous Floral Shop in Hawley.  She will be demonstrating how she makes her flower arrangements.